Brisbane has some amazing op shops and vintage stores that are much loved by locals so if you’re new to the area I’ll introduce you to these hidden gems. This post is focused on Brisbane’s traditional op shops that are perfect for rummaging for a bargain. If you’re looking for carefully curated vintage check out the post on The Top 10 Thrift stores in Brisbane.
I recommend checking out West End or Paddington for a hot spot to spend the day wandering between stores, op shop treasure hunting.
West End is a vintage shopper’s paradise. This is the home of Local Opy, Neo-Generalist and SWOP, where you can even trade in your vintage or designer clothes for store credits or cash. Also, don’t miss Serendipity Op Shop and ELC on Russel street, both offer a treasure trove of pre-loved goods.
Brisbane’s vintage scene doesn’t end there. The city is peppered with quirky and cool second hand stores. If your into junk yard picking, check out these Brisbane demolition yards for vintage furniture, reclaimed building supplies and renovator’s delights.
Join me on a journey through Brisbane’s best op shops for bargain hunting. With the thrill of the hunt and the joy of finding hidden treasures, vintage shopping is an adventure like no other.
The best op shops for scoring a bargain in West End are Local Opy, Serendipity, Yesterday’s and St Veronika’s op shop. There is also ELC, SWOP and Neo-Generalist, for more info of these check out this article on Brisbane’s best thift stores.
To round out your day of treasure hunting, stop by the Camp Hill Antique Center, Brisbane’s largest antique store which is made up of over 65 stall holders.
ADDRESS: 106A Boundary St, West End QLD 4101, Australia
OPEN HOURS: 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm Saturday
WEBSITE: lifelineqld.org.au/pages/vintage-home
Vintage Revival is a selection of preloved gems within Lifeline’s op shops. They curate their stock into three collections; pre-loved, vintage and premium vintage.
Venturing to their store in West End, you’ll discover a treasure trove spread across two stories, beckoning both bargain hunters and aficionados of retro and vintage fashion and home decor. On the ground floor, racks brim with quality, pre-loved clothing and footwear for men, women, and children, accompanied by a small selection of brand new home items. Ascend the stairs at the shop’s rear, and Vintage Revival’s upper floor will transport you into a groovy retro wonderland, replete with vintage fashion, furniture, toys, glassware, crockery, bric-a-brac, and more.
Vintage Revival is an oasis for those seeking unique and affordable pieces to add to their retro wardrobe and infuse their lives with a touch of nostalgic charm. Whether you’re a seasoned vintage enthusiast or a curious explorer, a visit to Vintage Revival promises an unforgettable shopping adventure filled with fabulous finds and fantastic bargains that will leave you with a renewed appreciation for the trends of the past.
ADDRESS: Shop 5/162 Boundary St, West End QLD 4101, Australia
OPEN HOURS: 11am-4pm Monday – Sunday
WEBSITE: swop.net.au/pages/local-opy
Local Opy is an offshoot from the SWOP Clothing Exchange. Dedicated to closing the loop on sustainable fashion while helping the community, Local Opy’s mission goes beyond providing trendy bargains for its customers. It proudly supports local projects and various charities with 100% of its profits.
As a sister company to SWOP, Local Opy serves as a complementary venture, ensuring that all donated items find a purpose. Customers can bring in their preloved items to SWOP, where they are evaluated and purchased for resale within the store. If certain items do not meet SWOP’s criteria, customers can donate them to Local Opy.
Local Opy has partnered with charities like the Asylum Seeker Resource Center, The Healing Foundation, and Open Doors Youth Service.
The store’s commitment to sustainability is a reflection of the ongoing trend towards conscious fashion choices, encouraging customers to participate in a closed-loop economy and rediscover the joy of unique and timeless pieces. At Local Opy, you can find affordable and wearable everyday items that didn’t make it to SWOP’s curated collection, ensuring a wide selection of clothing and accessories for everyone.
With its profit-for-charity model and commitment to sustainability, Local Opy Thift Store stands as a shining example of how businesses can positively impact their community while promoting environmentally friendly practices.
ADDRESS: 235 Boundary St, West End QLD 4101
PHONE: +617 3846 4033
OPEN HOURS: 9.30am-5pm Monday – Saturday, 10am-4pm Sunday
WEBSITE: yesterdays.org.au
On the main drag of West End is one of 5 Yesterday Op Shop stores in Brisbane. This store is packed with affordable preloved clothing, books, records, games and toys. The Yesterday op-shops are worth visiting regularly as any stock that isn’t sold within 2 weeks is marked down to half price.
ADDRESS: 79 Russell St, West End QLD 4101, Australia
PHONE: +614 2071 5575
OPEN HOURS: 10am-5pm Monday to Sunday
Follow the brightly painted floral wall off Russel Street to find the entrance to Serendipity Op Shop. If you’re planning a day of thrifting, this is the perfect spot to stop for coffee and cake, this store doubles as a café.
Serendipity was established by Eva Heyward to promote ethical consumerism and combat the fast fashion trend. The op-shop stocks second hand clothing for men, women and children as well as vintage wall art, books, toys and shoes.
ADDRESS: 89 Hardgrave Rd, West End QLD 4101, Australia
PHONE: +617 3844 7423
OPEN HOURS: 9am-4pm Monday to Friday, 9am -3pm Saturday
WEBSITE: www.stveronica.org.au
St Veronica’s Thrift Shop is a haven for bargain hunters that supports a good cause. Stepping inside, you’re met with a jumble of op-shop treasures.
From collections of charming vintage glassware to hats and framed art, take the time to browse through the wall to wall stock. The store is brimming with all sorts of goodies, including costume jewellery, old postcards, and 1960’s tea cosies.
Run entirely by unpaid volunteers, this traditional op-shop embraces its old-school charm. The dedicated St Veronica Welfare Committee, established over 60 years ago by the late Mrs Eileen Bennett in West End, Brisbane, to raise funds to assist refugees, women and children. Mrs. Bennett’s commitment to charity earned her the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1990.
With her legacy in mind, the shop continues to uphold the values of compassion and giving. At St Veronica’s Thrift Shop, you not only discover vintage gems but also contribute to a meaningful and charitable mission that truly makes a difference.
The two best op shops in Paddington for bargain hunting are Yesterday’s and Retro Metro. There is also Barbarella’s and Ra Ra Superstar thrift stores for those willing to pay a bit more for well curated collections.
ADDRESS: 39 Nash St, Paddington QLD 4064
PHONE: 07 3876 6550
OPEN HOURS: 9am-4.30pm Monday to Saturday, 10am-4pm Sunday
WEBSITE: yesterdays.org.au
You can’t miss the bright red op-shop on the roundabout between Beck and Nash street in Paddington. This is another branch of the Yesterday’s Op Shop chain. This store has room after room filled with all sorts of second hand clothing, accessories, books and trinkets.
What makes shopping here even more fulfilling is knowing that all proceeds from sales support children with brain injuries through The Developing Foundation Inc. This unique blend of vintage shopping and philanthropy creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, attracting amazing people who share a passion for both bargains and making a positive impact on young lives. So, if you happen to be in Brisbane, make sure to drop by one of Yesterday’s Thrift Shop’s five locations and enjoy the thrill of uncovering hidden treasures while contributing to a worthwhile cause.
ADDRESS: 297 Given Terrace, Paddington QLD 4064
PHONE: 04 2117 1874
OPEN HOURS: 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm Sunday
WEBSITE: etsy.com/shop/RetroMetroPaddington
About 10 minutes walk from Yesterday’s Paddington Op Shop is Retro Metro. Opening 7 days a week, this bargain-filled old Queenslander houses everything from furniture to records, fabric, clothing and accessories, vinyl records and shoes.
These op shops are out of the main vintage stomping grounds of Paddington & West End so you’re bound to snag a bargain! Each store has it’s own flavour of ramshackle chaos so set aside some time to sort through the racks of paisley and tweed delights.
ADDRESS: 143 Oxford St, Bulimba QLD 4171, Australia
PHONE: +617 3395 6624
OPEN HOURS: 10am-4pm Thursday-Sunday
WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/annessecondhand
With a proud history of over 35 years, Annes Second Hand Shop has become an integral part of the Bulimba community. Anne Wood is at the heart of the business, which has been in operation since 1987.
Step inside this iconic shop, and you’ll be greeted by an explosion of antiques, collectibles, second-hand books, fine china, and bric-a-brac.
Anne’s Second Hand Shop is a treasure trove like no other, overflowing with fascinating items waiting to be discovered. While some might find its disarray a bit overwhelming, others appreciate the thrill of rummaging through the eclectic assortment.
Anne’s warm personality and knowledge of her collection add to the experience, making it a must-visit for anyone who enjoys hunting for vintage treasures. From charming teapots to suitcases and more, there’s something here for every op shop enthusiast. Anne’s Second Hand Shop is a genuine gem where the love for history and eclectic collections converge, and every visit is sure to be a memorable one.
ADDRESS: 144 Adelaide St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
OPEN HOURS: 10am-4.30pm Monday – Friday
WEBSITE: www.brokentobrilliant.org
Currently operating two Op Shops, the Geebung Op Shop located at 2 Railway Parade, Geebung, and the Brisbane City Op Shop situated at 144 Adelaide Street, Adelaide Street Arcade.
These shops offer a diverse selection of clothing, bric-a-brac, jewelry, and accessories. The funds raised from these shops and various campaigns are utilized to provide books to domestic violence refuges, shelters, and services across Australia, as well as to support their numerous programs aimed at assisting survivors in healing and empowerment.
ADDRESS: 8/25 Junction Rd, Morningside QLD 4170, Australia
PHONE: +61738991382
OPEN HOURS: 9am-4pm Monday-Saturday
WEBSITE: www.do-opshop.com
Beyond being just a op shop, the Do-Op store fosters collaboration, aiming to create meaningful connections among community members.
With a focus on community-driven events, Do-Op Shop encourages individuals to bring their crafting ideas to life. Recently, Do-Op Shop organized a delightful “crafternoon” event where attendees had the pleasure of witnessing the art of lace-making in its traditional form.
The shop actively supports local crafters like Khanunbymimi, whose handmade scrunchies from recycled fabrics in Morningside are just one example of their commitment to sustainability.
The Do-Op Shop operates as a non-religious charity, generously donating 100% of its profits to local initiatives.
