Visitors to Canberra may not realise the op shopping potential the ACT holds. Beyond the typical Vinnies and Red Cross op shops that take some serious time to dig through on the hunt for something special, there are a few well-curated second-hand stores that are well worth a visit.
I am personally biased as I worked at one of these stores years ago when I lived in Canberra, so I have to give a special recommendation to visit Rebekah at Material Pleasures a your first stop when starting your day of thrifting in Canberra.
The words ‘pleasure’ and ‘Fyshwick’ in the same sentence might spur a little laugh from locals that know its seedy side but most fashionistas know Material Pleasures. Rebekah started the business in 1987 at the local markets and later moved into the big shop front and warehouse at 3 Barrier street in Fyshwick.
Her keen eye for quality fabrics and designer labels has made this op shop a favorite of many Canberrans. Each piece is carefully washed, ironed and beautifully presented.
Location : 3 Barrier Street, Fyshwick, ACT
Opening Hours: 7 days a week. Monday to Friday 10-5, Sat 10-4, Sun 11-3
Ph. 02 6280 0825
While in the Fyshwick area, wander 5 minutes down the road to the Designer Op Shop Emporium which might be familiar from their old Braddon location. As well as pre-loved designer clothes, this collective hosts stock from several small businesses including homewares, collectables, body products and jewelry.
Curated and run by mother and daughter team, Sharyn and Taylor Pitsilos, you’ll find Chanel, Prada, Christian Dior and timeless pieces that never go out of style. Taylor perfects the fashion picking and hunting side of the business given her background studying Fashion Business.
It’s stores like the Designer Op Shop Emporium that make fashion sustainable by choosing clothing to compliment your body and taste rather than follow a fad.
Location : 1 Lyell St Fyshwick
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10-4.30, Sunday 10-4
Ph. (02) 6225 8128
After visiting the Designer Op Shop Emporium, head on over to Collie street to check out Dirty Janes ( located at the back of the Domayne carpark). This op shop is one of three established by Jane Crowley, with the other stores located in Bowral and Orange.
At last count this warehouse hosted 90 stallholders ranging from vintage furniture to collectables, and antiques. You’ll need to visit this op shop yourself to understand the sheer variety of goodies on offer, there is everything from vintage bomber jackets to antique candlesticks and cookbooks. If you’re lucky or are in the loop with Dirty Jane you might even stumble across a vintage car display in the car park!
Location : 80b Collie St, Fyshwick
Opening Hours: 7 Days a week, 10-5
Ph. 02 6169 4945
Down Memory Lane
The last stop before leaving Fyshwick on your op shopping adventure is Down Memory Lane. While this store is better known for furniture and vintage brik-a-brack it is still worth a visit to peruse their selection of clothing. However, I can guarantee you’ll spend much longer than intended wandering the isles looking at all the curiosities!
Location : 34 Geelong St, Fyshwick
Opening Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 10 – 4
Ph. (02) 6228 1048
Central to Canberra’s CBD you’ll find The Green Shed Underground. Check their current status on their socials before visiting as they had a temporary closure due to a funding issue but we should see them up and running again in July!
This basement style op-shop is a bargain hunters dream.
This city location stocks just a portion of their goods. There are two warehouses in Mitchell and Hume you can also visit if your prepared to roll up your sleeves and dive deep !
Location : Corner of East Row and City Walk (TBC)
Opening Hours:
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If you wander about 10 minutes north from The Green Shed Underground op shop you’ll find Goodbyes on Lonsdale street. This store sells second hand clothing on consignment giving 50% of the proceeds back to the owner.
This unique business is successfully connecting the wardrobes of vintage and retro shoppers with their 6 stores across Australia.
The items you’ll find at Goodbuys aren’t as label focused as the Designer Op Shop Emporium and Material Pleasures. This second hand clothing store focuses on unique pieces that are well made with quality fabrics.
If your interested in re-homing some of the pieces in your wardrobe, drop into Goodbuys during their normal open hours and they will review and select the items they can re-sell to their customers within a 7 week period.
The stock is constantly changing at Goodbuys so this a store to visit on the regular!
Location : Unit 17/27 Lonsdale Street, Braddon
Opening Hours: Mon — Fri 10:00am-6:00pm, Saturday 10-5:30, Sunday 11-5
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A short 5 minute drive from Goodbuys will get you to the next op shop on the map, Pandoras. This is a sweet little boutique run by some very proud and passionate ladies. While it’s only open Friday and Saturday from 10am till 1pm, it’s worth a look if you are in the area. The proceeds go to several good causes such as Karinya House for Mothers and Babies.
Location : Corner of Moorhouse and Macpherson Streets, O’Connor (Saint Philip’s Anglican Church)
Opening Hours: Fridays & Saturdays 10-1
Another Chance Op Shop is a little out of the way for local Canberran’s which makes it the perfect grounds for hunting a bargain. Just past Belconnen, in a small arcade at the Scullin shops, this second hand store is very reasonably priced to support a good cause. You’ll find home wares, jewelry, handbags and clothing at bargain prices.
Location : Scullin Shopping Centre; corner of Ross Smith Crescent and McIntosh Street, Scullin
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10 – 4:30, Saturday 10 – 1
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