BRISBANE’S BEST OPSHOPS FOR FIRST-TIMERS

by | Op Shop Guide | 10 comments

Never stepped foot inside a thrift store? We’ve collated the top five secondhand stores for first-timers in Brisbane, so maybe now’s the time! Think boutique-style stores with fresh fit outs and a curated collection of high-end garments that won’t max out your credit card!

Salvo’s Street Boutique
Address: 80 Glenrosa Rd, Red Hill
Trading hours: Monday – Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm

Move over Saks Fifth Avenue, the Salvo’s Street Boutique has all the luxe labels most of us would only dream of wearing, for a fraction of the cost! From Christian Dior, Versace, Kenneth Cole and Max Mara, to Camilla, Diane Von Furstenberg and Michael Kors ranging from $30-$500, you and your credit card will wish you’d known about this goldmine a long time ago!

Tucked inside the Red Hill store, this boutique-style section is the epitome of eco-chic, with fresh white pallet walls, ornate mirrors and fancy furnishings, which complement the garments perfectly. You’ll find everything from evening wear to Italian footwear, as well as an amazing range of jackets and trenches. Every week up to 150 fresh pieces hit the floor, so regular visits are a must!

Lifeline Fortitude Valley
Address: 693 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Trading hours: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm and Saturday 9:00am – 3:30pm

You can never have too many pairs of shoes and after a visit to this store, you may even need a new cupboard! This Lifeline boutique stocks everything from sneakers to statement stilettos, and brands such as Senso, Steve Madden, Jeffrey Campbell and Wittner, as well as Converse and Vans starting from just $10.

Given the location, there’s no surprises this op shop is full of party-perfect dresses, evening wear and all that glitters, so if you’re heading out on the town make this your first stop.There’s also plenty of trans-seasonal wear arranged by colour to make it easy to peruse.

You’ll almost forget you’re in a secondhand store as most garments are either brand new or washed and pressed meticulously, and with brands such as Valentino, French connection, ASOS, Forever New, Zara, Dogstar, Scotch & Soda, River Island, C/meo Collective and sass & bide ranging in price from $8.50 – $50, you’ll never go to the mall again!

The store receives fresh stock twice a week so be sure to visit Tuesday and Thursday for first dibs!

RSPCA Newfarm
Address: Cnr Merthyr and Lamington Streets, New Farm
Trading hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4:00pm and Saturday – Sunday 9:00am – 3:00pm

RSPCA Newfarm has all the high-end labels you know and love without the price tag. Think Calvin Klein, Easton Pearson, Dogstar, Carla Zampatti, Cue, Sportscraft, Banana Republic, Herringbone, Seed, French Connection, SABA, American Apparel, Max and Co, and even Lulu Lemon for those on the fitness scene!

Each piece that makes its way to the rack has been carefully selected by the team, so you’ll only find the cream of the crop in store. Most dresses and tops retail for between $8-$20, shoes range from $4-$25 and there’s a bargain section for those that love a good sale, where everything is priced between $4-$8!

But the best part about the store is all the funds raised from your retail therapy go straight back into helping animals in need, with all the RSPCA stores helping to raise 20% of the organisation’s annual income!

Vinnies Newstead
Address: 7-7A Proe Street, Newstead
Trading hours: Monday – Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm, Saturday 9:00am – 4:00pm and Sunday 10:00am – 4:00pm

If you’re heading to a special soiree or need some ‘new’ corporate attire, be sure to start your thrifting journey here. Vinnies Newstead has a huge range of quality stock, from cocktail dresses, formal gowns, evening and bridal wear, as well as the most incredible selection of skirts, tops, jackets shirts and pants, either brand new with tags or in mint condition.

You’ll be amazed at the labels you’ll find, from Scanlan Theodore, Stuart Weitzman, Mimco, Bec and Bridge, Kookai, Max & Co, Sheike, Finders Keepers and Lisa Ho, to Armani, Tods, Dec Juba, Banana Republic, Natsui, Jeffrey Campbell, Versace and Country Road, and all at a fraction of the retail cost! Prices are set based on 10-20% of the original value, so you’re bound to bag a bargain with pieces starting at $7.

The store is colour blocked making it easy to navigate to your preferred colour palette, and with fresh stock daily I can guarantee you’ll be a repeat offender!

McIntyre Centre thrift shop Kenmore
Address: Shop 2, 2069 Moggill Road, Kenmore
Trading hours: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm and Saturday 9:00am – 2:00pm

The McIntyre Centre thrift shop in Kenmore only opened three months ago, so it really has a fresh fit out. Designed to have a boutique aesthetic, the store has a well laid out floor plan, so no fear of clutter here!

Secondhand certainly doesn’t mean second best with a selection of luxe shoes, accessories and handbags from labels such as Windsor Smith, Nine West, Louenhide and Oroton on offer, as well as garments by Witchery, Lisa Ho, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Country Road, Ralph Lauren, Zara and Cue.

The store receives daily donations, which are arranged by size making for a seamless shopping experience..

Prices range between $6 -$25, and all the money raised goes to the McIntyre Riding for the Disabled Centre in Pullenvale. The centre provides riding lessons for 170 people with varying disabilities each week, so you can feel good knowing your retail therapy has also helped someone else!