Short on Time? Here’s a Quick List of the Best Melbourne Thrift Shops in 2024:
- RetroStar Vintage Clothing – A treasure trove of iconic fashion pieces.
- Lost & Found Market – Eclectic finds in a massive warehouse.
- Salvos Stores Brunswick – Affordable, quality second-hand options.
- Hunter Gatherer – Curated vintage and designer pieces.
- Vinnies Northcote – Community-driven, high-quality thrift finds.
- Goodbyes – A caring approach to thrifting.
- Brotherhood Of St Laurence Vintage – Vintage with a mission.
See 8 more great op shops in Melbourne
Melbourne is renowned for its vibrant op shop scene, with people frequently turning to Reddit to ask, “Where are the best places to thrift in Melbourne?” If you’re a vintage enthusiast or a sustainable shopper, this guide is for you. We’ll explore the top op shops, thrift shops, and vintage stores that Melbourne has to offer, along with practical tips to enhance your shopping experience.
RetroStar Vintage Clothing – A Treasure Trove of Iconic Fashion
Location: 37 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Prices: Moderate to high
Website: RetroStar Vintage Clothing
Pros:
- Extensive collection of vintage clothing
- Regular sales and discounts
Cons:
- Can be crowded on weekends
Best for:
- 80s and 90s fashion lovers
RetroStar Vintage Clothing is an institution in Melbourne’s vintage scene. Located in the iconic Nicholas Building, this store offers a vast selection of clothing from the 1940s to the 1990s. Whether you’re after a classic leather jacket or a quirky accessory, RetroStar has something for every vintage lover.
Lost & Found Market – Eclectic Finds in a Massive Warehouse
Location: 511 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Prices: Varies (budget to premium)
Website: Lost & Found Market
Pros:
- Wide variety of items
- Regular stock updates
Cons:
- Prices can be high for premium items
Best for:
- Unique, one-of-a-kind pieces
Lost & Found Market is a favorite among Melbourne’s thrifters. This massive warehouse in Brunswick East is filled with an eclectic mix of vintage clothing, furniture, and curiosities. Each visit feels like a new adventure as the stock is regularly updated.
Salvos Stores Brunswick – Affordable, Quality Second-Hand Options
Location: 395 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
Prices: Budget-friendly
Website: Salvos Stores
Pros:
- Affordable prices
- Large selection
Cons:
- Stock can vary greatly
Best for:
- Budget-conscious shoppers
The Salvation Army, commonly referred to as “Salvos,” offers a range of quality second-hand items at budget-friendly prices. The Brunswick store is particularly popular, providing a large selection of clothing, books, and household items.
Hunter Gatherer – Curated Vintage and Designer Pieces
Location: 84-86 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Prices: Mid-range to high
Website: Hunter Gatherer
Pros:
- Curated selection
- High-quality items
Cons:
- Higher price point
Best for:
- Vintage and designer fashion enthusiasts
Hunter Gatherer, operated by the Brotherhood of St Laurence, specializes in high-quality, curated vintage and designer clothing. Located in the trendy Fitzroy area, it’s the go-to place for those looking to add unique, stylish pieces to their wardrobe.
Vinnies Northcote – Community-Driven, High-Quality Thrift Finds
Location: 287 High St, Northcote VIC 3070
Prices: Affordable
Website: Vinnies
Pros:
- Supportive community initiative
- Affordable pricing
Cons:
- Limited high-end items
Best for:
- Everyday wear and household goods
Vinnies Northcote is a beloved community-centric op shop offering a variety of clothing, books, and household items. Proceeds support local charitable initiatives, making your purchases doubly worthwhile.
Goodbyes – A Caring Approach to Thrifting
Location: 132 Barkly St, St Kilda VIC 3182
Prices: Budget-friendly to mid-range
Website: Goodbyes
Pros:
- Thoughtfully curated
- Supportive of local causes
Cons:
- Limited stock due to high demand
Best for:
- Fashion lovers who care about sustainability
Goodbyes is more than just a thrift store; it’s a social enterprise that actively supports social and environmental initiatives. Located in St Kilda, the shop features a selection of second-hand clothing and accessories that have been carefully chosen to ensure quality and style.
Brotherhood Of St Laurence Vintage – Vintage with a Mission
Location: 254 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern VIC 3144
Prices: Moderate
Website: Brotherhood Of St Laurence
Pros:
- Unique vintage collection
- Community-focused initiatives
Cons:
- Higher prices for premium pieces
Best for:
- Anyone seeking vintage items with a purpose
The Brotherhood Of St Laurence Vintage shop is a gem located in Malvern, offering a carefully selected range of vintage clothing and homewares. All proceeds support the organisation’s mission to assist disadvantaged Australians, making every purchase impactful.
Vintage Sole – Footwear Focused
Location: 112 Grey St, St Kilda VIC 3182
Prices: Budget to premium
Website: Vintage Sole
Pros:
- Specializes in unique footwear
- Online shopping options available
Cons:
- Limited size range
Best for:
- Shoe enthusiasts and vintage collectors
Vintage Sole is renowned for its extensive selection of vintage and second-hand shoes. The store boasts a mix of styles, from chic heels to casual sneakers, catering to those with a passion for distinctive footwear.
Shag – Funky Finds and Cool Vibes
Location: 188 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Prices: Moderate
Website: Shag
Pros:
- Eclectic mix of items
- Vibrant atmosphere
Cons:
- Prices can vary greatly
Best for:
- Trendsetters and quirky style lovers
Shag is a quirky op shop located in the trendy Fitzroy precinct, offering an offbeat collection of vintage clothing, accessories, and home decor. The shop’s unique finds and lively atmosphere make it a must-visit for those who appreciate individuality in their style choices.
Storehouse Thrift – Charitable Thrifting
Location: 38 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Prices: Affordable
Website: Storehouse Thrift
Pros:
- Affordability and variety
- Community benefit projects
Cons:
- Less focus on high-end items
Best for:
- Thrifters on a budget
Storehouse Thrift is a community-driven shop that offers a wide range of quality second-hand items at affordable prices. By shopping here, you not only score great deals but also contribute to various community projects.
Secondo – Quality and Style
Location: 476 Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121
Prices: Moderate
Website: Secondo
Pros:
- Curated selection of quality items
- Stylish atmosphere
Cons:
- Prices may be higher for designer items
Best for:
- Fashion-conscious shoppers looking for quality
Secondo features a selection of carefully curated pre-loved clothing and accessories, specifically focusing on quality over quantity. Their stylish space makes shopping not only effective but enjoyable.
Toorak Opportunity Shop – Luxury at a Bargain
Location: 1236 High St, Toorak VIC 3142
Prices: Mid-range to high
Website: Toorak Opportunity Shop
Pros:
- Designer labels and upscale finds
- Support charitable causes
Cons:
- Prices may deter budget shoppers
Best for:
- Shoppers looking for high-end fashion bargains
Toorak Opportunity Shop is known for its array of designer goods and upscale items at prices that are typically much lower than retail. With proceeds going to various charities, thrift here for the chance to snag luxury pieces without breaking the bank.
Red Cross Op Shops – Supporting Global Causes
Location: Various locations across Melbourne
Prices: Affordable
Website: Red Cross
Pros:
- Wide variety of items
- Supports humanitarian initiatives
Cons:
- Varies in quality across locations
Best for:
- Thrifters who want to make a difference
Red Cross Op Shops are scattered throughout Melbourne, offering second-hand clothing, books, and homewares. Each purchase supports the crucial work of the Red Cross in aiding vulnerable communities both locally and internationally.
Chapel Street Bazaar – A Wonderland of Vintage
Location: 217 Chapel St, Windsor VIC 3181
Prices: Varies
Website: Chapel Street Bazaar
Pros:
- An extensive range of vintage and retro items
- Unique shopping experience
Cons:
- Some items may be pricier due to uniqueness
Best for:
- Vintage lovers and collectors
Chapel Street Bazaar is an iconic destination for vintage enthusiasts, featuring countless stalls selling a variety of retro items. From furniture to fashion, shoppers can lose themselves among the treasures in this bustling bazaar.
Sacred Heart Mission – Thrifting for a Good Cause
Location: 87 Grey St, St Kilda VIC 3182
Prices: Budget-friendly
Website: Sacred Heart Mission
Pros:
- Wide selection of quality items
- Supports homeless and disadvantaged individuals
Cons:
- Limited high-end items
Best for:
- Shoppers wanting to support a worthy cause
Sacred Heart Mission offers a range of second-hand finds, all while supporting vital services for those in need. With affordability at its core, this store is ideal for shoppers looking to make a positive impact with their purchases.
Best Melbourne Suburbs for Thrift Shopping
Fitzroy
- Hunter Gatherer – See above for details.
- Shag – Quirky and bold vintage fashion.
How to Get There: Hop on tram route 86 along Smith Street for easy access.
Brunswick
- Lost & Found Market – See above for details.
- Salvos Stores Brunswick – See above for details.
How to Get There: Take tram route 19 along Sydney Road.
Northcote
- Vinnies Northcote – See above for details.
- The Brotherhood of St Laurence – Affordable and varied selection.
How to Get There: Use tram route 86 or the Mernda train line.
Collingwood
- RetroStar Vintage Clothing – See above for details.
- Vintage Garage – Trendy, retro finds.
How to Get There: Tram routes 86 and 12 run through the area.
Richmond
- Savers – Large store with everything from clothing to electronics.
- SWOP Clothing Exchange – Sustainable fashion exchange.
How to Get There: Take tram route 48 or 75 down Bridge Road.
Honorable Mentions
Markets
- Camberwell Sunday Market – A haven for bargain hunters and vintage lovers.
- Rose Street Artists’ Market – Unique, handmade items from local artisans.
- Queen Victoria Market – A bustling hub for fresh produce, gourmet foods, and local crafts.
Online Stores
- Bushpop – An online marketplace for second-hand fashion from various sellers.
- Luxe.It.Fwd – Luxury consignment store with authentic designer items.
- Facebook Marketplace – A popular platform for buying and selling second-hand fashion.
Conclusion
Melbourne’s op shops, thrift shops, and vintage stores offer an unparalleled shopping experience for vintage enthusiasts and sustainable shoppers. From curated selections to eclectic warehouses, the city’s thrift scene has something for everyone. Start your thrifting adventure today and uncover hidden gems that will elevate your style and contribute to a more sustainable world. Did we miss any? Leave us a comment and let us know!
