Sydney has cemented its place as a vintage lover’s dream, offering countless op shops and thrift stores brimming with eclectic finds. Whether you’re a budget-conscious shopper or a fashion enthusiast, this listicle will guide you through the best places to score unique items without breaking the bank.
⏱️ Short on Time? Here are the Best Sydney Thrift Shops in 2024
- U-Turn Recycled Fashion – Trendy finds in multiple locations.
- Salvos Stores – Multiple locations across Sydney offering budget-friendly finds.
- Vinnies – Affordable fashion staples with a wide selection.
- Red Cross Shops – Premium finds with a mix of affordable and high-end pieces.
- SWOP Clothing Exchange – Curated vintage pieces at moderate prices.
- The Vintage Clothing Shop – High-end designer vintage pieces.
- Savers – A wide range of thrifted items from clothing to furniture.
Sydney’s op shops and thrift stores offer an unmatched shopping experience for those looking to stay stylish on a budget. Not only can you find great deals, but each purchase also supports sustainable fashion practices. From trendy clothing to rare vintage finds, these shops have something for everyone.
U-Turn Recycled Fashion
| Location | Multiple locations including Newtown, Bondi, and Rozelle. |
| Prices | $$ Moderate |
| Website | U-Turn Recycled Fashion – A small online selection showcasing featured items |
| Best for | Trendy finds and unique fashion pieces. |
U-Turn Recycled Fashion stands out for its carefully curated selection of trendy pieces. With multiple locations around Sydney, this store is perfect for those who like staying ahead of fashion trends.
| Pros 😁 | Cons 😐 |
| ✅ Trendy and curated selection. ✅ Frequent restocks. ✅ Great for both men and women. | Can be pricier than other thrift stores. |
Salvos Stores
| Locations | Various locations across Sydney. |
| Prices | $ Budget-Friendly |
| Website | Salvos Stores – Extensive online selection with home delivery. |
| Best for | Affordable, everyday wear and household items. |
Salvos Stores are synonymous with classic thrift shopping. Each purchase supports The Salvation Army’s charity work, making it a win-win for shoppers looking to score deals and give back to the community.
| Pros 😁 | Cons 😐 |
| ✅ Affordable prices. ✅ Wide variety of items. ✅ Supports charitable causes. | Selection can vary greatly by location. |
Vinnies
| Locations | Various locations including Surry Hills, Newtown, and Glebe. |
| Prices | $ Budget-Friendly |
| Website | Vinnies – Modest online selection focusing on specific items. |
| Best for | Affordable basics and home goods. |
Vinnies offers unbeatable prices and a wide range of items, from clothing to household goods. Every purchase supports St. Vincent de Paul Society’s community outreach programs.
| Pros 😁 | Cons 😐 |
| ✅ Very affordable. ✅ Wide range of items. ✅ Proceeds support community programs. | Some locations may have limited stock. |
Red Cross Shops
| Location | Locations in Paddington, Randwick, and Burwood. |
| Prices | $ Budget-Friendly |
| Website | Red Cross Shops – Small online selection of highlighted items. |
| Best for | Curated fashion pieces and accessories. |
Red Cross Shops are known for their well-organised interiors and quality selections. By shopping here, you contribute to the Australian Red Cross’s humanitarian efforts.
| Pros 😁 | Cons 😐 |
| ✅ Well-organised stores. ✅ Quality, curated items. ✅ Supports humanitarian efforts. | Smaller locations might have limited stock. |
SWOP Clothing Exchange
| Locations | Newtown and Parramatta |
| Prices | $ Budget-Friendly |
| Website | SWOP Clothing Exchange – Online store available for trading and purchasing. |
| Best for | Sustainable fashion and trendy items. |
SWOP Clothing Exchange is a sustainable fashion haven where you can trade in your pre-loved clothes for new pieces. It’s perfect for those who want to stay fashionable while minimising waste.
| Pros 😁 | Cons 😐 |
| ✅ Sustainable shopping model. ✅ Great for trading your old clothes. ✅ Trendy and fashionable items. | Limited to clothing and accessories |
The Vintage Clothing Shop
| Locations | Surry Hills and Darlinghurst |
| Prices | $$ High-End / Premium |
| Website | The Vintage Clothing Shop – Features premium vintage pieces online. |
| Best for | Premium vintage fashion and rare finds. |
The Vintage Clothing Shop specialises in high-end vintage pieces. If you’re hunting for rare and exclusive items, this is your go-to destination.
| Pros 😁 | Cons 😐 |
| ✅ High-quality vintage finds. ✅ Exclusive items. ✅ Expert curation. | Higher price range. |
Savers
| Location | Various locations across Sydney. |
| Prices | $ Budget-Friendly |
| Website | Savers – Extensive online inventory highlighting special deals. |
| Best for | A wide range of thrifted items from clothing to furniture. |
Savers is a treasure trove of gently used items, offering everything from trendy apparel to unique home goods. The constant restocking and frequent sales make it a favourite for savvy shoppers.
| Pros 😁 | Cons 😐 |
| ✅ Vast selection of items. ✅ Regular promotions and discounts. ✅ Supports local charities. | Can be overcrowded during peak times. |
Rough Threads
| Location | Newtown and Marrickville. |
| Prices | $ Budget-Friendly |
| Website | No dedicated website, check social media for latest updates. |
| Best for | Unique fashion finds and community vibes. |
Rough Threads is a thriving hub for unique fashion finds. The friendly atmosphere and community focus make it a must-visit for any thrift shopper.
| Pros 😁 | Cons 😐 |
| ✅ Unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. ✅ Friendly staff. ✅ Community-focused. | Limited online presence. |
C’s Flashback
| Location | Glebe and Marrickville. |
| Prices | $$ Moderate |
| Website | No dedicated website, check social media for updates. |
| Best for | Retro clothing and vintage accessories. |
C’s Flashback is a delightful shop that specialises in retro and vintage items, making it the perfect spot for those who appreciate the charm of days gone by.
| Pros 😁 | Cons 😐 |
| ✅ Specialises in retro and vintage items. ✅ Friendly, knowledgeable staff. ✅ Engaging atmosphere. | Stock can be unpredictable. |
Di Nuovo
| Location | Newtown |
| Prices | $$ Moderate to High-End |
| Website | Di Nuovo – Showcases unique and curated selections. |
| Best for | Unique fashion finds and boutique vintage selections. |
Di Nuovo stands out for its unique and curated selections of clothing, appealing to fashion-forward individuals seeking distinctive pieces with an ethical focus.
| Pros 😁 | Cons 😐 |
| ✅ High-quality, curated pieces. ✅ Unique designs and styles. ✅ Supports ethical fashion. | Higher price point for some items. |
Irreplaceable Store
| Location | Multiple locations around Sydney. |
| Prices | $$ Moderate |
| Website | Irreplaceable Store – Offers a glimpse into their eclectic inventory. |
| Best for | Unique collectibles and artistic pieces. |
The Irreplaceable Store is a haven for individuals seeking uncommon finds. The eclectic inventory ensures that there’s always something new to discover, along with community-focused events.
| Pros 😁 | Cons 😐 |
| ✅ Uncommon finds and collectibles. ✅ Evolving stock with new items regularly. ✅ Community-driven initiatives. | May not have standard thrift items. |
Reunion
| Location | Bondi Junction |
| Prices | $$$ High-End |
| Website | Reunion – Online store featuring premium selections. |
| Best for | Premium, stylish second-hand fashion. |
Reunion is the go-to destination for those in search of high-quality second-hand fashion. The store’s commitment to style and sustainability makes it an appealing option for fashion-conscious shoppers.
| Pros 😁 | Cons 😐 |
| ✅ High-quality second-hand fashion. ✅ Supports local charities. ✅ Stylish and trendy offerings. | Higher price range compared to typical thrift stores. |
The Wilde Merchant
| Location | Surry Hills |
| Prices | $$ Moderate |
| Website | The Wilde Merchant – Showcases curated vintage selections. |
| Best for | Stylish vintage pieces and accessories. |
The Wilde Merchant offers a thoughtfully curated selection of vintage items in a welcoming environment. It’s an ideal stop for anyone looking to add a unique touch to their wardrobe.
| Pros 😁 | Cons 😐 |
| ✅ Unique and stylish vintage items. ✅ Friendly shopping environment. ✅ Focus on sustainability. | Limited stock might require frequent visits. |
Zoo Vintage Emporium
| Location | Enmore |
| Prices | $$ Moderate |
| Website | Zoo Vintage Emporium – Features diverse vintage collections. |
| Best for | Vintage lovers and collectors. |
Zoo Vintage Emporium is a delight for vintage enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of styles that evoke nostalgia. The changing inventory guarantees that there’s always something new to find.
| Pros 😁 | Cons 😐 |
| ✅ Wide range of vintage styles. ✅ Great for nostalgia seekers. ✅ Regularly updated inventory. | May not have some sizes due to vintage nature. |
Wayside Chapel Op Shop
| Location | Kings Cross |
| Prices | $ Budget-Friendly |
| Website | Wayside Chapel Op Shop – Highlighting community initiatives. |
| Best for | Affordable clothing and supporting local initiatives. |
The Wayside Chapel Op Shop is a community-driven initiative that not only offers affordable clothing but also supports those in need. Shopping here means contributing to local outreach programs and making a difference.
| Pros 😁 | Cons 😐 |
| ✅ Affordable prices. ✅ Supports vulnerable communities. ✅ Diverse selection of items. | Selection may vary by donation frequency. |
Best Sydney Suburbs for Thrift Shopping
Sydney is rich with neighborhoods that offer prime thrift shopping experiences. Here are the top suburbs:
- Newtown
- Surry Hills
- Glebe
- Bondi
- Marrickville
Newtown
Newtown is a treasure trove for thrift enthusiasts. With a plethora of stores like U-Turn Recycled Fashion and SWOP Clothing Exchange, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring. Use public transport to arrive at Newtown station, then walk along King Street to hit all the hot spots.
Surry Hills
Surry Hills is renowned for its eclectic mix of vintage and thrift stores. Begin at The Vintage Clothing Shop and make your way through the charming streets filled with hidden gems. Central Station is your best bet for easy access.
Glebe
Glebe is perfect for those who love a relaxed thrift shopping experience. Start at Vinnies and explore stores dotted along Glebe Point Road. Buses frequently run to and from this area, making it easily accessible.
Bondi
Bondi offers more than just beautiful beaches. The local thrift scene includes standout stores like U-Turn Recycled Fashion. Arriving by bus gives you the flexibility to explore Bondi’s coastal charm and shopping delights.
Marrickville
Marrickville’s vibrant community spirit is reflected in its diverse range of op shops and thrift stores, including Rough Threads. The area is easily navigable on foot, with Marrickville Station serving as a convenient starting point.
Honorable Mentions
Markets
- Rozelle Collectors Market – Perfect for vintage lovers looking for unique items.
- Glebe Markets – A mix of fashion, trinkets, and food.
- Surry Hills Markets – Ideal for one-of-a-kind finds and handmade goods.
Online Stores
- Carousell – A user-friendly app for buying and selling second-hand items.
- eBay – A global marketplace with a vast selection of vintage and thrift items.
- Bushpop – An Australian platform for unique, pre-loved treasures.
Sydney’s op shops and thrift stores offer valuable opportunities to discover unique fashion pieces, support sustainable practices, and save money. Ready to start your thrift adventure? Explore our curated list of stores and happy thrifting!
