Op Shops
Posted by: Marian
17th Jan 2023 05:23pm
Has anyone else noticed the price of everything in op shop‘s has skyrocketed over the last few years. I realise that it’s for charity. They need the money, but I am also not in the financial position to be able to afford full priced retail. Aren’t they supposed to be helping people like me.?
I paid $18 for a bathing suit the last time I was at Salvos. I paid it because I really needed one. If there was a Target or Kmart nearby, I would’ve shopped there instead. But there isn’t. I’ve always loved my op shopping at their stores. Sadly these trips are becoming less and less for me. Who would’ve thought it would come to me not being able to afford it. 😭
I paid $18 for a bathing suit the last time I was at Salvos. I paid it because I really needed one. If there was a Target or Kmart nearby, I would’ve shopped there instead. But there isn’t. I’ve always loved my op shopping at their stores. Sadly these trips are becoming less and less for me. Who would’ve thought it would come to me not being able to afford it. 😭
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Comments 5
UseHerName
Not something I noticed at op shops, but everything in general has risen. The cost of living, food, petrol and especially cigarettes. I remember, before I started smoking, a 25 pack of Winfield Blue would cost around $16. Nowadays, that same pack is at least $40 and can be as high as almost $60.
So, the fact that it's costing us all more to live, I don't blame op shops marking up their price tags. Not every single staff there is a volunteer - there are some places where they have paid employees. There's also places that need to pay rental and lease.
And although you're right that they're supposed to be helpful to those who are having financial issues. That is not their main priority, that would be the people referred to their charity or parent nonprofit organisation. The money earned from these op shops usually go back to the parent organisation where they advocate and fund programs and material aid for their clients.
jtmorri
I don't shop at op shops. I have heard people are doing clothes swaps with friends. No money is exchanged, instead you swap items at an organised event. I don't do this either, however I do donate clothes to op shops that then sell them to people at higher prices. At the moment I have a box of clothes which I am hesitant about donating and might be better to hand out to people myself. They are mainly Dangerfield and Blackmilk.
bj
Yes the Op shops prices have risen. The selection to be sold is now on labels, so not many stores like Katies, rivers etc. Also many staff are now on wages, benefits etc so prices may never come down again. Facebook has a market place for buy and sell but even these are high prices. Woe is us all!
sellacupcake
Yes, I totally agree with you. Many people have noticed that the prices of items in thrift stores have gone up in recent years. This is usually a result of increased demand for secondhand items, as more people are becoming aware of the sustainability and financial benefits of thrifting.
In order to share my experience is that I bought one fake plant and it cost $6. Sadly, it only 4.99 in Ikea which we can get a brand new one.
One thing this can also lead to higher prices, as thrift stores need to cover their operational costs. However, there are still plenty of great deals to be found, even if they are not as cheap as they used to be. I am still their big fan and feel a good place to spend your leisure.
aunty gran
You are so right re the rising coat in the Op shops they too are a business. I now list items for free on F/B instead of taking them to the op shop.