Are you thrilled by a bargain? Want more bang for your buck? Love supporting a good cause? Passionate about reducing waste?
There are so many reasons to thrift, which is probably why it’s so popular! A recent survey found that more than 85% of Australians buy pre-loved.
Whether you’re a secondhand savant or a bargain beginner, Hobart has a huge array of vintage stores and opportunity shops (op shops) to explore. To help you get started, here’s our round-up of the must-visit thrift stores in and around this amazing city.
Hobart City Mission
Located: Hobart and North Hobart, plus many other locations
Open: Weekdays
Best for: Books, homewares and clothing
If you’re looking for quality finds in the heart of the city, head to City Mission. Pick up a juicy read from their awesome range of books, or check out their clothes to find a sweet new fit for less.
Ten Lives Op Shop
Located: North Hobart
Open: Daily, excluding public holidays
Best for: Homewares, clothes and quirky finds
What’s better than a fantastic op shop? An op shop with resident cats, of course. Along with cute cats, here you’ll find cool and unusual treasures, bric-a-brac and homewares.
The Finders
Located: Hobart
Open: All days except Sunday
Best for: Cool vintage threads
If you’re on the hunt for a real deal, make tracks to The Finders. With prices starting at around $20, you’ll find a curated collection of trendy vintage clothes, shoes and accessories in this unique and vibrant store.
Vinnies Retro
Located: North Hobart
Open: All days except Sunday
Best for: Furniture and vintage treasures
There are Vinnies op shops all around Hobart, but this one is a must-see for its curated collection of retro knick-knacks and clothes. It also has lots of quirky, good-quality furniture, so swing by if you’re looking to redecorate.
Margate Tip Shop
Located: Baretta
Open: Daily
Best for: Furniture, electronics and novelties
Shopping at the rubbish dump? It’s not as strange as it sounds! The Margate Tip is the go-to place to find real treasures, particularly furniture and electronic goods, all in amazing condition and at a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere.
The Hanging Garments
Located: Hobart
Open: Some Wednesdays – see upcoming sessions on their Instagram
Best for: Vintage, secondhand and handmade clothes and accessories
Every few weeks, local hotspot In The Hanging Garden is transformed into Hobart’s coolest clothes market. Along with live music and a bar, you’ll find stalls selling interesting, unique and used items.
Carlton Salvos Thrift Shop
Located: Carlton
Open: All days except Sunday
Best for: Bargain clothes, bric-a-brac and accessories
Out west, find this tiny yellow house that’s home to a huge collection of pre-loved goodies. Most items are less than $2, or you can fill a bag for just $6!
Goodbyes
Located: Hobart
Open: Daily
Best for: Quality pre-loved pieces
If you want trendy threads on a budget, head here for pre-loved items from local and international designers, unique vintage pieces and well-made basics.
How to donate
Whether you’re moving, downsizing or just want more space for your new secondhand goodies, donating is an excellent way to give your old items a new life.
Most charity op shops accept donations in-store or via charity collection bins. Don’t leave donations outside of stores, as these often go straight to landfill. Some operators, like Hobart City Mission, Vinnies and Salvos, offer furniture collection services.
Items you donate should always be clean, unbroken and usable. If you’re unsure, follow the simple rule: if you wouldn’t give it to a friend, don’t donate!
Some stores, like Goodbyes, operate on consignment. This means you’ll get a cut of the sale price for your clothes, but they’re more selective about the pieces they accept.
Now that you have all the inside tips, it’s time to go shopping! Good luck, and happy thrifting!
