For any student, thrifting is a great way to add to your home or wardrobe with quality pieces at a reasonable price. Luckily for you, Brisbane has a growing scene of sustainable and unique shops.
Here is our guide to thrifting in Brisbane.
Vinnies and Salvos
St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) and the Salvation Army (Salvos) are charity and not-for-profit organisations operating in Australia that focus on positively contributing to addressing poverty and homelessness.
At their stores, you will find a range of second-hand clothing and homewares across a range of locations in Brisbane. For clothing, you may find fewer brand-name items, but a great selection of second-hand clothes for work, sports or everyday staples like jeans and jackets.
Locations:
- Vinnies – Virginia, Stafford, Paddington, Newstead, Annerley, Mt Gravatt, Sunnybank, Browns Plains, Springfield.
- Salvos – Brendale, Geebung, Mitchelton, Red Hill, Indooroopilly, Capalaba, Logan.
Lifeline Shops
Lifeline Shops are warehouse-style thrift stores operated by an Australian not-for-profit organisation focused on crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Their stores are known for being larger than typical thrift shops and will have a variety of items from clothes to furniture, books, homewares, electronics, and even some vintage items.
This is a great place to visit if you are looking to buy furniture or kitchenware for your apartment or share house at a discounted price, or just browse through their shelves on a rainy day as you never know what funky antiques you might find.
Locations: Brendale, Everton Park, Virginia, Nundah, Windsor, Carina, Fairfield, Acacia Ridge, Capalaba, Browns Plains.
Love Me Again Markets
The Love Me Again Markets are pop-up and permanent stores around Brisbane selling high-quality pre-loved fashion and accessories. The focus of the stores is to promote sustainable fashion by reducing waste and buying second-hand.
Unlike some other thrift stores, the Love Me Again Markets sell a variety of designer and on-trend labels.
After opening in Paddington in 2020, they are now located in Stafford and Milton, as well as Portside Wharf on the second Saturday of each month.
SWOP West End
SWOP is a concept store with various locations around the country, including one in West End.
SWOP specialises in curated, second-hand clothing, with a focus on vintage, trendy, and unique pieces. It’s both a thrift store and a clothing exchange, which means you can buy, sell, or trade items, making it a popular spot for those interested in sustainable and circular fashion.
At SWOP, you’ll find a well-organised selection of items, including clothing, shoes, and accessories. The store is known for its high standards in quality and style, so shoppers can expect carefully chosen, fashionable items rather than random thrift finds. This spot is especially popular among young, fashion-forward people looking for something different from mainstream fashion.
While it’s still a thrift store, you might find it more expensive than Vinnies or Salvos.
Local tip: the suburb of West End is full of quirky and sustainable fashion and second-hand stores. Exploring Boundary St, Montague Rd and Vulture Street will give you a chance to see other small independent stores as well as SWOP.
Empire Revival (formerly Paddington Antique Centre)
One of Brisbane’s most popular and historic second-hand stores, Empire Revival in Paddington has been providing the highest quality antique experience since it first opened in 1985.
In this store, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Plaza Theatre, you will find over 50 different small businesses operating. The collective is made up of interior designers, jewellers, local artisans, quirky collectors and old-school antique dealers.
You can find anything from jewellery, fashion, art, collectibles and homeware.
Location: Latrobe Terrace, Paddington
Brisbane City Council Treasure Trove shops
Brisbane City Council operates two second-hand outlets which sell donated items.
Here you will find home appliances and furniture at great second-hand prices, perfect for furnishing your home at a good price.
All items sold at the stores are donated by Brisbane residents and are open every weekend from 8am-4pm.
Locations: Acacia Ridge and Geebung.
Endeavour Foundation Shops
The Endeavour Foundation focuses on supporting people with disabilities, and its thrift stores offer a range of preloved items like clothes, furniture, and books.
Locations: Stones Corner and Annerley.
