As an international student living or visiting Perth, managing your budget to buy homewares, furniture and fashion can be tricky. This makes ‘op-shopping’ or ‘thrift shopping’ a great way to add to your wardrobe or home without breaking the bank.
Here is our guide for thrifting in Perth.
Vinnies and Salvos
St Vincent de Paul Society, commonly known to locals as ‘Vinnies’, and the Salvation Army, otherwise known as ‘Salvos’ are volunteer-run not-for-profit organisations that operate thrift stores in Australia to generate revenue to support social causes like poverty and homelessness.
At their stores, you will find second-hand clothing, homewares, books and plenty more, across a range of locations. If you are shopping for clothes, you may find second-hand clothes for work or sports as well as everyday staples like jeans, jackets and shoes for much cheaper than you’ll find at name-brand stores.
Thrifting at these stores is also a great way to give back to your local community as both organisations use funds to help people in need.
Locations:
- Salvos – Subiaco, East Victoria Park, Mirrabooka, Joondalup, Fremantle, Balcatta, Midland, Cannington, Innaloo, Osborne Park
- Vinnies – Northbridge, East Victoria Park, Joondalup, Fremantle, Cannington, Mirrabooka, Subiaco, Morley, Midland, Balcatta
Good Sammy
This Western Australia not-for-profit organisation operates a network of thrift stores, including locations in Perth.
They sell secondhand clothing, furniture, homewares, books, and more, with proceeds supporting employment, training, and community opportunities for people with disabilities.
Their mission also centres around promoting sustainable fashion and waste reduction. They also have a website for online shopping.
Locations: Cannington, Fremantle, Osborne Park, Subiaco, Joondalup, Balcatta, Morley, Rockingham, Midland, Victoria Park
Vintage Emporium
Vintage Emporium is located in the vibrant suburb of Maylands and focuses on vintage and retro clothing, accessories, jewellery and homewares.
Unlike other charity-based thrift stores, Vintage Emporium offers a carefully curated selection of items, often featuring distinctive and one-of-a-kind pieces, bohemian style fashion and pieces from various eras.
It aims to promote sustainable fashion by encouraging customers to buy secondhand and reduce waste.
Location: Maylands
Fremantle’s op-shop hub
For those wanting variety, with time to sift through fashionable pre-loved clothes and more, spending some time in Fremantle is a great option. The trendy suburb of Fremantle is home to many thrift stores focused on vintage fashion, antiques, jewellery and more.
A variety of independent and charity shops line the laneways and streets, with different price ranges and focusses, there’s something for everyone.
Some great options include:
- Bill Campbell Books
- Mills Records
- Nifty In Freo
- Wear2
- Yeah Vintage
- Vintage Lily
- Old Values
- The Upcycling Mutzs
- Vinnies Fremantle
Pre-Loved clothing markets
This once-a-month pop-up clothes market is a great spot for a branded bargain! This warehouse-vibe clothes market in Fremantle aims to reduce waste and promote and normalise upcycling. This market is home to a huge community of conscious sellers, influencers and small vintage clothing businesses.
You can also grab a bite to eat while you’re there at one of the food stalls or even register as a vendor in the future if you want to sell any items of your own.
Location: Newman Ct, Fremantle
Save the Children op shops
These charity thrift stores are operated by Save the Children Australia, an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children and their families worldwide.
At their op shops, you will find a variety of secondhand items, including clothing, accessories, books, toys, and homewares.
Proceeds from sales go directly to supporting Save the Children’s programs, which focus on child welfare, education, health, and emergency relief.
Locations: West Perth, Myaree, Subiaco, Como, South Perth, Mount Lawley, Morley, Fremantle, Balcatta, Joondalup
