'Charity is just a big business': Aussies outraged over op shops' price hikes
- Replies 30
Op shops have been a staple for bargain hunters and shoppers looking to support charitable causes.
However, a recent wave of discontent towards these stores has swept through communities.
The outcry sparked conversations about charity shops' role in our society and whether they are still staying true to their mission.
Shoppers expressed their dismay over exorbitant pricing at The Salvation Army's op shops.
The issue came to light when a mum and online content creator, Courtney Leigh Hollins, shared a video from her recent Salvos trip.
Ms Hollins' video highlighted several household items with prices that left her viewers gobsmacked.
Second-hand bed linen ranged from $11 to $20.
Meanwhile, furniture such as a table had a $400 price tag, and a cream couch was available for $240.
Her frustration was palpable as she questioned the affordability of these items.
'Imagine struggling in this b******* economy and coming to the Salvos for help,' Ms Hollins wrote in the video's caption.
'I'm so done with huge corporations like the Salvos who make millions per year and we still have families on the streets. Charity is just a big business.'
Hollins' video sparked a heated debate among Aussies who were feeling the pinch of the cost of living crisis.
Other shoppers echoed similar sentiments and took to social media to voice their concerns.
'It's cheaper to shop at Kmart, and the bonus says you're getting brand-new,' a shopper stated.
See Ms Hollins' video here:
Source: @courtneyleighholl/TikTok
'So funny how it's all donated items and supposed to help those in need, but for those prices, it's ridiculous,' another remarked.
'The big three, Salvos, Lifeline and Vinnies, are out of touch with helping the poor,' a third pointed out, also calling out other op shops.
'I only support small independent op shops now.'
'You go to Kmart if you're struggling, not op shops. It's been like this for years, unfortunately,' a shopper commented.
'I know, and it needs to stop,' Hollins responded to the previous comment.
This backlash raised essential questions about the balance of generating revenue and maintaining accessibility.
Salvos Stores stated on their website that 100 per cent of their profits support The Salvation Army's community programs, which rely on donated goods.
Yet, if the prices are too steep for the people they aim to assist, is their charity model working as intended?
As of writing, The Salvation Army has yet to comment on these concerns.
With the cost of living rising, the role of op shops as affordable stores for the disadvantaged is more critical than ever.
Have you come across expensive finds at op shops near you? Should op shops change the way they price items? We encourage everyone to share their experiences and thoughts about this issue in the comments section below.
However, a recent wave of discontent towards these stores has swept through communities.
The outcry sparked conversations about charity shops' role in our society and whether they are still staying true to their mission.
Shoppers expressed their dismay over exorbitant pricing at The Salvation Army's op shops.
The issue came to light when a mum and online content creator, Courtney Leigh Hollins, shared a video from her recent Salvos trip.
Ms Hollins' video highlighted several household items with prices that left her viewers gobsmacked.
The Salvation Army has over 400 stores nationwide. Image Credit: Salvos Online
Second-hand bed linen ranged from $11 to $20.
Meanwhile, furniture such as a table had a $400 price tag, and a cream couch was available for $240.
Her frustration was palpable as she questioned the affordability of these items.
'Imagine struggling in this b******* economy and coming to the Salvos for help,' Ms Hollins wrote in the video's caption.
'I'm so done with huge corporations like the Salvos who make millions per year and we still have families on the streets. Charity is just a big business.'
Hollins' video sparked a heated debate among Aussies who were feeling the pinch of the cost of living crisis.
Other shoppers echoed similar sentiments and took to social media to voice their concerns.
'It's cheaper to shop at Kmart, and the bonus says you're getting brand-new,' a shopper stated.
See Ms Hollins' video here:
Source: @courtneyleighholl/TikTok
'So funny how it's all donated items and supposed to help those in need, but for those prices, it's ridiculous,' another remarked.
'The big three, Salvos, Lifeline and Vinnies, are out of touch with helping the poor,' a third pointed out, also calling out other op shops.
'I only support small independent op shops now.'
'You go to Kmart if you're struggling, not op shops. It's been like this for years, unfortunately,' a shopper commented.
'I know, and it needs to stop,' Hollins responded to the previous comment.
This backlash raised essential questions about the balance of generating revenue and maintaining accessibility.
Salvos Stores stated on their website that 100 per cent of their profits support The Salvation Army's community programs, which rely on donated goods.
Yet, if the prices are too steep for the people they aim to assist, is their charity model working as intended?
As of writing, The Salvation Army has yet to comment on these concerns.
With the cost of living rising, the role of op shops as affordable stores for the disadvantaged is more critical than ever.
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