Elite neighbourhood’s thrift store prices spark outrage among Aussies—find out why!
- Replies 0
The charm of op shopping lies in the thrill of the hunt—sifting through racks of pre-loved items and unearthing hidden gems at bargain prices.
It's a pastime that has long been cherished by many Australians from all walks of life, as it offers a sustainable alternative to fast fashion while supporting charitable causes.
However, recent reports suggested that the allure of thrift shopping is being tarnished by rising prices, particularly in stores located in some of the nation's most affluent postcodes.
Cottesloe, Perth—named Australia's wealthiest suburb in 2019-2020—boasts a median salary of $325,343, according to Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data.
In the heart of the suburb, lies a Red Cross store that has sparked a heated debate among thrifters.
Georgia, a Sydney-based thrifter, recently visited the Cottesloe Red Cross store and was taken aback by the high prices.
She shared her experience on social media, saying, 'I'm going to warn you, if you are someone who has disdain for high prices at op-shops, this video will make you mad.'
The store, which Georgia described as 'curated like a boutique' rather than a typical thrift shop, had a Glassons linen dress priced at $32, even though similar dresses from the same store are currently on sale for roughly $29 brand new.
A 'pilling' SES sweater was priced at $28, despite some similar items from SES selling for as low as $12 brand new.
Georgia also found a Dannii Minogue top for $26, which she claimed 'would be $15 at Target' where the brand is normally sold.
Even plastic belts and accessories were priced at $10, which she deemed 'overpriced'.
The store also reportedly had a selection of designer brands including ACNE, Viktoria & Woods, Zara and Calvin Klein.
'Most things I saw were in really good condition, and the prices were much less than recommended retail price (RRP), but I think the real value is in their high amount of brand new with tag (BNWT) stuff,' Georgia added.
Georgia concluded that while there were some 'good deals on high-end brand new stuff', the prices were generally high.
'It's a miss if you're looking for a cheeky bargain or some good $3 deals,' she said.
The Australian Red Cross responded to the controversy, stating that quality donations are priced accordingly, and the 'average price paid per item at Red Cross retail stores is $9'.
'We know that our generous donors, who provide us with quality products, expect their donated goods to be appropriately priced to raise funds for the humanitarian work we do,' the organisation said.
'We also then balance this against satisfying our customers with products that represent good value.'
You can watch Georgia’s full video below:
Video source: TikTok/@okwithmyhands.
Viewers' opinions were divided, with some agreeing that 'Red Cross op shops are really expensive compared to others'.
'Glassons for $32 is criminal,' another commented.
While another user shared: 'The Red Cross in Rozelle is also expensive.'
However, considering the quality of the items and the brands being sold, some agreed that the prices were reasonable.
'Even though it’s expensive, most items seem to be pretty good quality for what you’re paying,' one replied.
Omer Soker, CEO of Charitable Recycling Australia, noted that the second-hand economy is booming both in Australia and globally, contributing to rising prices in stores.
He also pointed out that while a 'select few vintage/boutiques have higher-priced products', over 90 per cent of the 3,000 charity shops in Australia offer 'super cheap, affordable, everyday items for millions of Australians on lower budgets'.
Drew Eide, General Manager of Vinnies Stores in Queensland, also agreed and shared that donations in 'higher-earning suburbs may be of higher quality and priced accordingly'.
However, a spokesperson from Vinnies previously said that 'pricing in Vinnies Shops is determined by affordability for customers as well as the quality of the goods on sale'.
'This is especially important at a time when the cost of living is rising, which is leading to a decline in general fundraising capacity just as there is an increase in the number of people seeking assistance.'
What are your thoughts on this issue, dear readers? Have you noticed an increase in pricing in op shops in your area? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below.
It's a pastime that has long been cherished by many Australians from all walks of life, as it offers a sustainable alternative to fast fashion while supporting charitable causes.
However, recent reports suggested that the allure of thrift shopping is being tarnished by rising prices, particularly in stores located in some of the nation's most affluent postcodes.
Cottesloe, Perth—named Australia's wealthiest suburb in 2019-2020—boasts a median salary of $325,343, according to Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data.
In the heart of the suburb, lies a Red Cross store that has sparked a heated debate among thrifters.
A thrift shopper shared her experience shopping at a Red Cross store in Cottesloe. Image source: TikTok/@okwithmyhands.
Georgia, a Sydney-based thrifter, recently visited the Cottesloe Red Cross store and was taken aback by the high prices.
She shared her experience on social media, saying, 'I'm going to warn you, if you are someone who has disdain for high prices at op-shops, this video will make you mad.'
The store, which Georgia described as 'curated like a boutique' rather than a typical thrift shop, had a Glassons linen dress priced at $32, even though similar dresses from the same store are currently on sale for roughly $29 brand new.
A 'pilling' SES sweater was priced at $28, despite some similar items from SES selling for as low as $12 brand new.
Georgia also found a Dannii Minogue top for $26, which she claimed 'would be $15 at Target' where the brand is normally sold.
Even plastic belts and accessories were priced at $10, which she deemed 'overpriced'.
The store also reportedly had a selection of designer brands including ACNE, Viktoria & Woods, Zara and Calvin Klein.
Georgia described the store as 'curated like a boutique' and found a selection of designer brands including ACNE. Image source: TikTok/@okwithmyhands.
'Most things I saw were in really good condition, and the prices were much less than recommended retail price (RRP), but I think the real value is in their high amount of brand new with tag (BNWT) stuff,' Georgia added.
Georgia concluded that while there were some 'good deals on high-end brand new stuff', the prices were generally high.
'It's a miss if you're looking for a cheeky bargain or some good $3 deals,' she said.
The Australian Red Cross responded to the controversy, stating that quality donations are priced accordingly, and the 'average price paid per item at Red Cross retail stores is $9'.
'We know that our generous donors, who provide us with quality products, expect their donated goods to be appropriately priced to raise funds for the humanitarian work we do,' the organisation said.
'We also then balance this against satisfying our customers with products that represent good value.'
You can watch Georgia’s full video below:
Video source: TikTok/@okwithmyhands.
Viewers' opinions were divided, with some agreeing that 'Red Cross op shops are really expensive compared to others'.
'Glassons for $32 is criminal,' another commented.
While another user shared: 'The Red Cross in Rozelle is also expensive.'
However, considering the quality of the items and the brands being sold, some agreed that the prices were reasonable.
'Even though it’s expensive, most items seem to be pretty good quality for what you’re paying,' one replied.
Omer Soker, CEO of Charitable Recycling Australia, noted that the second-hand economy is booming both in Australia and globally, contributing to rising prices in stores.
He also pointed out that while a 'select few vintage/boutiques have higher-priced products', over 90 per cent of the 3,000 charity shops in Australia offer 'super cheap, affordable, everyday items for millions of Australians on lower budgets'.
Drew Eide, General Manager of Vinnies Stores in Queensland, also agreed and shared that donations in 'higher-earning suburbs may be of higher quality and priced accordingly'.
However, a spokesperson from Vinnies previously said that 'pricing in Vinnies Shops is determined by affordability for customers as well as the quality of the goods on sale'.
'This is especially important at a time when the cost of living is rising, which is leading to a decline in general fundraising capacity just as there is an increase in the number of people seeking assistance.'
