Op shop find prompts cost-of-living conversation: ‘I nearly fell over’
- Replies 53
The cost of living crisis in Australia has been a hot topic of discussion for some time now. After all, it has left nothing unscathed, and as a result, many Aussies have kept a closer eye on spending.
One if its many victims: thrift shopping. Popping into your local op shop can be a fun day out, and finding that lovely skirt or a pair of boots to add to your wardrobe while supporting a good cause.
However, an eye-popping discovery in a Sydney charity shop has made many folks question if thrift stores can still be called such in today’s times.
A dress, priced at a whopping $45, has sparked a heated debate about the escalating cost of living and the affordability of second-hand items in charity shops.
A customer, who was browsing through the clothes at a Sydney Vinnies store, was taken aback by the simple floral dress’ price.
‘Dropped into St Vinnies and was browsing at the clothes I thought I love the fabric and print on this dress. Maybe I could make a skirt out of it, it’s not my size dress, I sew,’ they said.
'I nearly fell over when I saw the price.'
The customer expressed their disappointment on social media, sparking a wave of responses from people who shared similar experiences and concerns about the rising prices in op shops.
The customer argued that Vinnies, a charity shop, should be providing affordable options for people who are struggling financially.
'It is meant to be a shop for people who don’t have much money. That’s the concept of it, always has been,' they said.
‘It’s disgusting seeing them taking advantage of people.’
‘Vinnies has lost its true meaning, I won’t be stepping foot in another.’
The post resonated with many people who agreed that op shops have become overpriced.
'It’s ridiculous the prices they put on stuff that they get donated,' one woman wrote.
Another person added, 'They get free clothes and charge an arm and a leg for them. Not good.'
‘I think that it’s a good idea to have prices adjusted slightly,’ said another, explaining how the brand played a role in how Vinnies priced the item.
‘But $45 is someone’s weekly budget for food. I was a big op shopper but stopped going.’
A shopper was also shocked upon finding that the price of a T-shirt at Vinnies was $350.
‘I don’t know much about high fashion…Tell me, is this reasonable?’ he said on social media.
The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, which operates Vinnies stores, responded by stating that the pricing at Vinnies shops is determined by customer affordability and the quality of goods on sale.
'Our shops use a simple pricing guide based on research on value in the general second-hand marketplace and the quality of the garment,' they said.
‘Vinnies Shops account for 40 per cent of organisational revenue, and this is critical to the funding of programs and services across NSW.’
‘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.’
However, the high prices at Vinnies stores have led many people to opt for cheaper alternatives like Kmart, where you can pick up a T-shirt for $2.50 and a pair of shorts for $5.50.
'Needless to say, better off going to Kmart,' wrote the author of the social media post.
‘No one should have to pay more for 2nd hand clothes at anytime especially when you can get cheaper at Kmart brand new,’ one user said in agreement.
Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo, Chief Economist for PRD, provided some insight into why charity stores are selling things for higher prices. She explained that apart from the cost of living crisis, there are factors that Aussie shoppers might not be considering.
'A lot of the time St Vinnies or any other op shops don't own the building they operate under or out of. They still have to pay even if they are a charity,' Dr Mardiasmo said.
Aussies felt the pressure of costs due to inflation, with the Reserve Bank stating that the interest rates rose 13 times from its record low of 0.1 per cent to 4.35 per cent.
‘Vinnies has to cover the costs—whether it's the increase in rental, increase in wages and any other operational costs that they might have to cover,’ Dr Mardiasmo said.
A recent study from Finder revealed that 3 in 4 Australians are somewhat or extremely stressed with their financial situation.
Five per cent of Aussies opt to change where they purchase their clothes to fight back against inflation.
‘One of the ways St Vinnies or any other charity shops do try to still get that donation is by upping their prices in their op shops,’ Dr Mardiasmo explained.
‘It can be very frustrating for people who are trying to find those good bargains, good finds in op shops because they themselves are trying to decrease their cost of living—so they are expecting they'll be able to pick up something cheaper in op shops.’
‘At the moment, more often than not, I've been hearing that is not the case.’
What are your thoughts on the rising cost of living in Australia? Have you noticed an increase in prices at your local op shops? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
One if its many victims: thrift shopping. Popping into your local op shop can be a fun day out, and finding that lovely skirt or a pair of boots to add to your wardrobe while supporting a good cause.
However, an eye-popping discovery in a Sydney charity shop has made many folks question if thrift stores can still be called such in today’s times.
A dress, priced at a whopping $45, has sparked a heated debate about the escalating cost of living and the affordability of second-hand items in charity shops.
A customer, who was browsing through the clothes at a Sydney Vinnies store, was taken aback by the simple floral dress’ price.
A dress from an op shop was sold for $45. Credit: Facebook
‘Dropped into St Vinnies and was browsing at the clothes I thought I love the fabric and print on this dress. Maybe I could make a skirt out of it, it’s not my size dress, I sew,’ they said.
'I nearly fell over when I saw the price.'
The customer expressed their disappointment on social media, sparking a wave of responses from people who shared similar experiences and concerns about the rising prices in op shops.
The customer argued that Vinnies, a charity shop, should be providing affordable options for people who are struggling financially.
'It is meant to be a shop for people who don’t have much money. That’s the concept of it, always has been,' they said.
‘It’s disgusting seeing them taking advantage of people.’
‘Vinnies has lost its true meaning, I won’t be stepping foot in another.’
The post resonated with many people who agreed that op shops have become overpriced.
'It’s ridiculous the prices they put on stuff that they get donated,' one woman wrote.
Another person added, 'They get free clothes and charge an arm and a leg for them. Not good.'
‘I think that it’s a good idea to have prices adjusted slightly,’ said another, explaining how the brand played a role in how Vinnies priced the item.
‘But $45 is someone’s weekly budget for food. I was a big op shopper but stopped going.’
A shopper was also shocked upon finding that the price of a T-shirt at Vinnies was $350.
‘I don’t know much about high fashion…Tell me, is this reasonable?’ he said on social media.
The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, which operates Vinnies stores, responded by stating that the pricing at Vinnies shops is determined by customer affordability and the quality of goods on sale.
'Our shops use a simple pricing guide based on research on value in the general second-hand marketplace and the quality of the garment,' they said.
‘Vinnies Shops account for 40 per cent of organisational revenue, and this is critical to the funding of programs and services across NSW.’
‘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.’
However, the high prices at Vinnies stores have led many people to opt for cheaper alternatives like Kmart, where you can pick up a T-shirt for $2.50 and a pair of shorts for $5.50.
'Needless to say, better off going to Kmart,' wrote the author of the social media post.
‘No one should have to pay more for 2nd hand clothes at anytime especially when you can get cheaper at Kmart brand new,’ one user said in agreement.
Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo, Chief Economist for PRD, provided some insight into why charity stores are selling things for higher prices. She explained that apart from the cost of living crisis, there are factors that Aussie shoppers might not be considering.
'A lot of the time St Vinnies or any other op shops don't own the building they operate under or out of. They still have to pay even if they are a charity,' Dr Mardiasmo said.
Aussies felt the pressure of costs due to inflation, with the Reserve Bank stating that the interest rates rose 13 times from its record low of 0.1 per cent to 4.35 per cent.
There are other factors as to why clothing in charity shops rose. Credit: Unsplash
‘Vinnies has to cover the costs—whether it's the increase in rental, increase in wages and any other operational costs that they might have to cover,’ Dr Mardiasmo said.
A recent study from Finder revealed that 3 in 4 Australians are somewhat or extremely stressed with their financial situation.
Five per cent of Aussies opt to change where they purchase their clothes to fight back against inflation.
‘One of the ways St Vinnies or any other charity shops do try to still get that donation is by upping their prices in their op shops,’ Dr Mardiasmo explained.
‘It can be very frustrating for people who are trying to find those good bargains, good finds in op shops because they themselves are trying to decrease their cost of living—so they are expecting they'll be able to pick up something cheaper in op shops.’
‘At the moment, more often than not, I've been hearing that is not the case.’
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