Do you love fashion and want a more sustainable way to shop? Then you’re at the right place.
Thrifting does not only allow you to shop at an affordable price, but it’s also good for the environment. It prolongs the life cycle of clothes and other items. It’s a win-win!
If you’re in and I’ve sold it, keep reading and I’ve got you covered. As someone who loves to shop, and has had great experiences from thrifting, I’ve created a list of where to go thrifting in-store and online in Canberra.
Before we start…
“Hey Alexa, play Thrift Shop by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis.”
Depop
To start off, let’s begin with a favourite. Depop is a community-driven fashion marketplace app, allowing fashion to be more inclusive, diverse and less wasteful.
Originally based in London, the company has expanded their global presence in countries including the United States, New Zealand and Australia.
The app allows you to sell and purchase pre-loved items and a selection of handmade crafts from artistic people including trinkets, mugs, jewellery, hand-poured candles, resin trays and even handmade clothes.
In Depop, you could even Repop! If you have purchased an item from a seller that didn’t fit right (boo hoo) or have impulsively bought something that you don’t get much use out of – simply post it, fill up the information boxes and you’re all set. The app even allows you to apply discounts on items to speed up the selling process.
Not only that, but users can send through offers on your items that you can either accept or decline (it’s your choice, of course) and vice versa.
On the app, you’ll find a list of categories to shop from, and guess what? They even have sub-categories! You can filter the items to find what it is you’re exactly looking for.
Interested in creating an account on Depop? Download the app now or visit their website and get posting!
Canberra Fashion Exchange
Canberra Fashion Exchange is a private group on Facebook with over 22.2K members. Simply press the ‘join group’ button on the page to send a request then delve into a wide selection of pre-loved items.
It is strictly a page for women’s fashion and beauty items. On the page, you’ll find yourself scrolling through thousands of posts from people across Canberra. And the best part, is you can send a message to the seller and give an offer (an acceptable one, of course).
The page also works as a platform to ask and post for “WTB’s”. Acronym for “wanting to buy”, you’ll find a great selection of offers from people in accordance with the post you have shared on the page.
If you have any upcoming events and are in need of attire, simply post what you’re looking for; your size, a colour preference, when you need it by, and where you are located for accessibility. You’ll then find a number of gal pals who’ll come to save your day.
With over 20K members, you will find a great selection of fashion and beauty items from your favourite brands such as Princess Polly, Bec + Bridge, White Fox, Runaway The Label, I.AM.GIA, Dissh and so forth. This group will not disappoint!
Goodbyes
Located on Lonsdale Street in Braddon, Canberra’s Goodbyes store first opened its doors in November 2021. It is a resale service that enables the community to buy and sell clothing, footwear and accessories. Starting out in Melbourne 7 years ago, Monique Thomas and Olivia Mangan, directors of Goodbyes, paved the way for an increasing number of buyers wanting a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to shop.
The store is home to thousands of pre-loved items. You’ll also find a great selection of high-end labelled pieces from brands including Yves Saint Laurent, Miu Miu, Ralph Lauren, Off White, Dolce & Gabbana, Acne Studios, Burberry and so on. Prices range from $30-$1200 depending on the piece, with over 100+ items released on a daily.
As you enter the store, you are faced with garments hung on metal racks and a shoe display against a teal-coloured wall. The store is minimalist, with bright, coloured garments against a white wall, which best ensures the items stand out. You’ll also find decals on changing room mirrors that state “shop seconds first”, – perfect for a mirror selfie aesthetic, don’t you think?
Goodbyes isn’t just a place to shop, they can also sell your pre-loved item/s on your behalf. Simply bring your freshly washed item/s in store (a minimum of 5 pieces), bring a photo ID and watch it hit the racks, allowing a two-week processing time. Items are accepted based on quality, longevity and timelessness. You even receive fifty percent (excluding GST) of the proft when the items are bought.
Are you interested in what’s up for grabs? You can visit them in-store at Braddon or check out their Instagram account, where the team from different stores feature several items called the “staff picks”. Simply click on the post and you’ll find the names of the items listed in the caption as well as the store where they can be purchased.
If you are interested in any of the staff picks, be sure not to miss out and come say hello to Goodbyes at Unit 17/27 Lonsdale St, Braddon, 2612. If you have any questions, the team are more than happy to help. And you know what? they are always best dressed.
Come into the store now and shop seconds first!
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday (10:00am to 6:00pm), Saturday (10:00am to 6:00pm), Sunday (11:00 to 5:00pm).
Interested in selling? read more about it on their website.
Vinnies
Two words: bright and lively.
Located at Dickson, the Vinnies shop is truly a burst of colour! The shop is filled with a variety of displays – name it, and they have it. Not only is there a great selection of pre-loved items to choose from, but they have eye-catching decorations that you should not miss out on.
There are vinyl records on dressing room doors, umbrellas hung on the ceiling, album covered walls, lego framed cash registers and so forth. You would be astonished at the creativity of the team’s exhibits – all from community donations.
In addition to racks of clothing everywhere, is a variety of homeware and miscellaneous items to choose from. Did I mention that they were colour coded? It was a sight to see.
If you are looking to spice up your home with some retro style pieces, then you are in the right place. The Vinnies at Dickson houses thousands of vintage pieces including porcelain dinnerware, fine bone china teacups, antique photo frames, clocks and wall art.
Now, let’s not forget about their shoe wall.
There is a wide selection of footwear for all four seasons and for any occasion you could possibly think of – be it a wedding, a sporting event, a hike or just for everyday wear. You’re sure to find a pair.
You’ll find yourself in different eras as you walk into a store with such a diverse range of items. It’s like having a time machine. Each item has its own story and it is you who animates it. Just think about it!
If you are interested in donating, they just have one rule of thumb and that is “If you’d give it to a friend, then it’s ok to give it to Vinnies”. Thinking of decluttering? Read more about it on their website or call your local Vinnies shop.
Visit the store at 1/9 Woolley St, Dickson ACT 2602.
Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday (9:00am to 5:00pm), Thursday to Saturday (9:00am to 8:30pm), Sunday (10:00 to 4:00pm).
Salvos
Without a doubt, you are sure not to miss the brightly-coloured warehouse. Now, what is it? It’s Salvos.
Located in Fyshwick, Salvos is home to thousands of pre-loved items including homeware, furniture and electrical goods – which cannot be found in other stores. Besides clothing, you will find a great selection of household items such as armchairs, bookshelves, cupboards and a range of vintage dressing tables, perfect for a vanity.
Now, I don’t know what it is about op-shops, but their shoe and homeware displays are always colour coded which just makes it pleasing to look at. It also makes your shopping experience a whole lot easier!
There are thousands of things to see and if you ever find yourself hungry, Salvos also sell some snacks to get you going. You’re even given quite the selection.
Everything in the store is categorised. It makes it easier for you to shop around for exactly what you’re searching for or wanting to have a look at. It also saves you time because there are just so many things to see! From childrenswear to gym wear to swimwear, to nightwear – there is something for everyone.
There are racks of clothing from left to right. You are given a wide range of different materials, prints, colours, textures and everything in between.
Now, to top off any outfit, you’ll find a range of bags and purses of great quality; from floral print bags for summer, to great leather bags for formal events.
They’ve got you covered.
Salvos have a variety of items that you wouldn’t even think they would have. They sell mattresses, lingerie, hosiery, brooches, and even a range of perfumes at the counter.
Come visit Salvos at 15 Mildura Street, Fyshwick 2609
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday (9:00 am to 5:00pm), Sunday (CLOSED).
Photos by Bianca David