What an op should always be is a place of community, discovery and generosity and never a soulless fast-fashion outlet.
Having worked at Sacred Heart Mission Op Shops for over 16 years, I’ve seen op shops expand while donations and volunteers become sparse.
Online, customers are outraged by pricing and fast-fashion clogging up op shop racks. Outside our stores, soiled bed sheets are strewn across the footpaths for our staff to discover when they open the next morning.
Every week I receive notifications of another news story, Facebook debate or social media post dissecting the sad state of second-hand shopping.
Cost of Living hits op shops: Why buy second-hand when you can buy a new thing for the same price?
Fast fashion, Shein & Anko overwhelming Op Shops: Where did all the quality items go?
Bed bugs and a foul game of ‘lucky dip’: Don’t people wash their clothes before donating?
While sometimes I feel protective of what is being discussed, more than not it strengthens my belief that without communities, there are no opportunity shops.
Op shops belong to their communities. We are shaped exclusively by them.
Without donations, there is no stock on the shelves.
Without volunteers, there’s no one to serve our customers and fill our store.
Without op shoppers, there are no funds for services that support people when they’re going through hard times.
Op shops sit at the intersection of retail, sustainability and social good.
They create a circular model that starts with a community’s unique culture and identity, as people who share this space pass on knowledge, support one another, and invest in the places they care about.
And the community cares about op shops.
It’s why neighbours speak up when donations are dumped outside stores. It’s why volunteers give back their time to stock shelves and greet customers. It’s why shoppers celebrate incredible finds online and proudly tell their friends ‘I got it from an op shop’
People don’t walk into Cotton On, Zara or Kmart and question the price of a shirt or ask for a discount because they don’t feel any ownership over the mega corporation model, it is what it is, and we are all just spenders, customers and walking dollar signs.
But in an op shop, you’re more than just a customer. Op shoppers are donors, volunteers, advocates and participants in a circular economy. They contribute to the ecosystem that makes op shops possible, and because they contribute, they feel invested.
That investment is the reason charities can grow.
Op shops represent something simple and unchangeable: affordable goods, neighbourly volunteers, and a sense that everyone is pitching in together.
While those core values remain true, in the last 16 years I can tell you op shops have changed. These days, like all retail outlets, we face rising rents, wages, utilities, technology costs, compliance requirements and increasing expectations around health and safety.
Sacred Heart Mission stores have evolved from a handful of stores into a Melbourne-wide footprint of destination op shops, employing hundreds of staff and volunteers.
There is a common misconception that because donations are free, everything should be sold cheaply. But behind the mysterious back room of every op shop lies an enormous amount of work: sorting, testing, cleaning, recycling, disposing of unusable goods and managing tons of donations every year.
At the same time, the nature of second-hand shopping has changed. Cost-of-living pressures, fast fashion and the rise of reselling have transformed both donations and demand.
Sixteen years ago apps like Depop, Whatnot, Vinted and Facebook Marketplace didn’t exist. Op shop backrooms were overfilled with donations, deceased estates were a-plenty and people didn’t feel a strong need to sell their second-hand clothes.
We can reminisce on the days of op shops past, or find the balance where commerce and community meet.
Because there is an ecosystem inside every op shop that cannot easily be replicated. A sustainable loop built on people’s time, generosity, knowledge and commitment. I remember op shops exists because communities make it possible.
The passion our op shoppers feel towards our stores is something we take pride in. Without you, there is no opportunity.
Celebrating its 8th year, our premium op shop event returns bigger and better than ever! The Chapel Street store has been busy squirrelling away its finest treasures — from high-end designer fashion to unique furniture, art, antiques and collectables.
It’s the calendar event of the year for savvy op shoppers — expect unique and rare finds, incredible bargains and lines out the door as thrift seekers hunt for hidden gems.
Don’t miss it — Saturday 22 November, 10am–6pm.
Well Made, Well Worn is more than just a runway show. Guest speakers will explore the Australian fashion industry and the future of fashion sustainability.
The night features three runway collections inspired by Melbourne’s iconic fashion-forward locations, showcasing the finest Australian designer and vintage pieces discovered in Sacred Heart Mission’s op shops. It’s a homage to Australian fashion—celebrating garments that have endured through quality, design and care.
The fabulous Ginger and Carman will host the evening, which includes a designer panel with Kuwaii (Kristy Barber) and Rolla’s (Andy Paltos), moderated by Olga Pokrovskaya (whatpeoplewear.au), alongside an inspiring talk on sustainability by acclaimed author Clare Press (Wardrobe Crisis).
The event concludes with the chance to shop the runway, as well as browse a curated collection of high-end, vintage and designer fashion and accessories from Australian labels. All proceeds support Sacred Heart Mission’s Women’s Services.
Runway. Conversations. Shopping – Your Melbourne Fashion Week.
Tickets Now Sold Out!
Choose your tickets :
GOLD – Food, drinks, SHM goodie bag, front row seats
SILVER – Drinks & second row seats
BRONZE – Standing room only, drinks purchased at bar.
Event Details:
📅 Date: Friday 24th October 2025
🕙 Time: 6.00PM – 10.00PM
📍 Location: 61 Southwharf Promenade South Wharf, Vic
Over the past months, our team has been busy gathering the finest donations from our generous community. These include exquisite pieces from well-known Australian brands and exclusive European high-end designers, carefully curated to bring you the best in winter fashion. Whether you’re searching for statement coats, elegant knitwear, stylish boots, or unique accessories, you’ll find it all under one roof.
Expect a line of eager shoppers ready to explore a treasure trove of designer clothes, shoes, and accessories — all at prices that make sustainable shopping a joy. This is your chance to refresh your winter wardrobe with luxury fashion finds, all while supporting Sacred Heart Mission.
Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, 14th June
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: 110 Commercial Road, Prahran
We’re Moving – and You’re Invited!
After over a decade of serving the community, our beloved North Fitzroy op shop is relocating – and we’re throwing a party to celebrate! Join us on Saturday 10th May from 10:30am for the Grand Opening of our brand new space at 31-33 Best Street, North Fitzroy – just a stone’s throw from Piedimonte’s and right in the heart of the local buzz.
Our new spot is bigger, brighter, and packed with even more of the op shop treasures you love – plus the same laid-back vibe, great music, and community spirit that’s made us a neighbourhood favourite.
Expect:
✨ Goodie bags for the early birds
🎶 Live tunes and great vibes
🌭 Delicious food and drinks
🖤 A traditional Welcome to Country
🛍️ And of course – a first look at our new thrift haven!
Come celebrate the next chapter with us and score some sweet secondhand finds while you’re at it. See you from 10:30am!
From high-end designer fashion and accessories to antiques and collectibles, the event sees the store packed to the brim with lavish donations.
Keen op shoppers can expect to find labels such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Prada as well as mid-century furniture, lavish homewares as well as original art.
‘This year we have some fabulous furniture up for grabs, I’m so excited to see what customers will purchase’ says Chapel Street Manager, Trish Williams.
Doors open at 10am but line up early!
Join us as we celebrate our Grand Reopening event on Saturday 17th August with a Welcome To Country, PBS FM DJ Richie 1250 playing tunes in-store, goodie bags and drinks and nibbles.
The store expands across two shop floors with a brighter and bigger feel, packed with Sacred Heart Mission’s unique style and a whole lot of goodies!
Mission Mates enjoy a 10% discount on opening day and throughout the month of August.
Doors open at 10am, Welcome to Country at 9.45am
See you there, op shoppers!
As store coordinator at Sacred Heart Mission’s Coburg op shop, I oversee daily operations of the op shop which include visual merchandising, stock processing, community outreach and helping to create an inclusive environment.
What inspired you to work at the Mission?
I have always been an avid customer of Sacred Heart Mission and always admired each store’s individuality and quality products. The values of the organisation also align with mine, so I saw it as an exciting opportunity to join the team and continue to grow as a person.
What’s your top second-hand styling tip?
Layering is my absolute favourite styling tip! Especially when it comes to items that you wouldn’t expect it from, but truth be told, everything can be layered. I love a turtleneck, vest and coat combo, or even a fitted top/corset over a blouse. The possibilities are endless! It’s also a great way to ensure you wear more of your clothes.
If someone was making a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?
This one is easy, Cate Blanchett!
If you were stranded on a desert island what are three things you would bring with you?
I could take the survivalist route here, but instead I’m going to go with 3 things that would hopefully bring enjoyment. I’d take my guitar because music is life and maybe I would finally hone my skills. Next would be an Etch a Sketch so I could write down my thoughts and never run out of ink, and I know I said I wasn’t going to be practical, but I’ll say flint, because as long as you have a fire then living can be sustainable.
What do you love about working in the Coburg store?
So much! I love the people I work with because everyone is so lovely and supportive. I also love the community and its unique vibe. The job itself is also enjoyable as every day is different to the next, which is suited to my personality.
Are you a local? What are the top three things to do around Coburg?
I *used to be a 3058 local, however I now live in Northcote. But I do miss the main strip with its delicious food and friendly locals. I’m also a big fan of Pentridge and the Upfield trail path, the latter I would roller skate along during lockdowns.
What’s the most fulfilling part of your role at the Mission?
Knowing that I’m working for an organisation that does a lot for those needing support.
I’ve worked in retail for years, but I prefer the not-for-profit sector as it gives more back to the community. It’s an honour to be a part of that.
Stop in at our Coburg Op Shop to say hello to Jessie and the team any day of the week, Coburg is open 10:30am – 5:30pm
Sacred Heart Mission is proud to announce their first pop-up op shop stall at the 2023 Midsumma Carnival!
Our 13 op shops are well known for being diverse and inclusive spaces for our op shoppers, with all staff and volunteers’ proud allies to the LGBTIQA+ community.
To celebrate Midsumma 2023, our Hawthorn store is hosting a one-of-a-kind pop-up op shop stall at the carnival on Sunday 22nd January.
The store has been busy putting aside summer designer clothes and accessories, pride coloured outfits as well as vintage and rare finds!
Come and visit us during the festivities of the day and learn more about our op shop community.
Sunday 22 January 11am-5pm
Alexandra Gardens
Melbourne CBD