According to an article in Thusdays "Age" there is an "evolution in op-shoppery" The op-shop industry has become more business-savvy to cater for it's growing customer base. I knew the days of splendiferous bargains were practically over, but this was demonstrated only too clearly when Lily and I hit all the oppys in a 8 km radius of my Mums in Melbourne's eastern suburbs. Ouch! Op-shopping is not for those on a budget anymore.
I did find some supplies, a selection of forties knitting books,
...and we rescued this guy on the half price table!
The niceness of this Spring weather has given everyone a chance to bare some shoulders and dig out the summery dresses. I had some jasmine from our garden in my hair yesterday..... the aroma was sooo intense I felt all giddy. It felt like a head rush of smelly sweetness.
I did find some supplies, a selection of forties knitting books,
...and we rescued this guy on the half price table!
I blogged about just this this week. I am torn between knowing the money does do "good work" and feeling like a tight arse and the thrill of the hunt being kinda lost in the final peek at the price tag. I am starting to look at op shop tags with the same sense of trepidation I do with boutique items. Do you reckon we should start a petition? I still do have some "bargain basement" op shops and reckon they'll do better now than they ever have. That's my prediction.
ReplyDeleteOh I know what you mean, I had an argument with a woman at an op shop in Nunawading who was charging $40 for a few tins, SO OVER PRICED and I asked why they were so high and she said "because they are RETRO". Damnit, even the Nannas are now cashing in on fashion.
ReplyDeleteStill some bargains to be had in the hills where the Op Shops are not as pilfered as the city ones. Our local one in Emerald is attached to a church and yep, it's a 50 cent wonderland.
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ReplyDeleteWhat makes me wonder is this...does all this extra "profit" actually make it to the charity, or do those at "Head office" and the extra people employed to value and colour cordinate the goods take more of a percentage.Just go back to the old system please!!!!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean...some prices are just way over the top.
ReplyDeleteI find the Salvos to be the most expensive in my area, Vinnies are still reasonable.
When I was a student I always thought charity shops had a duty to be cheap so I could clothe myself! Of course they have more pressing objectives! But really - in England, with the recent controvesial influx of budget imported clothes in our supermarkets, it's possible to see an item at a higher price than it's original retail price! Hmmm. Still have my favourites though. The one's where the little old ladies do the pricing and look down their noses when I present my purchases at the counter. I just know they think I've bought a load of old tat - and maybe I have, but I don't mind as long as I get to pay old tat prices! t.x
ReplyDeleteI blogged about this not too long ago, too. It breaks my heart! I agree with curlypops - the Salvos are the most expensive around here, too. Vinnies and Endeavour are generlly cheaper. I find it astounding that you can pay more for clothes in op shops than you can new on sale in K mart or target!!
ReplyDeleteOur jasmine is still on the way and our Salvos are by far the most expensive in town!
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