From Caloundra to Noosa, the Sunshine Coast’s op shops are no longer just places to simply rummage for a second-hand bargain. Rather, they have become spaces for people to meet, a treasure trove of connection, and most importantly, lifelines that help fund everything from palliative care to cancer support programs throughout the region.
Of course, any op-shopper worth their salt, also knows there is an art to unearthing the perfect op-shop trail – each location has its own unique personality.
In Caloundra, there is a sense of ‘retro-ness’ that draws in the loyal treasure hunters searching for vintage glassware, old-school furniture and quirky homewares, while further north, Aerodrome Road at Maroochydore has almost become its own unofficial op-shop strip, with multiple charity stores within walking distance. Then there is Noosa, where seasoned shoppers whisper about designer finds hidden among the racks (it’s true too, according to those in the know).
For Op Shop Hopper founder Josie Watts, the thrill lies in more than the bargain itself.
“I’m a mega op shopper,” she laughs.
What started as a personal love of op shopping has evolved into a business with Josie taking groups across the Coast on dedicated op-shop bus tours, stopping at charity stores from Pomona to Caloundra.
“It all started with the bus,” she tells salt. “I saw it on Facebook and said, ‘Oh, that would be a great bus’. I had to have it.
“My partner said, ‘But what are you going to do with that?’, and I said, ‘I’m going to hop from op shop to op shop’.”
Josie launched the business late last year after returning to the Sunshine Coast after almost a decade overseas teaching at international schools in places including Norway, Japan and Moscow.
On their return, Josie and her partner took a sabbatical, which meant living on a budget.
As a result, second-hand shopping quickly became part of their daily life. It was during that time that she learnt all of her op-shopping secrets.
“The Op Shop Hopper was an original idea. I realised there didn’t seem to be anyone who was doing this,” Josie tells salt.
“There are so many great charities here on the Sunshine Coast and it’s a great way to shop.
“I get these groups together in the bus. The chatter it creates, the camaraderie of treasure finds. You hear these people laughing, men and women, it is classic.”
Josie believes cost-of-living pressures are driving more people through op-shop doors, but so too is a growing interest in homes and wardrobes filled with “personality”.
“Op shopping has become more of a trend because of the pressure of income at the moment and making ends meet,” she says.
“It is also a funky way to make your home personal with old treasures that you just spot.
“The people working in the op shops do a fantastic job of displaying and creating spaces that you can replicate at home. It’s not just about clothes, it’s about making your home your home.”
Josie says many shoppers do not realise how much their purchases support local people in need. These stores really are a hub of community spirit, she says.
“Some of the smaller op shops are injecting the fundraising right back into that same community that they are based in.
“Waves of Kindness, for example, supports local kids in school and survivors of DV in the community. Making Lives Matter is helping homeless people within that particular area of Noosa and surrounds.
“Charities have pinpointed what they need in their own community and are helping out, as well as helping the average Joe to buy a bargain.
“It’s an important message – op shops really are helping so many members of the community.”
This same community focus can be found among the shelves and aisles of Currimundi’s Beautiful You Funky Op Shop, where funds raised help support women living with cancer.
Founded in 1999 by Debbie Clayton after losing her mother to breast cancer, the organisation now provides practical and emotional support ranging from wig and prosthetic fittings to house-cleaning assistance for women undergoing treatment.
The charity also hosts ‘Look Beautiful, Feel Beautiful’ mornings, where women can access skincare treatments, massages, makeovers and support.
Unsold store stock is also passed on to other local causes, including toiletries and make-up packages for The Little Pantry at Wurtulla and blankets for Sippy Creek Animal Refuge.
“We do what we can to help everybody,” says team leader Pam Hollis.
She says around 600 to 700 people browse and shop at the Currimundi store each week, all greeted by the volunteers who help keep the charity’s doors open.
“Volunteers are like gold to us,” Pam says.
“We have about 20 volunteers on the books. Everyone except the team leader is a volunteer.
“They do everything from sorting the donations to cleaning the shelves, putting things away. We couldn’t operate without the volunteers.”
In addition to the charitable aspects and friendly service, Pam says the store’s thoughtful layout keeps shoppers returning each and every week.
“We take a lot of pride in the way the shop is set up. We make it easy for people to find exactly what they are after,” she says.
“Everything is priced, sized and colour coordinated.
“We also have the café here as well. The little coffee shop where we sell tea, coffee, biscuits, scones. People come in and have a seat. The hubbies sit and have a coffee and the wives have a shop.”
On the particular morning when I visit the store, the racks are overflowing with well-known brands in all shapes and sizes. I was lucky enough to leave with an on-trend leopard-print tank top and a black Cue dress perfect for the office – as well as a smile, thanks to the friendly faces behind the counter.
Like at most of the op shops across the region, you’ll also find a collection of jewellery, books, homewares and kitchenware.
Pam says the community donations are invaluable. “The majority of the public is fantastic in what they donate to us. We do have some who use it as a dumping ground. They don’t realise we still have tipping fees. We have to pay to get rid of the stuff they dump. But the majority of people are great and generous.
“One thing that was really nice was that we had a phone call, and a couple had left us items in their will,” she adds.
“They passed away within a couple of weeks of each other and had no family. They left us their wedding rings, many beautiful things.”
Similar charities, such as Bloomhill, Mingary Care, Neighbours Aid and Katie Rose Cottage Hospice, continue using op-shop sales to support locals facing some of life’s toughest moments.
Bloomhill operates nine op shops across the Sunshine Coast, with proceeds helping fund cancer support services through its wellness centre, while Katie Rose Cottage Hospice’s Maroochydore and Cooroy stores continue raising funds for palliative care services, following the closure of its Tewantin outlet earlier this year amid ongoing financial pressures.
Katie Rose’s chair Les Godwin says the need for donations has never been more vital.
Even with hospice services currently paused, the op shops continue to raise funds to help cover ongoing costs, including maintenance and insurance for the Doonan hospice facility. Discussions also continue around potential pathways to reopen services in the future.
“Everything that Katie Rose spends on its facilities and care is all donated, either cash or goods, with a little funding from the state government,” Les says. Income from the op shops and the hours dedicated by a team of volunteers play a huge role, as do the customers.
For shoppers, the joy is two-fold – knowing they are helping a charity but also enjoying the hunt itself.
“Op shops generally are a bed of social integration, people get together and say, ‘let’s go to the op shops’,” Les says. “Generally, it is a real community thing, a social outing, while helping a charity.”
As for useful op-shopping tips, Funky You’s Pam shares one simple rule:
“If you see it, buy it.”
Josie’s top op-shop tips
- Go in with a mission. You might be shopping for an event, a corner of the house or a particular style, but stay open-minded about what you find.
- Think beyond clothing. Some of the Coast’s best finds are vintage furniture pieces, artwork, lamps and quirky homewares.
- Always bring a shopping bag. Chances are, you will leave with more than you planned.
- Walk through the entire store. Many shoppers miss hidden corners filled with books, kids’ sections, furniture and collectibles.
- Remember every purchase supports a charity or community cause.