The History of Op Shops in Australia (2026)
Op shops in Australia began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when charities like the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul sold donated goods to fund poverty relief. The name “opportunity shop” spread from the 1920s, giving struggling families a chance to buy essentials cheaply while charities raised money without asking for cash.
Today Vinnies, Salvos, and Lifeline run thousands of stores nationwide. The core mission unchanged: turn donations into community support.
The origins of charity shops in Australia
The first charity resale outlets appeared before the modern op shop label. Organisations including Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul collected clothing and furniture for people in poverty, then opened shops to sell surplus donations.
Melbourne is often cited as home to one of the earliest formal “opportunity shops” in the 1920s. Early stores were small, volunteer-run, and focused on affordable essentials.
For why Australians say “op shop”, see why it is called an op shop.
Op shops during the world wars
During the First and Second World Wars, second-hand shopping became a necessity. Resources were scarce and household budgets tight.
Charities used shop profits for war relief, soldier support, and family assistance. The number of stores grew and buying pre-loved goods became normal, not shameful.
Post-war growth to modern chains
After the 1940s, op shops expanded with suburban growth. The 1970s and 1980s brought larger stores and more varied stock.
From the 2000s, op shopping became a hobby for vintage hunters as well as a budget option. Warehouse Salvos stores and boutique Vinnies branches reflect that split audience.
Timeline at a glance
| Period | What changed | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Late 1800s–1920s | Charity sales of donated goods | Church and relief organisation stalls |
| 1920s–1940s | “Opportunity shop” naming spreads | Melbourne early formal op shops |
| WWI & WWII | More stores; normalised second-hand buying | War relief fundraising |
| 1950s–1980s | Suburban expansion | Vinnies and Salvos on high streets |
| 1990s–today | Chains, warehouses, online sales | Salvos Super Stores, charity eBay |
Op shops today
Modern op shops divert large volumes of textiles from landfill and fund homelessness services, disaster relief, and counselling. Where the money goes: where the money from op shops goes.
Sustainability angle: sustainable fashion and op shopping.
Want to join the tradition? Volunteer at an op shop.
Op shops in modern Australia
Today op shops fund crisis housing, flood recovery, and mental health lines (Lifeline). They also employ people through social enterprises like Good Sammy in WA.
Online listings and boutique formats are the latest chapter; the core model from the 1920s unchanged: donated goods become community funding.
Milestones in Australian op shop history
Salvation Army thrift operations expanded nationally after World War I as communities donated goods to support returned servicemen and families in hardship. St Vincent de Paul “Vinnies” shops grew through parish networks from the 1920s, giving the “opportunity shop” name everyday use by mid-century.
Lifeline shops tied retail to crisis support from the 1960s. Good Sammy in WA pioneered disability employment through op shop work. Today, major chains operate hundreds of sites; every purchase still follows the same loop: donate, sort, sell, fund programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did op shops start in Australia?
Charity resale dates to the late 1800s. The “opportunity shop” name and format became common from the 1920s.
Which charity opened the first op shop?
Multiple charities developed similar models. Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul were among the earliest national operators.
Did Australians always call them op shops?
“Opportunity shop” came first; “op shop” followed as everyday shorthand. See what they are called in Australia.
How many op shops are there in Australia today?
Exact counts change as stores open and close. Major chains operate hundreds of locations combined. Use our directory to find stores near you.
