Op Shop FAQs: Hours, Donations, Australia Day and What to Donate (2026)

What does op shop mean in Australia? It is short for “opportunity shop”, a charity retail store that sells donated goods to fund community programs. Australians also say thrift store or charity shop; “op shop” is the everyday term in every state.

Browse op shops by suburb for live opening hours, or read what is an op shop for a full introduction.

Are op shops open on Australia Day?

Public holiday hours vary by chain and store manager. Large Salvos and Vinnies stores in capital cities often open reduced hours on Australia Day (26 January); smaller church-run shops commonly close. Always check the listing in our directory or call the store the day before. Regional towns may stay open if volunteers are available.

Are op shops open on Sundays?

Many suburban Salvos, Vinnies and Savers stores now open Sunday mornings or afternoons. Country op shops and specialist furniture charity warehouses may stay closed. Sunday is one of the busiest shopping days, so expect shorter volunteer shifts and earlier closing times (often 3–4 pm).

Are op shops open today or tomorrow?

Hours change without notice when staff are unwell or stock is full. Use our suburb pages for the latest published hours, then phone ahead for same-day confirmation. Google Maps hours are helpful but not always updated for small charity shops.

Can you donate bras to op shops?

Many op shops accept clean, wearable bras in good elastic. Some send surplus to overseas aid programs; others sell them locally. Bras with broken underwire or heavy staining are usually declined. Bag them separately and label “bras” so volunteers can sort quickly. See what to donate to op shops for a full checklist.

Can you donate electronics?

Most op shops accept small working electronics (toasters, kettles, lamps) if they can test them. TVs, computers, printers and large whitegoods are often refused because of disposal costs and safety rules. See can I donate electronics to op shops for e-waste alternatives.

UK visitors: charity shop vs thrift store

British visitors sometimes search “charity shop” or “British slang for charity shop”. In Australia the same concept is an op shop. Thrift store is understood but less common in signage. There is no separate Australian slang beyond “op shop” and “oppo” in casual speech.

Does the UK have thrift stores?

Yes. British charity shops (Oxfam, British Heart Foundation, etc.) operate like Australian op shops. If you are comparing systems while travelling, donation quality rules are similar: clean, complete and safe to resell.

Holiday and public holiday hours

Easter, Christmas and Anzac Day often follow Sunday-style hours even when the public holiday falls mid-week. Savers and large charity chains publish holiday hours on their websites; independent shops may post a handwritten note on the door. If you are donating on a holiday, call first because some stores stop accepting drop-offs early to manage volunteer capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I never donate?

Stained mattresses, broken furniture, opened toiletries and hazardous goods. Charity shops pay landfill fees for junk donations.

Do op shops wash clothes before selling?

Policies vary. Many ask donors to launder items first. Staff may reject damp or smoky clothing on the spot.

How do I find op shops open near me right now?

Filter by your state and suburb in our directory, then call stores within driving distance for today’s hours.

By Op Shops Hub Team. About our directory · Find op shops

Quick reference: common donor questions

• Do op shops accept pillows? Usually yes if clean; foam pillows may be rejected.
• Can I get a donation receipt? Many charities issue receipts for tax purposes on request; ask at the counter.
• Are prices negotiable? Generally no, except some furniture warehouses run discount days.
• Do op shops sell online? Some Salvos and Vinnies hubs list selected items online; most sales are in-store only.