What Are Op Shops Called in Australia? (2026)

In Australia, charity-run second-hand stores are almost always called op shops. The name is standard across the country. You will see it on shopfronts, in conversation, and on signs for chains like Vinnies, Salvos, and Sacred Heart Mission.

Other terms are used less often. “Charity shop” is understood but sounds British. “Thrift store” is sometimes used for commercial second-hand stores that are not run by charities. “Opportunity shop” is the full form of “op shop” and appears in some older or formal writing. For the full meaning of the term, see our guide on why it is called an op shop.

Op shop is the standard Australian term

When Australians talk about buying second-hand clothes or homewares from a charity, they say “op shop.” The word is an abbreviation of “opportunity shop.” It has been in use for decades and is the term most people expect when you mean a charity-run second-hand store.

If you are new to shopping at these stores, our what is an op shop guide explains how they work and what you can find there.

Other names you might hear in Australia

You might also hear or see:

• Opportunity shop – the full name; less common in everyday speech.
• Charity shop – understood but more common in British English.
• Thrift store – often used for non-charity second-hand shops, or by people who are used to American English.

Chain names such as “Vinnies” (St Vincent de Paul), “Salvos” (Salvation Army), or “Red Cross Shop” refer to specific organisations; the stores they run are still op shops. For a round-up of major chains, see our list of top-rated op shop chains in Australia.

Summary

In Australia, op shop is the usual name for a charity-run second-hand store. Other terms exist, but if you say “op shop,” you will be understood everywhere.