Latest news with #opshop
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Australan Antiques Roadshow guest gasps as she learns the staggering value of a vase she purchased for $30 at an opshop
An Antiques Roadshow guest was blown away after learning a vase she purchased for $30 at an opshop was worth a huge sum of money. The Antiques Roadshow sees members of the public bring their treasured items to be valued by a team of experts. During a recent episode of the show streaming on 9Now, a Sydney woman brought a unique vase featuring painted Highland cattle. 'I found it actually in an opportunity shop,' she said. Waiting to value his items was John Sandon, along with a crowd of spectators gathered around him. 'Collectors go mad for these.' The vase turned out to be from famed ceramics artist Harry Stinton, and a code on the bottom confirmed it was made in 1958. 'Harry was a grand old man by that stage. He was already into his 90s then and still painting, still doing the scenes,' he said. 'His eyesight had gone a bit so his later work is a little bit impressionist, he couldn't see them so well. I think that's some of his nicest work.' Antiques expert laughs in disbelief as guest reveals she paid just $30 for two valuable vases Mr Sandonmentioned that the vases typically came as a set of two. The guest confirmed owning both, though one had a small chip at the top and wasn't as well-preserved. 'Two of them for $30? It shouldn't be allowed, oh dear,' John laughed. 'These are seriously expensive now. 'A pair with one chip, they're going to be $7000 to $8000,' he confirmed. The Aussie woman was left stunned. 'Ohhh far out,' she reacted, putting her face in her hand in shock. Mr Stinton, born in 1883, overcame a difficult childhood marked by frequent illnesses and long hospital stays. Despite these early challenges, he went on to become one of the most celebrated ceramic artists of the 20th century. Mr Stinton earned numerous awards for his work, which often depicted pastoral scenes featuring sheep, gamebirds, and sweeping landscapes, according to Roundabout Antiques. However, he became especially renowned for his paintings of Highland cattle. He spent 67 years working at the Royal Worcester factory, retiring in 1963. Even in his later years, as his eyesight began to fail, he continued to paint - producing more impressionistic pieces that many consider among his finest. Mr Stinton passed away in 1968, leaving behind a legacy of artistry that remains highly prized by collectors today.
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Casey thought she had scored a bargain at an op-shop... but her argument with a staff member over the real price has exposed a huge issue across Australia
A frustrated shopper has lashed a Salvation Army store after she was charged nearly 10 times more than what she was expecting to pay for a second-hand notepad. Casey said she entered the op-shop and found the floral note-pad apparently labelled as 50c. But when she went to pay, she was told the price was actually $4.50. 'So I walk up to the charity shop counter with this and my 50c already in hand. Pop it down, hand the lady my 50c. She goes, "Oh no, that's $4.50",' she said in a TikTok. 'I said, "Oh, I thought it said 50 cents", and as I'm digging through my wallet, trying to grab the other coins – because I'm not going to argue with the charity shop – she goes, "I'm not going to argue with you. If you think it says 50 cents, then whatever".' Casey said it looked like the label featured a semi-colon followed by the number 50. 'I need to make sure I'm not going insane,' she said in the clip. 'Guys, does this say 50c or $4.50?' Casey said the problem went far beyond the overpriced notepad, and that second-hand items in op-shops were now 'exorbitant'. She ended the video by noting she had paid the additional $4 for the item. 'You're an elderly volunteer at a Salvation Army, and it is Tuesday. I didn't come here to be gas-lit,' Casey said. 'I'm thinking, s*** - is this b***h actually married to Saint Vincent de Paul himself? Like you're licking his boot, babe.' 'It's like (what) the f***? Price it up properly then. 'What if I was someone who was actually struggling, on my last 50 cents, and you treated me like that at a charity shop?' Dozens of Aussies admitted they were also being priced out of op-shops. 'With rising prices, you think op shops would've stayed cheap for that very reason so people that can't afford stuff can actually still buy stuff,' one person said. 'Is it even possible to find things that cheap in op-shops anymore?' another wrote. 'I refuse to shop in op-shops now,' a third commented. 'I'm low income with four kids, I was raised on op-shop clothes myself – my mum could dress six kids on a $12 fill-a-bag – and I actually loved the hunt, but I can't afford to shop there anymore. 'It's either Kmart or Shein or Facebook as it's cheaper. (Op-shops) aren't targeted towards struggling people anymore which is sad.' 'I love when you go to op shops and they have Anko shirts - shirts that you buy at Kmart for around $7 - for sale for $10 plus,' another said. However, one viewer credited the stores in more regional areas. 'I live in an undesirable low income rural town and the op shop ladies are the best. They constantly discount already cheap stuff and give out freebies,' they wrote.
RNZ News
26-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- RNZ News
The Nelson students behind a ballwear pop-up shop
The school ball season - with hair, make-up, shoes, accessories and of course the outfit for the occasion - it can be an expensive time. However a group of school students in the Nelson region have come up with a way to ease the financial load and make ball attire more sustainable. They have opened up a 'pop up' ball wear op-shop. For three weeks, they are taking over a vacant shop in Trafalgar Street in Nelson. Two of the students, Ryan Thelin, a student at Nelson College and Macey Harper from Nelson College for Girls join Kathryn Ryan. The pop-up shop in Nelson is selling second hand ball wear Photo: Sarah Wilson
Daily Mail
09-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Shock discovery at Vinnies sparks outrage: 'I am blown away'
Aussies have been left outraged after a shopper complained about the insane price for a basket at an op-shop. Queensland op-shopper Jennifer Zervas found the simple carry basket at a north Brisbane Vinnies with an asking price of $60. She took to TikTok to share her disappointment upon finding the item. '$60 for what? Oh my God, man, are you actually serious?' she asked. 'I just am blown away.' Many Australians said the basket was a sign second hand stores were no longer what they once were. 'All the Australian charity shops are rip offs now,' one wrote. 'Thrift shops are meant to promote reusing unwanted items, and try and steer away from fast fashion and waste,' another said. 'It's meant to be a non-profit thing. It's so upsetting to see this.' 'I'm officially too poor for the op-shop,' a third said. 'Vinnies lost my respect about 11 years ago, they upped the price at the only local store my family could afford clothes at ... Scamming a***holes,' another said. Others agreed shops operated by registered charities, like Vinnies, were no longer useful for those who needed them most. 'It's criminal. the government needs to crack down on this corruption from thrift stores. the have lost the message, which is to help the poor,' one wrote. 'How is a $60 basket helping the unfortunate? They could buy that but better for $10 elsewhere,' another said. 'Op shops have forgotten that their actual role in giving back to community is making clothing and second hand goods accessible and affordable to the community, not raising money for their other 'community initiatives',' a third added. Others said they had seen cheap goods marked up past their original price at op-shops. Many claimed they had seen Kmart and Target home-brand clothes on sale for more than double their original prices. 'I'll never forget donating my clothes and finding one of my dresses there selling for double what I originally paid for it new,' a woman claimed. But others said 'scalpers' had ruined the stores for everybody. They claimed people looking for fashionable and branded items in the stores to resell at used clothes markets and online had led to stores 'following suit'. 'Blame the people who started upselling everything they could get their grubby, (little) mitts on, why wouldn't the original shop just follow suit,' one wrote. 'Especially if it's meant to be for charity this way they get the same (money) as scalpers.' 'Scalpers and well off people have ruined (it) by taking advantage of op shops,' another said.
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Vinnies surprises Aussies with major announcement that's set to change the way you shop forever
One of Australia's favourite op shops has finally launched a digital store, offering 30,000 pre-loved fashion pieces - ranging from designer labels to popular high-street brands. Vinnies has taken thrift shopping to a whole new level with its new platform, aptly named Vinnies Finds, making sustainable, affordable style more accessible than ever. Every donated item has been carefully curated by a team of 25 staff and volunteers at Vinnies' warehouse in Sydney 's inner west, with shipping available nationwide. With new men's and women's clothes, shoes and accessories dropping daily, shoppers can grab bargains on their favourite brands - including Burberry, Kate Spade, Christian Dior, Chanel, Zimmermann, New Balance and Nike and more. With growing demand for second-hand shopping and vintage clothing - along with the rise of the thrifting trend on social media - it's no surprise that op shops have seen a huge spike in popularity in recent years. And now, after more than 100 years of running brick-and-mortar shops, Vinnies is expanding its internet presence with its first-ever online store, offering tens of thousands of donated items, including pre-loved treasures and unique pieces. 'As shopping habits evolve in the digital age, our move online ensures Vinnies remains relevant and accessible. Today's consumers are seeking convenience, sustainability, and style, all in one click,' Vinnies NSW CEO Yolanda Saiz told FEMAIL. 'Going digital allows us to reach a wider crowd and keep up with the growing demand for eco-friendly options, all while giving pre-loved clothes a second life.' Avid thrift enthusiasts can shop by category, brand, curated collection, price, or by using specific search terms, making it easy to browse and purchase second-hand menswear, womenswear, shoes, accessories, and jewellery. 'New items are uploaded daily, ensuring a constantly refreshed product offering. Items will be rotated seasonally so at the moment you will see a lot of Autumn and Winter wear, but you can also shop now if you want to get summer clothes for your Euro Summer trip,' Ms Saiz said. 'Shoppers can expect a carefully curated range of fashion that includes everything from everyday essentials to high-end designer pieces. You'll find well-known names alongside one-of-a-kind treasures you won't see anywhere else. 'Prices are designed to focus on quality and affordability, reflecting Vinnies' commitment to accessible fashion for all. 'Whether you're hunting for a statement dress, designer shoes, or a timeless vintage jacket, there's something for every budget.' Not only will shoppers find great deals, but they will also be supporting a worthy cause with every purchase. 'Vinnies Finds combines the treasure-hunt experience of thrifting with the convenience of shopping online, all while supporting the work of Vinnies in communities across NSW,' Ms Saiz said. 'It's an affordable way to enjoy fashion while supporting sustainability and giving back to the community.' The online inventory is managed at the Vinnies Finds warehouse in Stanmore, where a dedicated team - many of whom are fashion students or sustainability enthusiasts - pick and pack orders from Monday to Friday. Shoppers are welcome to donate their pre-loved clothes to Vinnies for inclusion in the digital store, Vinnies Finds. 'The process is straightforward and ensures that only quality items make it online,' Ms Saiz explained. 'To donate, simply drop off your clean, gently used clothing and accessories at any Vinnies shop during business hours. A helpful rule of thumb is: if you'd give it to a mate, it's good to donate. 'Once your items are donated, each item is carefully sorted and assessed for quality. Suitable items are prepared for sale in our shops and online store. This includes photographing and cataloguing items for Vinnies Finds. 'By donating to Vinnies, you're not only giving your pre-loved items a new life but also supporting a sustainable and circular economy, all while helping those in need.' The proceeds from these sales directly fund Vinnies' programs and services, supporting thousands of vulnerable individuals and families across NSW each year. 'What's exciting about launching Vinnies Finds is how it brings together purpose and convenience. It's not just about shopping, it's about making second-hand fashion easier to access, giving clothes a second life, and supporting local communities at the same time,' she said. 'It's also a big move toward a more sustainable future. By making it easier to buy pre- loved items, Vinnies is helping to reduce textile waste and support a circular economy. 'And while shoppers find great pieces online, they're also helping fund essential services like crisis accommodation, food support, and help for families doing it tough.'
