Best Op Shop in Queensland!

I’ve long said that the Salvos Store in Cleveland is the best op shop in the Redlands but now it has been officially named the best op shop in Queensland!

And I’ll let you in on a little secret: *I* was the little black duck, that nominated the store in the first place.

So just quietly, I am rather chuffed that they went on to win the state award all from one little email I sent in about six months ago!

I have a long history with the Salvos Store in Cleveland.

I first got in to op shopping when our kids were small and we only had the one income. Not only did I buy things for my kids, but I would also pick up other children’s clothing items from big name labels like OshKosh, Pumpkin Patch, even Burberry – and then sell them on Ebay for a tidy little profit.

There have been times when I have come home with bags of goodies, and still had change from $50 or even $20. I would sheepishly show the hubster the results of my little shopping sprees – isn’t it funny how we feel splurgy for spending 20 bucks at the Op Shop, when you’d be lucky to bring home one thing new! As the hubster always said (usually with a big hug) – “How can I begrudge you having a shopping spree at the op shop!”

About six years ago we moved practically around the corner from my favourite op shop. I still remember feeling bored and terribly housebound after some surgery a few years back, so I went for a “little” walk – to the Salvos Store Cleveland. Needless to say it wasn’t as close as I thought it was 😉 !

When Miss 18 was still in high school, she even did some volunteer work there, to gain some valuable work experience.

Over the years I’ve found some amazing bargains at what is now officially known as the best op shop in Queensland – here are some of the more memorable finds:

• As-new, black leather knee high boots from Joanne Mercer for $10 (expect to pay $250-$300 new);
• Our queen size sleigh bed frame ($80);
• Beautiful frock from the “Timeless by Vannessa Tong” label (which I am wore to a high tea earlier this week!), for just $3.50;
• Gorgeous black velvet jacket with furry collar;
• Sussan chambray tunic for $4 (expect to pay $70 new);
• A beautiful retro/vintage style dress (which no doubt will come out to play later this month for #Frocktober2015);
• Plenty of scarves;
• Jewellery;
• A hat for a Melbourne cup event;
• Jigsaws;
• Books;
• Suitcases (which we took on our recent Europe trip);
• Whipper snipper;
• Stereos;
• Heaps of CDs;
• Lamps (in case you couldn’t tell, the hubster added the last three or four to the list!); and,
• Plenty of ornaments to add to my collections of tiny cat and teddy figurines.

And, I don’t know how I’d be managing #Frocktober2015 without them!

So as you can see, the Salvos Store at Cleveland and I go waaaaay back 😉 .

The shop is constantly evolving and improving – love the window displays, the way clothes are arranged in sizes, the upcycling ideas, and the fascinating little vignettes of interesting bits and pieces, dotted throughout the store.

I also love that the prices are reasonable. Many op shops these days charge the same as what you’d pay for new, which is a tad disappointing.

Congratulations to Narelle and the crew on such a great, and well-deserved, win.

Go on, share a secret – what is your favourite op shop? Do you know another that you think should have been named best op shop in Queensland – or even Australia?!