The Local Guide to Op-Shopping
We’re handing over all of our best secrets. Whether you’re looking for a designer handbag bargain, some vintage glassware for the bar cart or a new dining suite, there’s an op-shop waiting for you!
Published on 14 October 2021
Written by Phoebe Tully
Toowoomba has a great range of second hand op-shops, some full of bargains and others more curated. While people are generally shy about sharing their op-shopping secrets, we’ve decided to spill the beans! Whether you’re looking for a designer handbag bargain, some vintage glassware for the bar cart or a new dining suite, there’s an op-shop waiting for you!
Do note that if, like us, you always feel like op-shopping on a Sunday, you’ll be disappointed. Basically everything on this list is closed on Sundays. Someone please fill that gap in the market!
Orphans & Widows
Orphans & Widows sells clothing, accessories, books and homewares. The store finances child welfare projects at a local and international level, including projects in India, Laos and Kenya. The store is known for its brand name clothes sold at affordable prices, and regularly takes part in the Toowoomba School Formal Donation Project, helping students attend their formals.
28 Russell Street
Open 9.00am – 4.00pm on weekdays, and 8.30am – 1.00pm on Saturdays.
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THE VINTAGE PEAR
Looking for your next vintage artwork or retro, statement piece of furniture? This large vintage store in the CBD stocks an impressive range of antiques and collectibles that will add to your home, or make the perfect gift for a loved one. With everything from crockery to cookie jars, you’ll want to swing by and snap up a piece before it’s gone.
436 Ruthven Street (next to Smoke & Mirrors)
Open 10.00am – 3.00pm on weekdays, and 10.00am – 2.00pm on Saturdays.
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Red Cross
This store is known for its more curated selection of clothing, which is neatly presented and clearly priced. Not the place for an absolute bargain or the thrill of the chase, this store instead wants to offer brand names at a discount and has stock from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, not just local donations. All funds go back into supporting Red Cross programs around Australia.
236 Ruthven Street (opposite Bunnings)
Open 10.00am – 5.00pm on weekdays, 8.00am – 4.00pm on Saturdays, and 10.00am – 3.00pm on Sundays.
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Lifeline Emporium
The Lifeline Emporium is home to the largest collection of vintage clothes locally. The entire bottom floor is filled with clothing, ranging from $1 bargains from Kmart through to vintage furs. The store also sells homewares, bric-a-brac and a large selection of books.
302 Ruthven Street (opposite Milk & Honey)
Open 8.30am – 5.00pm on weekdays, and 8.30am – 2.00pm on Saturdays.
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Vinnies
Vinnies is spread out across two levels, and has a large range of clothing, shoes and accessories on the top floor, and books, homewares and bric-a-brac on the lower level. There are regular deals like $1 for any book, and while prices are starting to rise, there’s still steals to be found.
689 Ruthven Street, South Toowoomba (corner of Long Street)
Open 9.00am – 4.00pm on weekdays, and 8.30am – 12.00pm on Saturdays.
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Collectables
This social enterprise is run by YellowBridge and is full of high-quality homewares at bargain prices. Each purchase goes towards helping locals with disabilities gain employment, access work experience and learn new skills.
7 Russell Street (down from the Sports Club)
Open 9.00am – 3.00pm on weekdays, and 9.00am – 1.00pm on Saturdays.
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Fiveways
If you’re looking for furniture, Fiveways can help with you their huge selection of both new and used goods – everything from dining suites, sofas, white goods, bookshelves, desks and more. Some is vintage, most is second hand, but for sheer range, it’s a must visit.
163 Jellicoe Street (near intersection with Mort and West Streets)
Open 8.30am – 5.00pm on weekdays, and 8.00am – 12.00pm on Saturdays.
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Lifeline Superstore
With over 1000sqm of space, this warehouse is full of homewares, clothes and larger furniture you won’t find in the smaller stores (Editor’s note: I found my dream dining table here!). There’s also an impressive range of original art, and plenty of room in the carpark to manoeuvre for pick-up.
256 Herries Street, Newtown (near Coroneos and Glennie)
Open 9.00am – 4.30pm on weekdays, and 9.00am – 12.30pm on Saturdays.
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The Good Samaritan
Nestled in a city side street, this is the kind of store that is hidden to most but catches your attention and invites you in with its large window display showing off its endless racks of clothing. This is the place to go for womenswear, as well as, randomly, plants – there’s a rack of succulents and flowers waiting for their new home.
2o Bowen Street, City (near The Met)
Open 9.00am – 2.30pm on weekdays, and 9.30am – 11.30am on Saturdays.
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ADRA
This city-centre op-shop sells an impressive range of men and women’s clothing including formal and bridal gowns, as well as children’s outfits, toys and books. They also stock linen and kitchenwares to fill your home.
29 Bell Street (in Bell Street Mall, next to Muller Bros)
Open 9.00am – 3.30pm on weekdays, with a 1.00pm close on Fridays.
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Save the Children
With new stock being donated daily, the Save the Children op-shop can be a treasure trove – from vintage and contemporary clothes to shoes and books, vinyl records and designer knick knacks.
492 Ruthven Street (opposite The Finch)
Open 9.00am – 4.00pm on weekdays, and 9.00am – 2.00pm on Saturdays.
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salvos family store
This op-shop is full of everything from small homewares through to racks upon racks of clothing. All profits go directly back into the local community (as opposed to going to a national headquarters) and funds vital Salvation Army services and activities.
20 Prescott Street (near the PCYC)
Open 9.00am – 4.00pm on weekdays, and 9.00am – 3.00pm on Saturdays.
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Drug ARM Quality Second Hand Shop
Drug ARM helps people, families and communities impacted by alcohol and other drugs to achieve positive transformations. Their two local op-shops are the place to bag a bargain and help with recovery. You’ll find clothing, toys, books, bridal, movies, memorabilia and more.
138 South Street, Centenary Heights and Cnr James & Pechey Streets, Toowoomba South
Open 9.00am – 4.00pm on weekdays only.
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RSPCA Op Shop
This stores combines an op-shop with – wait for it – the cat adoption centre. Talk about a one-stop shop! The RSPCA op-shops raise 20% of the charity’s income, and this particular store is full of everything from clothes to bric-a-brac.
900 Ruthven Street (near The Good Guys)
Open 9.00am – 4.00pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and 10.00am – 2.00pm on Sundays.
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Did we miss somewhere? Let us know your favourites, and we’ll be sure to include them in the update!
