The Best Op Shops in Brisbane for Thrifty Threads

If your last stroll around a shopping centre left you feeling uninspired, it might be time to take the eco-friendly approach.

Brisbane’s vintage and second-hand shopping scene is burgeoning, with more op shops, fashion markets and curated vintage stores than ever before. 

West End, Paddington and Stones Corner are known hubs for top-quality op shops, but if you’ve frequented these and are hunting for something more, we’ve got you covered.

Start making plans for your weekend thrifting with our guide to the best op shops in Brisbane. 

Lifeline Shop North Lakes

This is one op shop you might have spotted on your TikTok scrolls. We made the trek to North Lakes to see if it lived up to the hype, and it was worth it just for the store layout. Perhaps the most impressive, the cab of an old truck, complete with working headlamps.

Set within a roomy warehouse, this Lifeline is home to some fairy tale-style, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, stacked with tomes and decorations that add a touch of whimsy. There’s an armchair or two to rest on as you thumb through your stack of new finds. 

Browse through ample racks of clothing for all genders and ages, and you’ll find homewares, knick-knacks, furniture and decor a-plenty. 

1B/109 Flinders Parade, North Lakes

(Image credit: Lexie Mamo)

Local OPY

Most Brisbane fashion lovers are well acquainted with SWOP, but did you know the team also runs their own op shop? 

Local Opy donates 100% of its profits to a whole host of different charities, with the charity of the moment advertised in-store and on their socials, so you know where your money is going. The prices are fixed at true op-shop prices, and you’re likely to find some seriously cool scores on the racks here. 

Clothes that don’t make it through the SWOP trade-in can be donated straight to Opy, so the donations usually fit the eclectic and fashion-forward vibe that the SWOP shopper knows and loves.

Shop 5, 162 Boundary Street, West End

Do-Op Shop

More than just a thrift store, Do-Op Shop is a community hub that focuses on people, not profits. This registered charity op shop bears no religious affiliations, is inclusive and supports local projects directly, with the profits made from in-store sales. 

Growing quickly and expanding to three locations, Do-Op has also been featured as part of the Brisbane Fashion Festival, thanks to their commitment to sustainability, upcycling and preloved fashion.

The Annerley location hosts workshops, too, so be sure to check out what’s on to see how you can get crafty at your local thrift store.

Multiple locations

Yesterday’s Thrift Shop

Paddington is known to be one of the best suburbs in town for op shopping, and for good reason. There’s plenty of quality vintage to be found in this part of town, and Yesterday’s Thrift Shop might just be the place!

Housed in an old worker's cottage, this charming Brisbane op shop is full of affordable fashion and retro goodies, ranging from formal wear, swimwear, games, shoes, jewellery and more.

If you’re looking to add some decor or homewares to your abode, you’ll find crockery, glassware and kitchen items galore in one of the multiple rooms in this delightful shop.

39 Nash Street, Paddington

St Veronica's Thrift Shop 

If you’ve not heard of the St Veronica Welfare Committee before, let us quickly fill you in. Founded over 60 years ago by Mrs Eileen Bennett in West End, the committee sought to raise money to support refugees. Mrs Bennett chose St Veronica as a symbol of the charity and compassion she wished to deliver in her work. 

After her passing in November 2013, the Committee persevered in their mission to improve living conditions for impoverished children, and this op shop helps them to achieve that.

So if this cause is one that pulls at your heartstrings, this might just be the best op shop in Brisbane for you to visit on your next thrifting excursion.

89 Hardgrave Road, West End

Salvos Red Hill

If you’re operating under a “the bigger, the better” mindset on your op shop approach, let us introduce you to the Salvos at Red Hill. Easily one of the largest op shops around town, this big tin shed full of treasure is a must-visit on your weekend crawl of the best op shops in Brisbane. 

This Salvos is full to the brim of preloved fashion, books and accessories, and you’ll also find furniture and bicycles in the second building. Despite the volume and size, everything here is orderly and under control, so shopping here is a breeze. 

80 Glenrosa Road, Red Hill

Lifeline Windsor

After relocating from Newmarket Road to Lutwyche Road, locals were relieved to see that this suburb's Lifeline Superstore retained some of its size.

This two-level op shop in Brisbane is loaded with furniture, homewares and glassware on the bottom level, and often some funky games and appliances, too. 

On the top floor, you’ll find endless racks of clothes of all styles and sizes and a dedicated vintage revival section with some iconic looks for you to try. There’s usually a hefty sci-fi and YA book section to pore over, to find yourself something new to read.

100 Lutwyche Road, Windsor

When you’re planning your trip to visit the best op shops in Brisbane, be sure to add some of the top vintage shopping spots to your itinerary, too! Thankfully, we’re spoiled for good shopping destinations in Brissie, so there are plenty of places to find a unique new look.