SALVAGE THE SALVOS

i had a fun half hour in the local Salvos today, and scored some pretty great finds. but it's become known to me during my past few op shopping trips that the op shops are struggling. i striked up a conversation with one shop owner a few weeks ago (it was at a city-fringe Salvos and i was curious as to why the items were a little more expensive in this shop compared to others - the answer to this was that price is based on location, what?!). anyway, i also found out that some stores are struggling to stay open due to lack of business. when i mentioned this to a Vinnies lady, she said that stores like Rivers and Kmart etc buy bulk and can sell at these ridiculously low prices, and that op shops can't compete.

the concept that op shopping could be a thing of the past has me worried. not only for my own selfish needs, but also for the behind-the-scenes reasons that these stores operate for - to help people. homeless, financial problems, addictions, suicide prevention, family issues, gambling and more! and not to mention the thousands of volunteers who work at the stores. so, i guess my post today is about pleading your inner op-shopper to get back out there. next time you drive past one, stop and have a look, surprise op shop finds are the best. next time you log on to your fav online store, turn off the computer and hit up the op shops instead. seriously take $20 with you and just have a ball.

check out this website to find your nearest op shop: http://opshop.org/

here's my $20 worth from today: