If Macklemore taught us anything during his brief but incontestable reign over the radio, it’s that thrift shopping—correction, op shopping—is f**kin’ awesome. And while spending twenty bucks at a fast-fashion store does more harm than good, at Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland op shops that twenty goes towards the community, charities, reduces waste, and gives you bragging rights because—oh, these? They were seven dollars.
So, give your wardrobe a cheap-as-chips refresher and pop some tags at Urban List's pick of the best op shops in Auckland the next time you find $20 in your pocket.
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Paper Bag Princess
202 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD
Paper Bag Princess has a charm to it that we love and we always find something delightful every time we pop by. Whether you want glittery dresses, a statement tee, quirky vintage throwbacks or a fine pair of trousers, Paper Bag Princess has you covered. The staff are lovely too and at-the-ready with great styling advice. Come armed with a whole lot of ‘I can’t believe this is second-hand!’
Good Stuff
127 Symonds Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland
Image credit: Good Stuff | Instagram
Preloved, vintage, and designer fashion await you at Good Stuff. Better still, 100% of sales are donated to The Auckland City Mission - Te Tāpui Atawhai which supports people through homelessness, hunger and getting access to healthcare. Shop here for neat threads with a side of warm fuzzies.
SaveMart
30 College Road Northcote, 21 Veronica Street New Lynn,
295 Church Street Onehunga, 290 Roscommon Road Clendon Park, Auckland
Got some time up your second-hand sleeve? SaveMart is your warehouse wonderland. Think threads for all occasions: chill, fancy, workout, corporate, the enigma that is ‘smart casual’, even wedding attire. There’s always a solid assortment of shoes and bags, and an impressive range of clothing for kids too. Most pieces are around the seven-dollar mark, with designer labels pricing a little higher.
Vinnies
32 Coronation Road, Māngere, Auckland
Image credit: Society of St Vincent de Paul in New Zealand | Facebook
The members and volunteers at Vinnies (formally St Vincent de Paul Society) work hard to promote human dignity and personal integrity. You can make a difference, too, with your small change. Their Māngere Bridge store gets a thumbs up from us for the great store layout. It’s cosy, not cramped, with great bargains to be had. This spot has good reviews and deserves them.
Salvation Army Family Store
652 Dominion Road Balmoral, 310 Onehunga Mall Road Onehunga, 691 Mt Albert Road Royal Oak
A purchase at the Sallies helps to kick poverty to the curb and end social and spiritual distress for people in need so you can feel pretty happy about snagging that rad onesie. While there are stores dotted all over Auckland we love the variety of clothing at the Royal Oak, Onehunga and Balmoral stores, and the latter has great shoes and bric-a-brac too.
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Habitat ReStore
8 Ormiston Road East Tāmaki, 20/18 Link Drive Wairau Valley, 7 Dora Street Henderson, 131 Pilkington Road Panmure, 134 King Street Pukekohe, Auckland
Habitat for Humanity's ReStores has everything and the kitchen sink. This is next-level op-shopping with wicked clothing, great kitchenware, nice glass stuff, doors and vintage gems. And all purchases go towards supporting Habitat for Humanity on its mission to build homes, community and hope. Not bad, Habitat, not bad.
GoJo Recycled Clothing
1/1 Riverbank Road, New Lynn, Auckland
Image credit: GoJo Recycled Clothing | Instagram
Twenty bucks probably won’t go that far at GoJo Recycled Store but it’s still worth checking out their sale rack, vintage scarf selection or joyfully obscure jewellery collection for bargains. For the more baller op shoppers among us, this emporium of retro and vintage clothing’s full range will not disappoint.
Red Cross
184 Dominion Road, 200 Onehunga Mall & 22/28 Jellicoe Road Panmure, Auckland
All proceeds from Red Cross op shops go towards providing humanitarian aid and support in our local and global communities. Hit their Dom Road store for an amazing selection of kitchenware, Panmure for good appliances and well-priced furniture, and Onehunga for a massive range of clothes.
Dove Hospice Mega Store
185 Apirana Avenue, Glen Innes, Auckland
Image credit: Dove Hospice Mega Store | Facebook
Love op shopping but find yourself fighting the urge to reorganise the store? The coloured dot pricing system and delightfully logical layout at Dove Hospice Mega Store will make you weak at the knees.
Highlights from our last visit include their enviable crockery range, a partially stained minion onesie and a pair of what we could only assume were sushi shop uniforms. Did we mention proceeds go towards supporting people affected by life-threatening illnesses?
SPCA Op Shop
217 Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland
The SPCA Op Shop lets you enjoy all the wonders of op shopping with the added bonus of helping some furry critters. Their Onehunga store is a cute one with great bric-a-brac for all those who love to rummage and friendly staff. Score a neat jumper with a side of warm fuzzies.
Honourable Mentions: Tatty’s & Recycle Boutique
Tatty's - 161 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby | Recycle Boutique - 9 Darby Street, Auckland CBD & 35 Teed Street, Newmarket, Auckland
These consignment-based recycle stores are great if you’re looking to on-sell your pre-loved designer pieces or coveted vintage treasures. We love that Tatty’s and Recycle Boutique give people the opportunity to make money by keeping clothing out of landfills.
If the seller chooses, unsold items are passed onto op shops and local charities, both strengthening the second-hand supply chain and clothing people in need. Unable to get to a store? You'll be stoked to know that Recycle Boutique are now online, too.
Looking for more shopping inspo? Check out:
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- Great Auckland Walks To Take At Least Once
Image credit: Paper Bag Princess | Website
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