Thrift Shop Fun

@JudyEv (382412)

Rockingham, Australia

December 6, 2016 11:47pm CST

Last night a friend and I went to a gathering at our local thrift shop, more commonly called 'op shops' here – 'op' being short for 'opportunity'. Various charities run these in Australia and the proceeds of the one in Donnybrook go to Red Cross. They have appointed a new manager for our store and I think brought in some changes in all their shops. When we arrived we received tickets for a door prize and a $10 voucher for the evening. We were offered a glass of wine and later nibbles were brought round. We each bought some raffle tickets. All items were discounted by varying amounts. My friend and I each won a door prize and also picked up some bargains. My friend also won a lovely big basket of goodies through the raffle. We were also given loyalty cards and we'll get 25% off our purchases in future. There were probably about 20 local ladies there with two gentlemen looking after the drinks. It was a very relaxed and fun evening. I've donated a lot of 'stuff' lately as I'm decluttering but I will probably browse there a bit more often now.

11 people like this

13 responses

Happy Lady and Freya the Catblog Cat

@Jackalyn (7558)

• Oxford, England

7 Dec 16

This sounds very enterprising. My Mum is amazing at finding bargains in places like thrift shops. She would love an event like this.

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@JudyEv (382412)

• Rockingham, Australia

7 Dec 16

The manager gave a little spiel about Red Cross being a retail outlet and needing to make money to do 'good works' but things are still very cheap there.

Happy Lady and Freya the Catblog Cat

@Jackalyn (7558)

• Oxford, England

7 Dec 16

@JudyEv You would be amazed at what Mum finds. Usually good quality and brand new. I don't think she buys much clothing elsewhere.

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@JudyEv (382412)

• Rockingham, Australia

7 Dec 16

@Jackalyn They have a section of 'never worn' clothes too. I'm not sure where they get those from. If you search you can find good brand names.

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Valerie J. Routhieaux

@just4him (323168)

• Green Bay, Wisconsin

13 Dec 16

Be sure not to buy your own stuff back. (from your poem) Sounds like you had a wonderful time. That pitcher is beautiful. Was that the door prize you won?

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Valerie J. Routhieaux

@just4him (323168)

• Green Bay, Wisconsin

14 Dec 16

@JudyEv She did beautiful work! I've seen some great stuff in thrift shops, so it's a possibility.

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@JudyEv (382412)

• Rockingham, Australia

14 Dec 16

@just4him I've seen hand-painted china in op shops and felt sad for the person who originally did it.

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@JudyEv (382412)

• Rockingham, Australia

13 Dec 16

The pitcher is one that Mum hand-painted. I thought it looked like something you'd find in an op shop.

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@rebelann (117267)

• El Paso, Texas

7 Dec 16

That stuck a funny note, you're decluttering only to buy more? I'm decluttering but staying away from those kinds of places because knowing me I'll buy what I really don't need and end up giving that away as well.

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@rebelann (117267)

• El Paso, Texas

8 Dec 16

only a wee bit @JudyEv just be glad you're not like me, I never intentionally buy the necessary but if I actually stop and look and check prices I'll end up with something I don't need. I just can't help myself. At least when I buy food it's something I can eat even when stupid me buys something I end up not liking

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@JudyEv (382412)

• Rockingham, Australia

8 Dec 16

i just bought a nice top and two pairs of slacks which I need; also a pack of Christmas cards which I'll keep for next year (they were 60% off so a good buy). The door prize I won was a book which I'll read then donate back, a plate and soup bowl which will also go back and a tin of soup which I'll eat. :) I know I said I'll go back more regularly but when push comes to shove I probably won't go that often and I'm not into impulse buying so hopefully I won't go crazy. Can you tell I''m getting a bit defensive here?

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@Inlemay (17712)

• South Africa

7 Dec 16

I am not particular keen on thrift things, but they do make for fabulous conversations when you win them at a tombola or other places - We had that at our Bowls last week - luckily I found some newish tree decorations.

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@Inlemay (17712)

• South Africa

7 Dec 16

@JudyEv I could do a brooch as I love them with my scarves - they are timeless

@JudyEv (382412)

• Rockingham, Australia

7 Dec 16

It will be interesting to see what turns up at our Writing Group wind-up on Friday. We're supposed to take a gift we've found in an Op Shop and wear something from there too. The latter could just be a brooch or necklace or whatever.

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@JamesHxstatic (29410)

• Eugene, Oregon

7 Dec 16

That sounds like a great thrift shop. Anne has a favorite on here to, Value Village, and loves to go by there. She got a great deal on a Ralph Lauren sweater the other day.

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@JamesHxstatic (29410)

• Eugene, Oregon

7 Dec 16

@JudyEv Now she wants to stop in more often.

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@JudyEv (382412)

• Rockingham, Australia

7 Dec 16

A friend got some nice Country Road slacks too. You do pick up some good brand names from time to time. I can imagine Anne's delight on finding the sweater.

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@JudyEv (382412)

• Rockingham, Australia

8 Dec 16

@JamesHxstatic But James, think of how much money Anne is saving you!

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@Hannihar (130150)

• Israel

3 Jan 18

Your Thrift Shops sound very interesting. Congrats on winning the door prize.

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@JudyEv (382412)

• Rockingham, Australia

9 Jan 18

I thought I was very lucky although I do occasionally win small prizes here and there.

@Hannihar (130150)

• Israel

9 Jan 18

@JudyEv I really only one something once and I was very lucky. I love my lion and use him as my model at times for things I sell.

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@Shellyann36 (11383)

• United States

12 Dec 16

Sounds like fun. The bonus is the discount for future purchases.

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@JudyEv (382412)

• Rockingham, Australia

12 Dec 16

That's true. :)

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Tina Dalasinski

@Tina30219 (82978)

• Onaway, Michigan

8 Dec 16

Wow sounds like a good time.

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@JudyEv (382412)

• Rockingham, Australia

8 Dec 16

Thanks. We did enjoy it.

@jstory07 (148764)

• Roseburg, Oregon

7 Dec 16

That sounds like a nice evening and donations are for a good cause.

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@JudyEv (382412)

• Rockingham, Australia

7 Dec 16

They intend to have various events throughout the year. I'd be keen to go to another.

crazyhorseladycx

@crazyhorseladycx (39503)

• United States

7 Dec 16

perhaps the charity shops 'round here'd fair better if'n they offered such? i love that pitcher! so glad y'all'd a great time 'n fer a great cause. i prefer donatin' items myself, rarely sell anythin'.

@xFiacre (14794)

• Ireland

7 Dec 16

@judyev Don't be tempted to buy back your own old donated junk next time you visit. My wife has done that in the past.

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@JudyEv (382412)

• Rockingham, Australia

7 Dec 16

I look on it as a donation which makes it all okay. :)

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@Ayuriny (5144)

• Denpasar, Indonesia

7 Dec 16

Seems you really enjoyed your evening, and got lots of things in the gathering.

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@JudyEv (382412)

• Rockingham, Australia

7 Dec 16

It was fun. Sometimes I can in but feel I don't have enough time to go searching for items but last night was a bit different.

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@FayeHazel (40230)

• United States

8 Dec 16

I love thrift stores and the name op shop...

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@JudyEv (382412)

• Rockingham, Australia

8 Dec 16

They are fun to browse through and you never know what might be in the next shelf or on the next hanger. :)