Who doesn’t love op-shopping? It’s the ideal way to pick up vintage bits and bobs for bargain prices, while supporting various charities and organisations. Run primarily by an army of tireless volunteers, op shops aim to help combat landfill and promote environmental responsibility, while also guaranteeing consumers an enjoyable and uplifting shopping experience that will have you hooked at first purchase.
Whether you’re looking for a unique outfit for a fancy dinner with colleagues, some pre-loved books to add to your never-ending home library, or you’re just on the prowl for something cheap and cheerful to add colour to your home or workspace, op shops have you covered.
Keen op shop enthusiast Laura Parsons has compiled a list of SA’s op shops and produced a guide that is helpful and informative, providing an invaluable manual for fellow op shoppers. Organised by area and suburb, this 2026 “Op Shops of South Australia” guide is the handy helper you didn’t know you were searching for, and has been a work-in-progress for more than a decade.
Hailing from Gawler but originally from Mallala, Laura has visited her fair share of op shops on her travels. “People used to think that op shops were sort of smelly and musty with mothballs, but they’re really not. They’re good quality, and you’re also helping out charity and the local community,” says Laura, who notes that not all op shops are on main streets and can therefore be difficult to find without a guide.
Laura, who teaches flower-arranging and has scored some affordable one-of-a-kind vases for her floral masterpieces, says she is constantly updating the e-Book, to ensure information is correct and current, and she’s accumulated quite a large following on social media.
The guide’s Facebook page is already flooded with positive comments about the guide and the importance of op-shopping.
“I haven’t paid full price for clothes for years. Recycling is so important,” says one follower.
“Love finding new op shops and helping to support the great work they do for the community, and meeting the great volunteers in them. Never know what awaits,” says another.
Constructed with care and countless hours searching pre-loved stores across our wonderful state, Laura’s “Op Shops of South Australia” guide is delivered to purchasers via email, for the small cost of $8.95. Snap up a copy by sending a message to the group’s Facebook page, and prepare to launch your own op shop trail. Did someone say ‘perfect arvo with mates’? From the centre of the CBD to the heart of the country, this guide has your op shop adventure plans sorted.
For more information or to purchase a copy of the guide, click here.
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