Melbourne is a paradise for lovers of vintage fashion, second-hand treasures and classic op shops. Whether you’re hunting for designer bargains, retro clothing, quirky homewares or simply want to shop sustainably while supporting great causes, these spots deliver. Image credit cover: RetroStar Instagram. Visiting Melbourne second hand and vintage shops is one of the best things to do in Melbourne, part of the Melbourne shopping experience.
Updated March 2026.
Hunter Gatherer
Hunter Gatherer is a Brunswick Street staple that embodies Melbourne’s love for eclectic, expressive fashion. Known for its bold prints, retro silhouettes, and colourful displays, this vintage store is all about personality and self-expression.
The selection spans decades, with everything from 70s bohemian pieces to 90s streetwear and beyond. It’s a carefully curated space, meaning items are chosen for their uniqueness and visual appeal rather than sheer volume. Prices reflect this curation, but the payoff is a rack full of statement pieces you won’t find anywhere else.
Hunter Gatherer is particularly popular with creatives, performers, and anyone looking to stand out. It’s less about basics and more about building a wardrobe with character.
For those exploring the best vintage clothing stores in Melbourne, Hunter Gatherer offers a vibrant, fashion-forward experience that celebrates individuality and the joy of second hand style.
Image credit: Hunter Gatherer Instagram
Vintage Sole - various locations
Vintage Sole is a niche standout, catering specifically to sneakerheads and streetwear enthusiasts. Located in Melbourne’s CBD, this store focuses on rare, collectible, and pre-loved sneakers, alongside a curated range of apparel.
What sets Vintage Sole apart is its emphasis on authenticity and exclusivity. You’ll find sought-after releases from brands like Nike, Adidas, and Yeezy, often in near-new condition. Prices reflect rarity and demand, but for collectors, the chance to secure a hard-to-find pair is well worth it.
The store operates on a consignment model, meaning stock is constantly rotating. This keeps the offering fresh and exciting, with new drops regularly drawing in dedicated followers. It’s not your typical thrift shop - but it absolutely earns its place among the best second hand stores in Melbourne for a specific audience.
If your focus is sneakers and street culture, Vintage Sole delivers a highly curated, specialist experience that’s unmatched in Melbourne.
Image credit: Vintage Sole Instagram
RetroStar
RetroStar is one of the largest vintage clothing stores in Australia, and it shows the moment you step inside its iconic CBD location. Known for its huge selection and famously affordable pricing, RetroStar offers everything from retro dresses and denim to quirky costumes and statement pieces.
The store operates on a high-volume model, which means prices are often lower than boutique vintage stores—making it accessible for students and budget-conscious shoppers. Regular sales and fill-a-bag deals add to the appeal, turning every visit into a potential bargain bonanza.
Despite its scale, RetroStar maintains a sense of fun and discovery. It’s the kind of place where you can walk in looking for one item and leave with a completely unexpected haul. This unpredictability is part of its charm and why it consistently ranks among the best cheap vintage stores in Melbourne.
If you enjoy the thrill of the hunt and want maximum variety without spending big, RetroStar is a must-visit destination in the city’s second hand scene.
Image credit: RetroStar Instagram
American Rag
American Rag is an institution in Melbourne’s vintage scene, particularly for lovers of classic Americana. Located in Fitzroy, this store is packed wall-to-wall with vintage denim, band tees, military jackets, and retro sportswear that channels decades of American style.
Stepping inside feels like entering a time capsule, with racks organised by era and category, making it easier to navigate the extensive collection. Quality is a strong focus here, with many pieces sourced for durability and authenticity. While prices can be higher than standard op shops, the uniqueness and condition of the garments justify the investment.
American Rag stands out among the best vintage shops in Melbourne for its depth of range and commitment to genuine vintage. It’s a favourite among stylists, collectors, and anyone looking to add character to their wardrobe.
For those chasing standout pieces with history and personality, American Rag delivers a rich, immersive thrifting experience that captures the essence of vintage fashion in Melbourne.
GoodByes
Goodbyes is where second hand shopping meets luxury. Specialising in designer consignment, Goodbyes offers a carefully curated selection of high-end fashion from both Australian and international labels. With stores in Prahran and Collingwood, it’s a go-to for those seeking premium pieces without the full retail price tag.
The shopping experience here feels closer to a boutique than an op shop. Racks are neatly organised, and the quality is consistently high, with items often in excellent condition. Brands like Zimmermann, Ganni, and Acne Studios regularly appear, making it a hotspot for fashion lovers hunting for investment pieces at reduced prices.
Goodbyes also offers a seamless consignment process, allowing sellers to earn from their pre-loved wardrobe while contributing to a more circular fashion economy. This blend of sustainability and style positions it firmly among the best second hand designer stores in Melbourne.
If you’re looking to elevate your wardrobe while shopping consciously, Goodbyes is a must-visit destination that proves second hand can still feel premium.
SWOP
SWOP has built a loyal following as one of Melbourne’s leading destinations for curated second hand and recycled fashion. With locations in Collingwood and Prahran, SWOP specialises in buy, sell, and trade, offering a constantly evolving selection of pre-loved clothing that leans heavily into streetwear, vintage, and contemporary brands.
Unlike traditional op shops, SWOP operates more like a fashion exchange. Sellers can bring in quality items and receive cash or store credit, which keeps the racks fresh and on-trend. Expect labels ranging from everyday favourites to high-end designers, all priced below retail but reflective of their brand value.
For shoppers, it’s a streamlined thrifting experience—no endless digging required. The store’s curated approach means you’re more likely to find wearable, stylish pieces without the usual effort. This makes SWOP a standout in the best vintage and second hand stores in Melbourne category.
If you’re serious about sustainable fashion and want access to trend-driven pieces with a second life, SWOP delivers a modern, fashion-forward take on thrifting.
Savers Stores - various locations
For sheer scale and variety, few places rival Savers stores in Melbourne. Known for their warehouse-style layouts and massive inventory, Savers is a playground for bargain hunters looking to uncover hidden gems across clothing, accessories, books, and homewares. Locations like Brunswick and Fountain Gate are particularly popular, drawing crowds eager to sift through racks that seem to stretch endlessly.
What makes Savers one of the best thrift stores in Melbourne is the constant turnover. New items hit the floor daily, meaning no two visits are ever the same. From vintage streetwear and retro sportswear to affordable everyday basics, there’s something for every style and budget. Pricing is generally accessible, and frequent sales or discount tags make it even easier to score a deal.
While it requires patience and a keen eye, the payoff can be huge - think designer finds at a fraction of retail price. For those serious about second hand shopping in Melbourne, Savers offers a high-volume, high-reward experience that keeps thrifters coming back time and time again.
Salvos Stores - various locations
Operated by The Salvation Army, Salvos Stores are among the most recognisable second hand destinations in Melbourne. Known for their clean, well-organised layouts and wide selection, these stores offer everything from clothing and accessories to furniture and home décor. Whether you’re furnishing a home on a budget or refreshing your wardrobe, Salvos delivers consistent value.
One of the key strengths of Salvos Stores is accessibility. With numerous locations across Melbourne, you’re never far from a store, making it easy to incorporate op shopping into your routine. The quality can vary - as with any thrift experience - but patient shoppers are often rewarded with standout finds, including branded clothing and unique vintage pieces.
Salvos also plays a crucial role in supporting community initiatives, with proceeds funding programs that assist vulnerable Australians. This adds a feel-good factor to every purchase, aligning sustainability with social responsibility.
For those exploring the top op shops in Melbourne, Salvos Stores offer a reliable, community-driven option that combines affordability, variety, and purpose in one accessible package.
Brotherhood of St Lawrence - various stores
Brotherhood of St. Laurence stores bring a more curated feel to Melbourne’s op shopping landscape. With locations in areas like Fitzroy, Brunswick, and Camberwell, these stores often reflect the style-conscious communities they serve - resulting in racks filled with trend-forward pieces, quality fabrics, and occasional designer labels.
What elevates Brotherhood Stores among the best op shops in Melbourne is their attention to presentation and selection. Items are thoughtfully displayed, making the browsing experience feel closer to a boutique than a traditional thrift store. You’ll find everything from vintage fashion and contemporary brands to books, accessories, and homewares.
Prices can be slightly higher than some other charity shops, but the trade-off is a more refined selection and a higher likelihood of standout pieces. Like other op shops, proceeds support impactful community programs, particularly those addressing poverty and disadvantage.
For shoppers who want a balance of style, sustainability, and social impact, Brotherhood Stores offer a polished second hand experience that continues to win over Melbourne’s fashion-savvy crowd.
Sacred Heart Mission Stores - various locations
Few op shops in Melbourne carry the same sense of purpose and community impact as Sacred Heart Mission stores. Scattered across suburbs like Prahran, St Kilda, and Windsor, these stores are a treasure trove for savvy shoppers chasing quality second hand fashion, homewares, books, and furniture at accessible prices. What sets Sacred Heart apart is the curation - you’ll often find well-kept, stylish pieces that feel a cut above the average op shop, making it a go-to for those seeking both value and aesthetic.
Shopping here isn’t just about scoring a bargain; it directly supports programs tackling homelessness and social disadvantage in Melbourne. That sense of purpose adds an extra layer of meaning to every purchase. Expect racks that move quickly, meaning regular visits are rewarded with fresh finds - from vintage denim and designer labels to quirky one-off pieces.
If you’re building a wardrobe sustainably or hunting for unique interiors, Sacred Heart Mission stores consistently rank among the best second hand shops in Melbourne. It’s conscious shopping at its best - where style, affordability, and impact come together in one of the city’s most respected op shop networks.
St Vincent de Paul (Vinnies) Stores - various locations
St Vincent de Paul Society, affectionately known as Vinnies, is a cornerstone of Melbourne’s op shop scene. With stores spread across the city and suburbs, Vinnies offers an accessible and reliable destination for affordable clothing, homewares, and everyday essentials. Each store has its own personality, shaped by the local community, which makes exploring different locations part of the fun.
Vinnies stands out for its balance of affordability and variety. Whether you’re after vintage pieces, workwear staples, or casual everyday outfits, you’ll find options that cater to a wide range of tastes. The pricing is often among the most budget-friendly in Melbourne, making it ideal for students, families, and anyone embracing sustainable fashion.
Beyond the racks, every purchase contributes to vital community programs, supporting people experiencing hardship. That social impact adds depth to the shopping experience, transforming a simple bargain hunt into something more meaningful.
For those compiling a list of the best second hand shops in Melbourne, Vinnies remains a dependable favourite - where great value, community spirit, and the thrill of discovery go hand in hand.