By Kath Gannaway
IT’S right there in the name – OPPORTUNITY shop!
For some tourists, they’re the incidental discovery as they make their way between galleries, wineries, festivals and other events and attractions.
For die-hard op-shoppers, they are the destination.
Almost every town or village in the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley has one or more opportunity shops supporting their local communities, schools, churches, hospitals and other worthy causes.
They plough hundreds of thousands of dollars back into local economies and provide an affordable alternative for anyone finding it hard to make ends meet … but they are also a growing attraction in their own right.
An op-shop bargain is no longer hidden away.
It’s a badge of honour to get a great op-shop bargain, and word soon spreads as to where the interesting, the cheapest, the friendliest shops are.
You won’t find any two the same, and you just never know what you’ll discover.
Everything from plants and preserves to antiques, jewellery, clothing, toys and books.
Forgot the barbecue tools? Or need a warmer jumper … any op-shop will have you sizzling as planned, and a whole lot warmer than you might have been otherwise!
One of the unexpected consequences of popping into a local op-shop is that you can almost guarantee the staff (volunteers) will be able to let you in on some other ‘best of’ attractions – the best walk, the best cafe, the best lookout … the best of everything!
So, if you’re looking for a bit of retail therapy as part of your visit to the hills and valley townships, don’t walk past the local op-shop. You know you want to!!
