Op shop reunited with new look

A BALLARAT op shop reopened to the public last Friday with a fresh new look.

The Uniting Op Shop on Dana Street recently underwent renovations to transform the 150-year-old building into an updated yet quirky space.

Along with the new look, the store will also be open seven days a week.

“The shops sort of more creative, quirky and fun and something a bit more uplifting than what it was before,” said shop manager Candice Willis.

“We’re going to be specialising in vintage, premium brands and more quirky things.”

While the Wendouree and Delacombe stores will have more of a focus on everyday items, the Dana Street location will sell one of a kind and designer pieces.

“We’re specialising in quality over quantity, and we also identified that there’s not a lot of designer brands in Ballarat, so we’ve tried to bring that into Ballarat,” said Ms Willis.

It is hoped the new focus will attract visitors to the region.

“I’m most excited about meeting new customers because it seems like we’re attracting new customers, especially coming from Melbourne,” said Ms Willis.

“A lot of people are also rediscovering the shop because they forgot we are here.”

The Uniting Op Shop is largely volunteer run and Ms Willis said those contributions are vital.

“For years this shop was all volunteer run and a lot of our volunteers have been here for 20 plus years so it’s pretty amazing,” she said.

All the profits from the shop go back into Uniting projects that support Ballarat and the winder region.

“The funds from this shop go back into the community with a lot of the welfare services downstairs,” said Ms Willis.

“A lot of it goes towards BreezeWay which is meals for those who need them, so it all stays in Ballarat.

“We’re just trying to do better for the community.”