Young shoppers flock to Northern Rivers op shops

A rise in younger shoppers is driving new demand at Northern Rivers op shops, with staff reporting a surge in customers seeking vintage clothing, homewares and retro pieces.

Local op shop workers say more young people are browsing for pre loved items with character, from classic kitchenware and décor to older style fashion.

“It has become really popular, a lot of young people are coming in,” Murwillumbah Salvos store manager Alicia Snowdon said.

“What I’ve noticed is they seem to be all creating their own style as well.”

“They’re doing the rounds of all the op shops in town, choosing things with different materials and then up styling them to recreate different things.”

The shift reflects a broader move among younger buyers toward individuality and sustainability, with many turning away from mass produced goods in favour of one off finds.

 

Local fashion designer Coral Fujino said her own approach to clothing reflects that mindset.

“I just can’t buy new clothes, I like having personalised things,” she said.

“It feels better wearing them knowing that I’m recycling something.”

“I’m not a fan of over consumption.”

For Fujino, vintage clothing also carries a sense of history.

“It’s more like a person because it’s got layers of history to it,” she said.

“The fact that it could have lived multiple lifetimes before it came into contact with you is what makes this style so intriguing.”

Sourcing materials from second hand shops, she transforms pre loved fabrics into garments for her project The End.

Snowdon said the trend extends beyond fashion, with younger customers also seeking distinctive homewares.

“They are buying things like cake stands, teacups, teapots, and even dinner sets,” she said.

 

“Rather than going somewhere like Kmart and getting a dinner set, they’re coming in here and getting a vintage style one.”

Local photographer Sonny Witton said the appeal of older objects goes beyond aesthetics.

“There’s a growing attraction toward vintage not only because it looks good, but because it feels different,” he said.

“Older objects carry a sense that they were made with care and delight.”

He said the experience of searching for unique pieces is part of the attraction.

“It’s all about rummaging through and seeing what you can find,” Snowdon said.

“There might only be one plate with that specific flower on it, or dress with that particular pattern.”