Salvos ‘surge’: Op shops’ trade booming

BY JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
ONE chain of shops in the Geelong region is defying retail gloom with six per cent annual sales increases, according to its management.
Salvos Stores Western Victoria area manager Dusica Vlasonjic said the traditional op shop style had updated with new items and online shopping.
“Some of our Geelong stores are among our best performers,” Ms Vlasonjic said.
“Vintage shopping is currently popular across Victoria including Geelong.”
Ms Vlasonjic said the trend in favour of op shops reflect increasing consumer demand for easily accessible quality goods at affordable prices.
Salvos stores are selling new items such as clothing and accessories, toiletries and cleaning products.
Salvos Stores online is the first charity online shopping website of its kind in Australia.
Geelong has six Salvos stores.
“Our Geelong stores do receive some new donations from companies but you’ll have to rummage to find them,” Ms Vlasonjic said.
“We’re currently trialling an eBay store where we sell more-collectible and unique items.”
Ms Vlasonjic said the stores were always looking to improve to maximise funds for The Salvation Army.
“Although sales at Salvos stores are up, donation levels are very low at the moment,” Ms Vlasonjic said.
Geelong Retail Network chief John Sisley said the success of Salvos stores was a sign of the times.
“It’s always fantastic if any business is going well because that means some of the businesses around them are also going well.
“People obviously see value because money is tight and a lot of people are looking for bargains.
“Retailers are becoming more conscious of their customer base and that’s what the Salvos are doing.”
Ms Vlasonjic said prospective donors to The Salvation Army could phone 137258 during business hours to arrange home collection for large items in good condition.