With dresses hanging from the ceiling – seemingly floating in mid-air – and old vinyls adorning the walls, Uniting’s new Geelong West store is “very different to other op shops”.
That is according to Marion Hofmann, volunteer manager of the “supersized” op shop, which opened this Wednesday.
“It will be a unique experience compared to the average op shop,” the retired financial worker said.
More than 100 people came through the doors for the opening from 4pm to 6pm, Marion said, after the Independent had an exclusive sneak peek that morning.
“We all got a buzz out it of – there were people everywhere,” she said.
“They were actually quite impressed with the look of the new shop, and were saying they’d be back and spreading the word.”
Marion began managing Uniting’s former Hamlyn Heights op shop on Vines Road about three years ago after moving to Portarlington with husband Harold for a sea change.
“It’s a bit of a drive,” she said.
“I used to volunteer in Melbourne, so when I went out this way I decided to pursue that.
“I’ve always dealt with customers. You meet different people all the time and I like getting to know them.”
Uniting recently purchased a former aquarium on Pakington Street to replace its Hamlyn Heights store.
“They wanted a larger space,” Marion said.
“The feedback we got was that it was a lot more open and brighter. I work with a great bunch people and I’m very grateful that they’ve joined me in this venture.”
The op shop is fully-staffed by volunteers and all profits go towards Uniting’s emergency relief programs, including in Geelong, according to the charity.
Luke Voogt
