I went locally this week when looking for an op-shop to review. The Australian Red Cross Op - Shop sits at almost at the end of the busy strip of shops in Centre Rd in Bentleigh. Its not really an op-shop where you are likely to come across vintage treasures (though I did manage to locate a cool patterned shift dress from stitches and a stripey dress with puffy sleeves and a drawn in waist from the dress company) but it is full of simple cuts and well cared for pieces that could be perfect for work or everyday wear.
I have to say the mens wear section was impressive, especially the shoe section ( i have a bit of a thing for laced-up mens boots at the moment.) There was also a large amount of denim (both in mens and womens), suit pants and shirts. There was a good sense of spacing in the shop with racks of clothes in the middle and along the walls of the medium-sized space. It made it easy to browse through items individually. In the womens wear section they had a nice range of coats and some black sheer tops with sparkling (i'm a bit of a sucker for things that sparkle or have sequins.) There was also a nice variety of patterns and fabrics - though I must say the range of tops and skirts are probably for the older woman. The shop had an ok-range of accessories, bags and shoes for women, which was enhanced by the neat and well-thought out presentation.
Service was lovely and the ladies who ran the shop seemed to be really helpful to customers. The prices were pretty good - ranging from about $5 for tops and skirts to about $15 for dresses, pants and other larger items. Not really the place to go if you are looking for a leather jacket though. Window display was ok. The shop is also looking for volunteers at the moment. So if you're interested you should go and apply, it's a pretty simple process - it involves having a chat to the centre manager, filling in some forms, which are then sent off for a criminal check. After about 3 months (if you check out ok in the criminal check) you are all set to go.
where is it? 455 Centre Rd, Bentleigh
how do i get there? Catch the train to Frankston, get off the train at Bentleight Station
will i have to wait for a change room? 2 changerooms
whats on the stereo? Magic 1278
i'm hungry? just down the road from the op-shop is a little, moderately priced cafe called "cafe vercelli" - its one of those little coffee and cake places which also does pasta, soups etc. Alternatively you can always wander down the road a little to Subway.
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