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We went inside the mega new Savers op shop ahead of its launch in Sydney: These are the incredible hidden gems and bargain buys you can score – and most are under $10

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6 months ago

June 9, 2024

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We went inside the mega new Savers op shop ahead of its launch in Sydney: These are the incredible hidden gems and bargain buys you can score – and most are under

Sydney shoppers are set to snap up some serious bargains at the city’s mega new thrift store where most items are under $10.

Following its enormous success in Melbourne, Savers Hoxton Park has just opened in Prestons in Sydney’s west, 40 minutes from the city centre. It is stacked with more than 100,000 pre-loved treasures at unbelievably low prices.

There are hidden gems at every turn – from high-end clothing items and accessories to slick homewares, appliances, school supplies and Christmas decorations all under one roof.

More than 25,000 one-of-a-kind finds arrive weekly with merchandise sourced locally. The staff purchase pre-loved clothing and homewares collected by their not-for-profit partners, helping them fund their programs in the local community.

Donations of used clothing and household items can also be made to the store directly.

FEMAIL visited the 1,590sqm superstore to see for ourselves what treasures thrifters can pick up – and it didn’t disappoint.

Sydney shoppers are set to snap up some serious bargains at the city’s mega new thrift store where most items are under $10

There are hidden gems at every turn – from high-end clothing items and accessories to slick homewares, appliances, school supplies and Christmas decorations all under one roof

More than 25,000 one-of-a-kind finds arrive weekly with merchandise sourced locally. The staff purchase pre-loved clothing and homewares collected by their not-for-profit partners

Within minutes of entering I spied a Country Road coat for less than $25, a pair of Levi’s jeans for less than $10 and a rare piece of jewellery worth $80-$100 for just $4.

Here’s a wrap of just some of the incredible deals I spied during my 60 minutes at the store before it opened to the general public on Friday.

HOME STYLING TREASURES

It’s homewares a-plenty at Savers, with aisles upon aisles of knick-knacks, candles, vases, mirrors, wall art, lamps, decor items, genuine silverware, glassware and more to explore.

With the trend of ‘What I thrifted vs How I styled it’ videos flooding TikTok, I tasked myself with sourcing stylish homewares suitable to a range of popular aesthetics.

There are countless finds for those who prefer an old-worldly vibe with trinkets that look straight out Grandma’s home – in the best way.

A set of vintage candle holders for $4.99 each caught my eye immediately. They looked like Downton Abbey props and unlike anything you could buy new anywhere – especially for that price.

It’s homewares a-plenty at Savers, with aisles upon aisles of knick-knacks, candles, vases, mirrors, wall art, lamps, decor items, genuine silverware, glassware and more to explore

There are countless finds for those who prefer an old-worldly vibe. L-R: Wicker basket ($3.99), candle holders ($4.99 each), flower print ($3.99), books ($3.99 each), set of three plates ($4.99), throw blanket ($3.99)

Boho buys: Cushion ($9.99), decorative balls ($2.99), bongo drum ($7.99), wall hanging ($3.99), set of three plates ($6.99), dream catcher ($3.99)

Vintage frames with black and white photos still inside, weathered books from 60 years ago with quaint covers and spines, still-life paintings and wicker baskets also lined the shelves, each for less than $10.

If are drawn to more of a boho style, you won’t have a hard time finding the perfect piece at Savers.

I found a set of three textured plates for $6.99, a small bongo drum for $7.99 and a gorgeous woven wall hanging for just $2.99.

I also spotted an authentic vintage Bendigo Pottery jug for just $3.99. Similar styles from the same brand are being sold on eBay for $80-$120.

Maximalist design is huge at the moment thanks to the likes of Wally Parton and Josh and Matt who have been sharing their bold, eye-catching, colour-blocked finds on TikTok.

Colourful glassware is the perfect (and cheapest) starting point to achieve the maximalist vibe and it was in abundance at Savers.

Maximalism mania: Keyhole clock ($12.99), Keith Harring heart cushion ($3.99), green bowl and ramekins ($4.99), green vase ($2.99), blue wavy vase ($1.99), colourful ash trays ($1.99 each), yellow jug ($6.99)

I also spotted this authentic vintage Bendigo Pottery jug for just $3.99. Similar styles from the same brand are being sold on eBay for $80-$120

I was seriously tempted by three kaleidoscopic matching glass trinket dishes for $1.99 each and an emerald green crystal bowl with three coordinating ramekins ($4.99 for the set).

I also fell in love with an Ikea keyhole clock which is being sold on Etsy for $99, priced at just $12.99. It’s not in stock anywhere else.

HOME GOODS AND GADGETS

Shoppers can also kit out their kitchens and score more practical buys for the house at Savers without breaking the bank.

I found a very stylish green Stirling four-slice toaster for $19.99 which retails new for $60.

It sat among a litany of cheap appliances like rice cookers, blenders, stand mixers and toastie makers from reputable brands at knock-off prices.

It’s important to make sure you have full battery and plenty of phone data so you can search up brands and appliances on-the-go to ensure you’re nabbing a good deal.

There are also countless sets of dinner plates, side plates, bowls and mugs for as little as $3.99, many of which are trending styles.

Kitchen goods like pots and pans and utensils for budget prices were also on offer including a yellow iron casserole pot I spied for just $20.

Shoppers can also kit out their kitchens and score more practical buys for the house at Savers without breaking the bank

I found a very stylish green Stirling four-slice toaster for $19.99 which retails new at $60 among a cheap appliances like rice cookers, blenders, stand mixers and toastie makers

The range of pre-used furniture was not priced at the standard less-than-$10 mark but they all sat between $20 and $200.

Shoppers can also browse rows of chairs, sofas, end tables, cupboards, cabinets, shelves, stools and storage units all ranging in styles, quality and price.

Some items were in need of some TLC but would be a DIY enthusiast’s dream. Others were incredibly high quality pieces built to last decades ago.

With winter fast approaching, I scanned the rack of throw rugs and found a knitted army green blanket for $5.99 and a stunning cable knit cream throw for $6.99.

Other aisles were lined with bathroom goods and toiletries, sporting and exercise equipment, and electronics. Many fellow shoppers were snapping up collectable items like radios, DVDs, DVD players and sewing machines.

FRUGAL FASHION FINDS

Rummaging through the seemingly endless clothing aisles may take time and patience, but those who do are sure to be rewarded with designer finds worth hundreds for a fraction of the price.

I gave the racks a quick look and in that time found a Country Road winter coat for $23.49 – an absolute steal considering the starting point for similar designs sits at $399.

With the rising cost of living, labels like Decjuba are out of the question for many Aussies but I found a chic black and white coat from the brand for just $15.79.

I gave the racks a quick look and in that time found a Country Road winter coat for $23.49 (left) and a Decjuba coat for $15.79

I saw a good few pairs of knock-off Levi jeans (pictured) and high-end brands but when the the tag reads less than $10 and the item is just as stylish as the real deal, it’s worth it

There were plenty of denim gems from a range of brands. I found Cotton On jeans for $5 with the tags still attached as well as a pair of Levi’s for $15.

I saw a good few knock-off pairs of Levi jeans and other high-end brands but when the the tag reads less than $10 and the item is just as stylish as the real deal, it’s worth it.

Levi’s typically have a real leather patch stitched to the back of the waistband with the logo of two horses pulling a pair of jeans. It is usually very faded when the jeans aren’t new.

My method of spotting inauthentic Levi’s is look at this patch as knock-offs will try to imitate it with a plastic-like material and the logo will be a vibrant red.

A quick Google search will confirm any suspicions a garment may be masquerading as a designer piece, but the Savers team are on the ball and tend to slap a low price tag on any dupes.

When it came to accessories, there was a wall of handbags and clutches and another of shoes, as well as displays of sunglasses and jewellery

I found this pink handbag for $7.99 from Morgan & Taylor which is a ‘hat brand’ but also sells bags for around $99

When it came to accessories, there was a wall of handbags and clutches and another of shoes, as well as displays of sunglasses and jewellery.

I found a great pink handbag for $7.99 from Morgan & Taylor which is known as a hat brand but also sells bags for around $99.

I also spied a Daniel Wellington watch; I was sceptical that it was legitimate but for only $6.99, who cares?

Jewellery was plentiful and I spotted some on-trend gold earrings for $3.99 while the manned glass cabinet had more valuable pieces and even some vintage rings with real gems and crystals for $150.

I found a handy guide from Thrift World on spotting authentic labels while thrifting which you can find here.

IS SAVERS HOXTON PARK WORTH A VISIT?

The short answer, in my opinion, is a resounding yes.

I could have spent hours browsing and searching for hidden treasures and I was impressed by the hard-to-beat pricing.

Savers is a dream for thrifters who want to shop sustainably and those looking to save a buck without sacrificing quality if they have the patience to take time and inspect

However, I would advise going during quieter hours and avoiding the weekends as walking into a huge store with countless racks and shelves is overwhelming with hoards of people roaming about.

I have a keen eye for homewares which were splayed out nicely on shelves, however clothes-hunting would be a far more challenging task.

I didn’t peruse the kid’s clothing and toys but from what I saw, parents would be delighted with what’s on offer.

The entertainment section was also a collectors dream, filled with books, DVDs and board games. I saw a number of shoppers scouring the DVD aisles looking for (and finding) movies they can’t access on streaming services.

Savers is a dream for thrifters who want to shop sustainably and for those looking to save a buck without sacrificing quality – as long as they have the patience to take time and inspect what’s on offer.

Happy hunting.