Vinnies Dickson — Attraction in District of Canberra Central

I visit this store weekly and it's always a pleasure to browse the items. There is a good variety and the volunteers are very pleasant. As observed by others, the store has benefited under its new management in terms of the refreshed layout and the very generous operating hours.

However, the pricing has climbed steeply over the past two years and there has been a distinct push toward 'commercialisaton'. For other thrift shoppers, it is getting closer to being on par with the boutique Red Cross in Civic (broadly) sans designer labels.

Some examples today of items that caught my eye but surprised me in price were well-worn joggers ($30), shorts ($10) and business shirts ($12-15). It used to be a weekend ritual for my daughter and I to pick out a handful of books (Roald Dahl or Goosebumps) when they were $2 or even 50c on sale. Now it's rare to find the same titles under the $4-5 mark (double it for Harry Potter).

The comparison to Ebay prices on price stickers is also tone deaf for a charitable organisation that prides itself of giving a 'hand up' to others. I know the goal of this tactic is to make the item seem like a 'deal' and maybe it would be more palatable if the target market was purely inner north Canberra hipsters. But the clientele as observed by other reviewers remains largely young families, students, pensioners and others who turn to Vinnies for affordability - hopefully a trait that returns to help this store recapture its reputation as a community-oriented...

Sure, it's a very well stocked and a pretty op shop. But they were more focused on making it aesthetics than practical arrangements.

I didn't take my pram in as I know from experience that it's difficult to maneuver it around so I carried my baby in. Most op shops I have been too always had a designated kid area where all books, clothes and toys will ne so I was planning on putting her down and let her play on while I looked. Yes they had a corner with books and clothes but I went searching for the toy section (like the photo shown on here) but found nothing. I asked them and they said they were everywhere which is extremely frustrating trying to find anything amongst everything while holding a baby. They had so many big fun toys up high which all had not for sale stickers which really irritates me!! As they were the only decent toys there...but they decided to have them as displays only. And even if they did sell them it's not like it would make the place look empty.

It really annoyed me honestly, aren't op shops meant to help those who can't afford spending an arm and leg? But you had so much good stuff for display only and...

Absolutely shocked at the price tags, whoever is pricing they need to get with the times and the cost of living for the average person. Jackets priced at $50, $70, $100 and not name branded even!! I saw a Forever New jacket for $70! I could go directly to the store and get a brand new one for half the cost!! All shoes are $25 plus for worn old shoes, daggy tops for $8-$12 onwards that really should be priced appropriately at $1-$3. Saw a doll for over $400 that you can buy for $50, like seriously this store is unbelievable. They would make more money if they priced it appropriately so that stuff wouldn't be just sitting there, price for less so more things will be sold. The average person would not be able to stock up on things here- I like to buy second hand to do my part to save the planet but at these prices I may as well buy brand new, I literally saw a top with a tag on from Kmart for $3, they were selling for $9!! To end on the only positive note- kids clothes were at a very reasonable $1 per item but the rack is very small. Found a couple of fantastic items.

To the new manager, you are going to lose customers...