Thrifting has always been a lifeline for Australians looking to stretch their dollars, but in a cost-of-living crisis, it’s become more than just a quirky pastime—it’s a necessity. With prices rising on everything from groceries to electricity, more and more Australians are turning to secondhand shopping for clothes, homewares, and even furniture.
But as the thrifting trend booms, a new player is shaking up the scene—and not everyone is happy about it.
Enter Savers, a thrift store chain based in the United States (US) that’s been quietly expanding its reach across Australia.
With its bright lights, warehouse-sized stores, and slick marketing, Savers is far from the humble, volunteer-run op shops many of us grew up with.
While some shoppers are thrilled by the bargains and variety, others are raising eyebrows at the company’s for-profit model and questioning what it means for the future of secondhand shopping in Australia.
Savers isn’t your average op shop. Backed by private equity and listed on the US stock exchange, it’s the largest for-profit thrift retailer in North America, boasting more than 350 stores across the US and Canada.
In Australia, Savers has been operating for years in Melbourne and Adelaide. Still, its recent expansion into Sydney—with new stores on Oxford Street, Parramatta Road, and Marsden Park—has put it firmly in the spotlight.
And business is booming. In the March quarter alone, Savers raked in US$30.7 million in sales in Australia, up nearly 12 per cent from the previous year.
Globally, the company earned a staggering US$1.54 billion in 2024. Australians are embracing the secondhand revolution—but not without some reservations.
Where does your money go?
For many thrifters, the appeal of op shopping isn’t just about saving money or finding unique treasures—it’s about supporting local charities and giving back to the community.
Traditional op shops like Vinnies, Salvos, and Lifeline are run by not-for-profits, with proceeds going directly to support social programs, crisis services, and community initiatives.
Savers, on the other hand, operate on a different model. The company partners with Australian charities such as Red Nose, Wounds Australia, and Diabetes Victoria, paying them for donated goods sold in-store.
While this arrangement does provide a revenue stream for these organisations, some shoppers feel it lacks the transparency and direct impact of traditional op shops.
Caitie Pridmore, a seasoned op-shopper, sums up the dilemma: ‘It comes down to the intention as the consumer, and then the intention as the retailer of the op shop. With Savers, it’s an interesting one. I feel less compelled to shop there.’
She prefers to spend her money where she knows it will have ‘more of an impact on the community’.
One of Savers’ biggest criticisms is the lack of clarity regarding how much money is sent to charity partners.
In the US, Savers has faced scrutiny over the rates it pays, with reports suggesting some charities received as little as four cents per pound of clothing.
Here in Australia, the company says it has paid about $20 million to its not-for-profit partners over the past five years, and last year alone, it found a new home for over 9.1 million kilograms of secondhand items.
Diabetes Victoria, one of Savers’ major partners, reported earning $2.98 million from 4.8 million kilograms of goods in 2024—roughly 62 cents per kilo.
However, the actual rates can vary depending on the type of item, and the details remain confidential.
Despite the debate, some charity leaders are enthusiastic about the partnership. Jeff Antcliff, chief executive officer (CEO) of Wounds Australia, said the exposure and revenue from Savers have been a boon for their advocacy work.
Similarly, Diabetes Victoria’s CEO, Glen Noonan, credits the partnership with helping to fund vital diabetes programs and research.
The changing face of thrifting
It’s not just Savers shaking up the secondhand scene. The rise of consignment stores and online platforms like Depop and Facebook Marketplace means Australians have more ways to buy and sell pre-loved goods than ever.
While these options don’t always support charities, they promote sustainability and help keep usable items out of landfills.
Bec Brewin, a thrifting influencer, pointed out: ‘You’re not donating to a charity, you’re donating to somebody’s wallet, but you’re still making a more sustainable choice.’
Vicky Weatherlake, who runs the popular Facebook group ‘I Love To Op Shop’, agreed. She’s less concerned about Savers’ for-profit status and more focused on the environmental benefits.
‘We’ve got far bigger fish to fry than pulling Savers up on being a for-profit business, when it actually gets through so much goods that people are just not wanting any more,’ she said.
The debate over Savers highlights a broader question: can for-profit and not-for-profit thrift stores coexist, or is there a risk that big business will crowd out the little guys?
Some worry that smaller charity shops could struggle to compete for donations and customers as chains like Savers grow. Others argue that anything encouraging people to buy secondhand and less from fast fashion giants is a win for the planet.
Have you shopped at Savers or other for-profit thrift stores? Do you prefer to support charity-run op shops, or are you happy to hunt for bargains wherever you find them? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation going.
Also read: A thrift shopping paradise: Savers expands with a brand-new superstore
My wife worked at the Salvo’s in Perth a couple of years ago. I was surprised that staff use the internet to find out what items are worth and set their price accordingly. A long way from when they used to use what they set as being affordable for the people who need bargains. It is now all about how much they can make to pay all the hangers on.