Bargain shop 'til you drop this Christmas
IPSWICH fashionistas can pop some tags at Lifeline Riverlink, even if they have just $20 in their pockets.
The lyrics of the current number one song in Australia, Thrift Shop by Macklemore, certainly ring true in Ipswich.
The opening of a Lifeline shop at Riverlink has helped to publicise the benefits of op-shopping, said area manager Jenny Auld.
"We try to make sure all the outfits we put in our windows cost $20 or less, to show people what they can get for their money," Ms Auld said.
"The shop's been really well-received. Most mornings there are people waiting at the doors before we open."
Ms Auld said the new shop had also widened Lifeline's market.
"The first week we had a lot of young people come in and quite a few people who hadn't ever been in an op-shop before, and they keep coming back," Ms Auld said.
"One woman bought three outfits for $20 and she'd never been op-shopping before. She and her husband were very happy."
Online shopping and the opening of the Riverlink centre has helped to drive the quality of donated clothing up, Ms Auld said.
"The quality of our clothing has gone through the roof," she said.
"We get a lot of brand name items and clothing with the tags still on, which I think maybe ordered in the wrong size online."
Ms Auld said shoppers had also told her the new branch allowed them to find unique clothing to wear to Christmas parties and during the holidays.
"If you want to buy something different or get a one-off item, there are items from different seasons and even handmade clothing in the store," she said.
