Scavengers

Scavengers is not the cheapest of op-​shops but it is certainly easy to navigate and you’re sure to find something you like.
It’s neat and well organised and even has items at the counter that will suck you in even when you think there isn’t anything else you want to buy!

One of the most appropriately named second hand shops around, Scavengers sits closer in category to your basic op-​shop than to high end retro/​vintage shops.
Like an op-​shop, a lot of the stuff errs on the side of junk. Still, there’s the odd gem amongst the piles of somewhat average chain store hand-​me-​downs that weigh down the racks. So far, it’s mostly been good for finding the occasional handmade dresses and skirts that are always first to get pilfered from actual op-​shops.
There are also a lot of books, old tapes, records, CDs, DVDs, sunglasses and other knick knacks about the place and in the street out front, though generally nothing particularly rare or exciting. I did once manage to find a really great textile wall hanging amid the ‘bargain’ boxes.
There’s only one dressing room, and it’s a bit cramped and unkempt, but I guess it does the job. The staff are always friendly and down to earth, and you’ll never feel the pressure of a hard sell.
On the whole, Scavengers is more one of those places that you drop into when you’re making your way down the op-​shop circuit of Sydney Rd than something you’d centre a special trip around.

If, like me, you like op shops and secondhand clothing stores, you’ll probably come back to Scavengers over and over again even though it’s really not so great. I’m forever hopeful for an incredible bargain… maybe today will be the day I find something good in here…
Alas, I have never actually ever purchased anything from Scavengers. I’m always left slightly deflated after browsing here, mostly because I’ve made the effort to trawl through their stock, and if there has been anything even remotely good, it’s usually more expensive than it should be.
The shop gives me an icky feeling. I can’t explain why, it just does. Maybe it sort of reminds me of my student days, which is not a good thing.
There’s much better secondhand goods shopping to be had along Sydney Road. Much better.

One of many Brunswick stores that takes the bad bits out of op shopping. These stores pick through and collect all the good for a finer selection of wares. Be it clothing, records, books or furniture, what was once someone else’s could be yours, with the dirty gross feelings sometimes associated with op shops. People are nice and on the odd occasion answer questions and help you find what you’re looking for.