Have you ever wandered into an op shop, thrift store or second-hand store, scanned the racks, and wondered what treasures might be waiting for you? For Jasper Williams, this isn’t just a casual pastime – it’s a way of life. His love for secondhand shopping has grown into a mission to promote sustainable shopping, support communities, and inspire others to embrace “the thrill of the hunt".
Through his platform Thrifters of Melbourne, Jasper shares his passion for op shopping with thousands of followers, highlighting hidden gems and the stories behind the shops. But how did it all begin?
A $2 suit and a new way of thinking
Jasper’s op shopping journey started with a simple but transformative moment. “I remember the first time I interacted with an op shop was actually through my grandma, who was volunteering in an op shop in Doncaster. For my Year 11 formal, I needed a suit, and my grandma happened to mention that they get lots of suits in the secondhand shop".
That $2 suit wasn’t just a bargain – it opened Jasper’s eyes to a new way of shopping. “It was $2 for a suit – how could you beat that? Ever since then, I’ve been off and on with op shopping". Over the years, Jasper’s love for secondhand shopping deepened, with some of his favourite memories being days spent exploring op shops with his wife.
In April 2024, Jasper left his corporate job and decided to turn his passion into something bigger. “I thought, I’m already spending a lot of time in op shops, and I love telling people about them and showing what I find. Why not try to promote op shops to more people?”.
Why thrifting matters
Jasper is clear about the importance of shopping secondhand. It’s not just about saving money – it’s about sustainability, community, and finding joy in the unexpected.
Sustainability “Creating more of a cyclical fashion or upcycling rather than going to a shop where they sell clothes very cheap – but that means they’re probably produced in a cheap way, in a not very sustainable way, or good for the environment", Jasper explains. “You can make a small impact on how the world’s going to run. If enough people make small differences, eventually it’ll become a big difference".
Supporting communities Many op shops are tied to charitable missions, making your purchase even more impactful. “For every $6 you spend at Sacred Heart Mission, you’ve bought someone a meal", Jasper says. “If you spend more money, you’ve helped someone with a bed for the night".
The thrill of the hunt
Jasper describes the magic of op shopping perfectly: “It’s about the thrill of the hunt – finding that special item, that unique piece that speaks to you. You can’t believe it’s there, and you get to take it home. It’s almost like a source of pride".
Tips for first-time thrifters
If you’re new to op shopping, Jasper has some practical advice to make your experience enjoyable and successful.
Start with user-friendly shops
“Go to some of the more established op shops – they’re a little bit more user-friendly. They’ll look and feel a little bit more like a department store, with nice colour blocking and well-signed departments".
Check the curated racks
“A lot of great op shops these days will have a special finds or retro vintage rack, quite close to the front, sometimes near the counter. The staff have already done some of the hard work, finding gems and unique pieces".
Take your time
“Never go to an op shop in a super hurry. Always give yourself a little bit of time. If it’s a big shop, don’t go there with five minutes – give yourself half an hour, an hour would be ideal".
Break down the overwhelm
If you’re overwhelmed, focus on one section, like books, tops, or kitchenware. This makes the experience more manageable. Set a target of thoroughly going through one rack and then slowly expand from there.
Be persistent
“You might go weeks without finding amazing items, but then all of a sudden you’ll find ten pieces in a day, and it’s like, where were these last week? It gives you the motivation to continue the search".
You've got the basics, now make it a lifestyle
Jasper believes that anyone can become a great thrifter – it just takes a little practice and commitment.
Make it a habit: “You might go weeks without finding amazing items, but then all of a sudden you’ll find ten pieces in a day. That’s the motivation to keep going".
Follow your local op shops online: Many shops post updates about sales and unique items, so staying connected can help you spot opportunities.
Donate what you don’t need: “Keep the cycle going by passing on items you no longer use. It helps the shops and makes room for your next treasure".
Share the love: Tell your friends, bring them along, or even buy secondhand gifts. “My family did a secondhand Christmas last year, and it was incredible", Jasper shares. Wow! what an challenging and amazing idea!
The ripple effect of secondhand shopping
One of Jasper’s proudest moments came after speaking at the Charitable Reuse Conference. “Several shop managers came up to me and said, ‘You came into our shop, you featured us, and ever since then we’ve had lots of people come in saying they found us on Thrifters of Melbourne.' That’s very heartwarming – to feel that the reason I created this, to get more people to go secondhand shopping and discover new shops, is actually working".
Shopping secondhand also highlights the sheer scale of overconsumption. “When you see just how much clothing is donated – floor to ceiling, in sorting centres across the state – you realise how much is being created, how much is left in people’s houses, and how much is thrown away. It’s very eye-opening".
Jasper’s love for thrifting
For Jasper, op shopping is more than just finding great deals – it’s about the stories behind the items. “There’s a nostalgic element to it. You’ll walk through and pick up VHS tapes you watched as a kid, or crockery that reminds you of your grandma. It’s a beautiful connection to the past and to the community".
Even Jasper’s regrets carry the same sense of passion. He still remembers a smoking jacket and a retro drink dispenser he left behind. “The time to buy something is when you first see it. Op shopping isn’t like retail – you can’t go back".
Retail vs. secondhand shopping
For Jasper, the difference between shopping secondhand and visiting retail stores is stark. "Whenever I walk into a regular retail shop, I just feel the pressure of fast fashion, and all I really see is waste", he explains. While he acknowledges that some brands are making efforts toward sustainability, the sheer volume of mass-produced items designed to encourage constant consumption feels overwhelming.
Jasper contrasts this with the experience of secondhand shopping, which offers a sense of discovery and purpose. "I guess I’ve spent too much time in op shops", he admits. "Retail just feels a little bit empty in comparison". For Jasper, thrifting isn’t just about finding something to wear; it’s about connecting with items that have history and meaning, all while making a positive impact on the environment.
Go forth and be a thrill seeker!
Op shopping is a treasure hunt, a way to give back, and a step towards a more sustainable future. Whether you’re looking for something practical, unique, or just want to experience the joy of discovery, it’s worth giving secondhand shopping a go.
As Jasper says, “If you have the chance, choose op shopping first. Let the items speak to you, and enjoy the thrill of finding something special. Not only are you helping the environment, but you’re also supporting your community in a way that retail stores never could".
Happy thrifting!
Follow Jasper’s journey
Find Jasper’s adventures and recommendations here on Instagram and TikTok at thriftersofmelbourne. If you’re an op shop looking for promotion, he’d love to hear from you!
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