Past Programs
Charities, Trusts and Philanthropy - 2008
Op shops: Now more than ever?
20/10/2008
Op shops have lined the streets of Australia for more than 50 years, in various shapes and sizes. From the tiny store run by your local parish to the bigger charity chains of St Vincent de Paul Society and Lifeline, traditionally, they existed to serve community members in need. But more recently, with retro and vintage topping the latest fashion trends, we have seen op shops become increasingly market savvy and a range of expensive second-hand boutiques emerge.
The op shop industry is booming under Australia's not-for-profit sector. But some of these activities are now under the spotlight, with a Senate inquiry into the disclosure regimes of charities and not-for-profit organisations. The inquiry was prompted by a Choice magazine survey, which found that philanthropists and some charities see a need for greater accountability and transparency across the sector.
