A Guide to Second Hand Melbourne

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Melbourne is home to some of the greatest eclectic second hand shops in the southern hemisphere and many of them can be found right in the heart of our CBD. There’s no need to venture into Fitzroy to acquire quality pre-loved pieces, as many of our cities best thrift stores can be found within walking distance of each other! Whether you’re a local looking for new places to shop or a traveller searching for a uniquely Melbourne souvenir, this list will be your guide to a successful and affordable shopping trip.  

1. Out The Closet (OTC)
 238B Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Out The Closet (OTC) is the perfect place to start your vintage crawl through Melbourne, as it’s located across the road from Flinders Street Station. Once you descend into the underground boutique you’ll be walking in the footsteps of famous musicians such as Liam Gallagher, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Dan Auerbach who have all visited the store throughout its 28 year history. OTC has a range of hand picked garments from all around the world, along side a collection of Vinyl records and timeless vintage posters.

2. Vintage Sole
Cathedral arcade, Swanston Street
As you enter Cathedral Arcade you’ll be overpowered by the smell of Subway, begging you to buy a foot-long. Don’t give in. If you venture a bit further you’ll find Vintage Sole Clothing, a small outlet filled with unique garments, footwear and accessories. With two levels including and a discounted section ranging from $5- $25, Vintage Sole is another one of Melbourne’s hidden gems. 

3. Retro Star 
First Floor, Nicholas building, 37 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
If you’ve found Vintage Sole you only need to walk up a discrete flight of stairs to find the fashion world’s best kept secret. Retro Star is the ultimate place to find something unique, groovy and reasonably priced. They sell everything retro from your dream pair of ‘mum jeans’ to the trendiest earrings. Retro star is also located on the first floor of the Nicholas building, a heritage listed Melbourne Institution which has housed writers, artists and designers for decades since it’s opening in 1926. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out some of the other retailers in the building! You will find ‘Collected Works’, a longtime independent book shop and poetry store as well as several other independent outlets selling everything from drapery to tarot cards. 

4. Shag
SHOP 20, Centreway ARCADE 259 COLLINS ST
Shag Melbourne regard themselves as the “Hunters and dealers of fine, wearable treasure”, and treasures you will find! Shag offers the most bizarre, glorious and out right outrageous pieces in their charismatic CBD store. Perfect for lovers of sequins, colour and pattern. It is also located in the Melbourne’s iconic cafe laneway, Centre Place. Just in time for a coffee break!

5. Hunter Gatherer (Brotherhood St Lawrence)
Royal Arcade Basement off Burke Street
Melbourne’s cosiest subterranean op shop can be found underneath the magnificent Royal Arcade. Hunter Gatherer (Brotherhood of St Lawrence) is your one stop shop for everything second hand from groovy crockery and vintage artworks to beanies, scarves and crochet blankets, essential for Melbourne’s bitter winter. Hunter Gatherer has the most affordable collection of pre-loved gems in the city. 

6. Salvos Burke Street
69 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Just a 10 minute walk (or a short free tram ride) from the Royal Arcade, Salvos Burke Street is the best place to get cheap treasures, even cheaper! Every day they have special deals on clothes, books, kitchen appliances, furniture and Manchester. On Mondays snap up $2 deals out the front of the store on the Salvos bargain rack. Students take priority on Wednesday’s with a 20% discount store wide, as applicable to seniors on Tuesday’s. The best part is, every dollar spent assists at risk Melbournians, providing hundreds of people with food, shelter, clothing and counselling each day.  

So there you have it! The ultimate guide to the CBD’s most quirky pre-loved shopping spots. 
If this tour hasn’t scratched the itch we recommend expanding your search to Brunswick Street Fitzroy, a hub for boutique clothing, easily accessible via tram! Check out this post about Melbourne’s public transport system to find out how to get there!  
A Map of Second Hand Melbourne

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