Latest news with #Vinnies
ABC News
3 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
Do we need menopause accredited workplaces?
In this edition The Conversation Hour we explore the impact of menopause on women in the workforce, and ask whether menopause accredited workplaces would be an effective means of retaining staff or further stigmatise women experiencing menopause. Also, in this edition, the State government's decision to axe the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, has drawn criticism over the weekend with grass roots football players wearing red arm bands - we discuss the broader implications of the decision. Plus, as Vinnies launches and online boutique offering high end labels we look at how the role of op shops is changing.
7NEWS
6 days ago
- Business
- 7NEWS
Vinnies launches e-commerce store for shopping second hand items from the comfort of your home
After over a century of in-store shopping, Vinnies is making its move online. Launching May 29, Vinnies Finds is a fresh new digital platform where shoppers can browse and purchase more than 30,000 pre-loved items across mens and womens fashion and accessories — from anywhere in the country. Shopping second-hand is continuing to grow in popularity, and Vinnies is making it easier than ever to source rare, one-of-a-kind items from the comfort of your home. With new arrivals dropping every, each item to land on site has been thoughtfully chosen by staff and volunteers at Vinnie's Stanmore warehouse. Like all in-store purchases, online orders will go straight to supporting Vinnies' important community programs across NSW. We've already been scrolling through the site and have cherry-picked our favourite finds. Vinnies is a go-to for thousands of shoppers across NSW, with a whopping 220 retail outlets in the state alone. 'The new curated online store complements our bricks-and-mortar locations, offering customers the flexibility to shop in person or online,' says Yolanda Saiz, CEO of the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW. 'As shopping habits evolve in the digital age, our move online ensures Vinnies remains relevant and accessible. Today's consumers are seeking convenience, sustainability, and style, all in one click,' she explains. 'Going digital allows us to reach a wider crowd and keep up with the growing demand for eco-friendly options, all while giving pre-loved clothes a second life.' Thanks to the easy-to-navigate website, Vinnies Finds have even curated collections for shoppers to browse through. There's Staff Picks, Old Favourites and even trends like 'Double Denim' and 'Office Siren' for those in the market for a fashion-forward piece. At Best Picks, we're loving the fact that you can filter through brand name, making finding your favourite fashion labels much quicker. 'By donating to Vinnies, you're not only giving your pre-loved items a new life but also supporting a sustainable and circular economy, all while helping those in need,' Yolanda explains. 'The proceeds from these sales directly fund Vinnies' programs and services, supporting thousands of vulnerable individuals and families across New South Wales each year.'
The Guardian
7 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Thrifting without sifting: Vinnies launches online boutique with 20,000 items
Jewel-encrusted Miu Miu sunglasses, an Yves Saint Laurent handbag, or a Louis Vuitton suit with the tags still on all sound like once-in-a-lifetime op shop discoveries, but all three are included in the approximately 20,000 items an Australian charity shop made available for sale online on Thursday. Vinnies Finds is a project four years in the making, says the Vinnies NSW CEO, Yolanda Saiz. 'This is a really high-end e-commerce platform that we've taken the time to build out,' she says. 'I think aesthetically and visually, it's going to be a fantastic experience for our shoppers.' While several other Australian charity shops – including Vinnies Victoria and Salvos – already sell online, Finds is, by design, a slick, curated experience. Rather than selling a mix of bric-a-brac, electronics and apparel, the website has the look and feel of a multi-brand fashion website, like the Iconic or Asos – with the service expectations to match. The charity will dispatch orders on the day of purchase, and shipping is free over $100. Clothing, accessories and footwear are all easily searchable by size, brand and colour, with an option to search by condition, ranging from 'as is' to 'brand new with tags'. Developing the website has been a monumental undertaking that has required a complete reworking of the charity shop's backend logistics. Saiz says Vinnies NSW recruited 15 new people, a mix of volunteers and full-time specialist staff, to design and build the website, and now to sort, select, photograph, price and upload each individual item. Vinnies set up a new Sydney warehouse specifically for its e-commerce platform, which has five cameras flashing 'morning to night', says the Vinnies communications manager Kate Pascoe. There, its sorting team sifts through 'trucks and trucks' of donations daily, sending some to the 200 Vinnies stores around NSW, and uploading others to be sold online. New items will be added daily as donations are processed. This constant turnover of product is reminiscent of ultra-fast fashion websites like Shein or Temu; but the Vinnies retail strategist Tiffany Hua says the unbranded items sold new by those websites are unlikely to make it into Vinnies stores. Customers simply aren't interested in buying unlabelled items, and they're often in conditions too poor to sell, she says. Sign up for our rundown of must-reads, pop culture and tips for the weekend, every Saturday morning Saiz hopes the high-end items available on Finds will lure shoppers who would usually scour Depop or the RealReal for secondhand designer pieces – or just buy clothing new. Having a premium, convenient environment where all the sorting has been done for you means that Vinnies can charge higher prices for more valuable donations, but Saiz says: 'You'll find pricing that is still very, very good given the … retail price of those items.' An Yves Saint Laurent Muse handbag that is $150 on Vinnies Finds is listed at $1,200 on luxury resale site Vestiaire Collective. While the brand no longer make the exact style, a similar Saint Laurent Y Tote retails for $5,950 new. Hua says that at present, the charity does not have the ability to verify the authenticity of luxury items, but some donations do arrive with certificates of authenticity. Designer goods of uncertain origin are listed as unauthenticated on the website. Saiz emphasises that the site also has everyday items in a wide range of sizes – at prices in line with op shoppers' expectations. The aim, she says is to 'open up to new customers, younger customers, whilst not forgetting our existing customers'. Sign up to Saved for Later Catch up on the fun stuff with Guardian Australia's culture and lifestyle rundown of pop culture, trends and tips after newsletter promotion Saiz sees Finds as a logical progression from the changes the charity has already implemented in their bricks and mortar stores. 'We've done a lot of revamping and remodelling of a lot of our shops in order to make that experience great for our customers,' she says. Finds is about offering 'a type of shopping experience that many people want these days, which is to be able to jump online and … [shop] conveniently from home'. 'We know that there are more players in the market, there are more options for people to do peer-to-peer trading of clothing or selling of clothing … So of course we need to be able to respond to that. 'So really this is part of us making sure we're … future-proof and future ready.' Although online secondhand shops and privately owned thrift players like Savers mean charity shops face more competition, these shifts have not had the same impact on Vinnies' donation pipeline, Saiz says. 'We still receive really fantastic donations, which we're really grateful for.' Dr Yassie Samie, a researcher in RMIT's fashion department who specialises in the circular economy, agrees. Charity shops receive their donations from so many different places, including deceased estates, that eBay and Depop are unlikely to put a dent in the quality of donations. 'A lot of people are tempted by the idea of resell,' she says, 'but then eventually it's just really demanding – so they give things away to charities [instead].' Samie thinks charity shops moving online is a positive development. 'We have this romanticised image of charity shops – you go there for a hunt, you find beautiful pieces. That is still the case. But the truth is we're living in very tough economies. There's so many products. If the idea is to make reuse a common practice and widespread, then we have to make it … available, accessible, convenient.' However, Samie cautions that shopping secondhand, even for charitable causes, isn't enough to solve the problems of overproduction and overconsumption. 'This is not supposed to be a guilt-free … area for us just to keep buying and throwing away,' she says. 'Circularity is not only about recirculation – it is about slowing down.'
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Vinnies surprises Aussies with major announcement that's set to change the way you shop forever
One of Australia's favourite op shops has finally launched a digital store, offering 30,000 pre-loved fashion pieces - ranging from designer labels to popular high-street brands. Vinnies has taken thrift shopping to a whole new level with its new platform, aptly named Vinnies Finds, making sustainable, affordable style more accessible than ever. Every donated item has been carefully curated by a team of 25 staff and volunteers at Vinnies' warehouse in Sydney 's inner west, with shipping available nationwide. With new men's and women's clothes, shoes and accessories dropping daily, shoppers can grab bargains on their favourite brands - including Burberry, Kate Spade, Christian Dior, Chanel, Zimmermann, New Balance and Nike and more. With growing demand for second-hand shopping and vintage clothing - along with the rise of the thrifting trend on social media - it's no surprise that op shops have seen a huge spike in popularity in recent years. And now, after more than 100 years of running brick-and-mortar shops, Vinnies is expanding its internet presence with its first-ever online store, offering tens of thousands of donated items, including pre-loved treasures and unique pieces. 'As shopping habits evolve in the digital age, our move online ensures Vinnies remains relevant and accessible. Today's consumers are seeking convenience, sustainability, and style, all in one click,' Vinnies NSW CEO Yolanda Saiz told FEMAIL. 'Going digital allows us to reach a wider crowd and keep up with the growing demand for eco-friendly options, all while giving pre-loved clothes a second life.' Avid thrift enthusiasts can shop by category, brand, curated collection, price, or by using specific search terms, making it easy to browse and purchase second-hand menswear, womenswear, shoes, accessories, and jewellery. 'New items are uploaded daily, ensuring a constantly refreshed product offering. Items will be rotated seasonally so at the moment you will see a lot of Autumn and Winter wear, but you can also shop now if you want to get summer clothes for your Euro Summer trip,' Ms Saiz said. 'Shoppers can expect a carefully curated range of fashion that includes everything from everyday essentials to high-end designer pieces. You'll find well-known names alongside one-of-a-kind treasures you won't see anywhere else. 'Prices are designed to focus on quality and affordability, reflecting Vinnies' commitment to accessible fashion for all. 'Whether you're hunting for a statement dress, designer shoes, or a timeless vintage jacket, there's something for every budget.' Not only will shoppers find great deals, but they will also be supporting a worthy cause with every purchase. 'Vinnies Finds combines the treasure-hunt experience of thrifting with the convenience of shopping online, all while supporting the work of Vinnies in communities across NSW,' Ms Saiz said. 'It's an affordable way to enjoy fashion while supporting sustainability and giving back to the community.' The online inventory is managed at the Vinnies Finds warehouse in Stanmore, where a dedicated team - many of whom are fashion students or sustainability enthusiasts - pick and pack orders from Monday to Friday. Shoppers are welcome to donate their pre-loved clothes to Vinnies for inclusion in the digital store, Vinnies Finds. 'The process is straightforward and ensures that only quality items make it online,' Ms Saiz explained. 'To donate, simply drop off your clean, gently used clothing and accessories at any Vinnies shop during business hours. A helpful rule of thumb is: if you'd give it to a mate, it's good to donate. 'Once your items are donated, each item is carefully sorted and assessed for quality. Suitable items are prepared for sale in our shops and online store. This includes photographing and cataloguing items for Vinnies Finds. 'By donating to Vinnies, you're not only giving your pre-loved items a new life but also supporting a sustainable and circular economy, all while helping those in need.' The proceeds from these sales directly fund Vinnies' programs and services, supporting thousands of vulnerable individuals and families across NSW each year. 'What's exciting about launching Vinnies Finds is how it brings together purpose and convenience. It's not just about shopping, it's about making second-hand fashion easier to access, giving clothes a second life, and supporting local communities at the same time,' she said. 'It's also a big move toward a more sustainable future. By making it easier to buy pre- loved items, Vinnies is helping to reduce textile waste and support a circular economy. 'And while shoppers find great pieces online, they're also helping fund essential services like crisis accommodation, food support, and help for families doing it tough.'
The Guardian
04-04-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Dirty laundry: what really happens to your clothes when you donate them to charity?
Every year, Australians donate the equivalent of 250m pairs of jeans to charity (around 200,000 tonnes of textiles) and send another 200,000 tonnes to landfill. But only a fraction of donated clothes get resold in Australia. So what happens to your old jeans when you donate them? And how can consumers play their part to minimise waste in the process? Standards for what is resellable in Australia are high. When you're doing a wardrobe cleanout the golden rule for donation is: would you gift it to a friend? If you make your donation directly to a charity store, the staff will sort through the garments to determine what, if any, can go straight on the shelves. Anything not kept by a store or that gets dropped into a charity bin will go to a redistribution centre. According to Peter Allan, the executive officer of the ReFuture Foundation, about 16% of everything that ends up at a redistribution centre is kept and sold locally. But according to Virginia Boyd, the director of retail for Vinnies New South Wales, this can increase to as much as 40% or 50% when donations are made in store rather than being dumped out the front or dropped off in clothing bins. 'When people leave stuff outside, the weather gets to things and that really impacts the keep rate,' she says. The most efficient way to dispose of unwearable garments is to arrange a collection through Upparel or Textile Recyclers Australia. Get Guardian Australia environment editor Adam Morton's Clear Air column as an email What doesn't get selected for local resale gets sorted and graded at centralised facilities. According to the Australian Fashion Council (AFC), sorting significantly increases the value of each item of clothing – unsorted the value per item is around 20-25 cents; when sorted this can increase to 80-85 cents per item. The same AFC report found that at this stage, about 14% of donations are deemed unwearable because they are soiled or torn and are sent to landfill. The rest – about 100,000 tonnes – is purchased by, and exported to, major sorting facilities overseas. More than half goes to the United Arab Emirates, a quarter is sent to Malaysia, and the remainder goes to countries including Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and the Solomon Islands. Here the garments go through yet another round of sorting and are divided into two categories: wearable and unwearable. According to Charitable Reuse Australia, 22% of the textiles exported are deemed non-wearable by the sorting facilities and are downcycled into cleaning cloths or rags, some of which are reimported back into Australia and sold at retail. Another 6% is declared contamination or waste and is discarded. According to Allan, 'around two thirds of the clothing is deemed wearable by the sorting facilities'. This is then separated into grades based on the condition and categories according to the appropriate age, gender and climate. 'The sorting facilities end up with bales of wearable clothing sorted into 400 different categories,' he says. These are sold to secondhand clothing markets in Africa, eastern Europe or southern Asia where they may be purchased and worn by the local community (so long as the sorting was effective). But it's at this point that visibility over exactly where Australia's clothing donations end up is lost. While there are clear benefits to the global secondhand clothing market (including providing affordable clothing and livelihoods to developing communities, environmental benefits from extending the life of clothes, and the trade is worth around $50m domestically), it is not without its critics. Reports of clothing dumps in the Atacama Desert and on the beaches of Ghana highlight the burden of clothing waste created by wealthy countries such as Australia. Especially since we are the biggest consumers of cheap fashion in the world. Despite the lack of visibility into the final destination of Australia's clothes, Allan insists the impacts of the trade are positive. 'We have anecdotal evidence from people receiving clothing in those destination markets that less than 5% is not wearable,' he says. But Liz Ricketts, the founder of The Or Foundation, a not-for-profit that works out of Kantamanto markets in Ghana, says it's important to draw a distinction between what arrives as waste – which might be as low as 5% – and what leaves the market as waste. Their research indicates this is as high as 40% per bale. Although textile-to-textile recycling is possible, no one has managed to figure out the economics of taking used clothing and turning it into new textiles. A recent report found just 0.3% of the materials used by the global textile industry come from recycled sources. For instance, the 10,000 tonnes of textiles being recycled in Australia every year mostly become plastic pellets, cellulose or insulation. And while Seamless, Australia's clothing stewardship scheme, is underway, the lack of onshore infrastructure and cost of manufacturing here present significant barriers to establishing local textile-to-textile recycling. But there is hope. The environmental not-for-profit Canopy is working to establish the financial and physical logistics to build global and regional supply chains that can turn discarded textiles into new fibres at scale. 'India, China and south-east Asia are key regions for scaling circular, low-carbon materials,' says Nicole Rycroft, Canopy's founder and executive director. 'What we need now is speed and scale.' And to stop buying so many new clothes in the first place.
