Ever wondered where you can find amazing second-hand things in Hamilton? Well, get ready because we’re about to take you through the thirteen best op shops in the city.
Think of it like going on a super fun scavenger hunt in Hamilton for vintage goodies, stylish clothes, and other cool stuff, all stored in different places around the city. So, you’ll discover unique things in cozy little corners and bustling stores packed with books, clothes, and all sorts of things for your home.
So, without further ado, let’s get started…
Hamilton’s Top 13 Op Shops
Here are the thirteen op shops we’ve determined to be the best ones for quality second-hand items in Hamilton:
- Hospice Shop Waikato – rated 4.3 out of 5
- Orphans Aid Op Shop Hamilton – rated 4.1 out of 5
- St Aidans Op Shop – rated 3.9 out of 5
- SPCA Op Shop Dinsdale – rated 4.0 out of 5
- Hato Hone St John Retail Store – rated 4.5 out of 5
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore Te Rapa – rated 4.2 out of 5
- Op Shop for Breast Cancer – rated 4.0 out of 5
- Waikato Second Hand Centre – rated 4.6 out of 5
- The Salvation Army Family Store – rated 4.1 out of 5
- Red Cross Secondhand Shop – rated 4.0 out of 5
- Recycle Boutique Hamilton – rated 4.0 out of 5
- Again & Again – rated 3.8 out of 5
- Vinnies Glenview – rated 4.2 out of 5
1. Hospice Shop
| Best Known For | Women, Men, Children Clothing, Rewind, Hospice Online Vouchers, Accessories, Linen, Va Va Voom, Treasures, Cushions & Pillows |
| Website | https://www.hospiceshopwaikato.co.nz/ |
| Telephone | +6478481018 |
| marketing@hospicewaikato.org.nz | |
| Address | 72 Lake Road, Frankton, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Thursday
- 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Friday
- 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Saturday
- 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“I love op shopping; it is one of my favourite hobbies. However, prices have climbed so quickly that discounts are becoming increasingly difficult to find, and Hospice is by far the most expensive chain of opportunity stores accessible. After failing to sell an item of clothing at a higher price, the lowest price is $2.50, the intermediate price is $12-18.00, and the maximum price might be close to $100.00. It is not an inexpensive outing, so plan accordingly before making the rounds.”
“Clothing, books, and homewares are among the many secondhand items available. Lovely, helpful volunteers, and you know that your money is going to a good cause.”
2. Orphans Aid Op Shop Hamilton
| Best Known For | Sports Gear, Scarves, Fair Trade Items, Fishing Rods, Household Goods, Hair Accessories, Books, Baskets, Furniture and Furnishings, Clothing, Curtains |
| Website | https://www.orphansaidinternational.org/locations |
| Telephone | +6478462077 |
| waikato@orphansaid.nz | |
| Address | 117 Commerce Street, Frankton, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday
- 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“I patronise this secondhand shop. It’s in a township, so there are a few shops nearby, but there are also four or five additional op shops in the same area. The store can appear disorganised and in need of a tidy up… I’ve found some decent products from here. The store’s operators are polite and knowledgeable.”
“Good op shop in Hamilton near me. The staff certainly takes care and attention here. The clothes always look clean and crisp (it has most likely been ironed), which is excellent. The staff is quite nice and attentive. The majority of the things are cheap and modest. It’s always a pleasure to come here.”
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3. St Aidans Op Shop
| Best Known For | Used Clothing, Homeware, Kitchenware |
| Website | https://staidanshamilton.wixsite.com/church/events |
| Telephone | +6478547186 |
| staidanshamilton@gmail.com | |
| Address | 879 Heaphy Terrace, Claudelands, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Thursday
- 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Friday
- 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Saturday
- 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“Great place. It even has some free clothes and books outside.”
“Amazing op shop with professional, friendly, and helpful staff. Thank you very much for your wonderful service to our Hamilton community.”
4. SPCA Op Shop Dinsdale
| Best Known For | Designer Clothing, Jewellery, Homeware, Kitchenware, Linen, Toys, Furniture |
| Website | https://www.spca.nz/opshops/dinsdale-op-shop |
| Telephone | +6474444104 |
| hamilton.opshop@spca.nz | |
| Address | 47 Whatawhata Road, Dinsdale, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“Great folks and a fantastic cause. I live on the opposite side of town, but I’ll drop off a few bags of nice stuff when I get there. Always purchase something on the way out.”
5. Hato Hone St John Retail Store
| Best Known For | Secondhand Clothes and Accessories, Furniture, Toys, Books |
| Website | https://www.stjohn.org.nz/Shop/retail-stores/Hamilton |
| Telephone | +6478462510 |
| hamiltonopshop@stjohn.org.nz | |
| Address | 97 Commerce Street (Corner of Lake &, Commerce, Frankton, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Thursday
- 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Friday
- 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Saturday
- 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“The St John shop appears to be well-organized. The staff is courteous and eager to assist.”
“I always buy something. These people have a wide selection of merchandise in stock. This thrift store comes highly recommended.”
6. Habitat for Humanity ReStore Te Rapa
| Best Known For | Used Furniture, Household Appliances, Clothing, Books, Building Supplies |
| Website | https://habitat.org.nz/restore/te-rapa/ |
| Telephone | +6478497707 |
| hamilton@habitat.org.nz | |
| Address | 29 Bryant Road, Te Rapa, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday
- 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“Great value for money. Books are too cheap at 50 cents each; they should be $1.50 and no one would object. The book layout is poor, with one row in front of another, making it impossible to see the book behind. I bought a total of four books. “
“A well-stocked Hamilton op-shop, particularly for clothing. A good proportion are barely used (rather than very tired or worn-out), and the pricing is absolutely acceptable. I am overjoyed to have discovered this location.”
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7. Op Shop for Breast Cancer
| Best Known For | Secondhand Goods, Thrift Shopping |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/OpShopforBreastCancer/ |
| Address | 750 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Thursday
- 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Friday
- 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Saturday
- 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“This op shop has a huge range of primo second-hand clothing and bric-a-brac. Located on the north end of Victoria Street here in Hamilton, please call in. Breast cancer is a reality that consistently needs funding. Such a noble cause.”
8. Waikato Second Hand Centre
| Best Known For | Collectable Cards, Toys, Kitchenware, Household Appliances, Fine China and Precious Antiques |
| Website | https://www.waikatosecondhand.co.nz/ |
| Telephone | +6478393570 |
| bradonhyde@gmail.com | |
| Address | 441 Anglesea Street, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Thursday
- 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Friday
- 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Saturday
- 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“I moved to Hamilton from the United Kingdom and needed a lot of furnishings on a tight budget… The Waikato Secondhand Centre is the place to be! Excellent bargain for high-quality goods in a wide range of sizes. There is a set price for furniture delivery to Hamilton homes, which is great value.”
“Some of the furniture appears to have been revamped/repainted, and the store now has a section where you can buy your own DIY kits to try out. Some things appear to be pricey, but there are also some bargains to be found. Although I would argue that you are frequently paying not only for the item but also for the labour they do. I recommend taking a look; it’s truly wonderful for folks who like that sort of country house / vintage vibe, which includes myself.”
9. The Salvation Army Family Store
| Best Known For | Budgeting Advice, Food and Clothing Assistance, Life Skills Programmes, Used Furniture, Household Living, Clothing, Books |
| Website | https://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/help-us/family-stores |
| Telephone | +6478509256 |
| public.relations@salvationarmy.org.nz | |
| Address | 369 Te Rapa Road, Te Rapa, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“I enjoy visiting the family store because all of the ladies and volunteers are wonderful and extremely friendly. Even on her bad days, Manager Nikki is a joy to be around.”
“When I arrived in Hamilton, I had only brought one dressy shoe. I was shocked because I had a fancy dinner later that week. I’m quite poor and couldn’t afford to get a new pair of shoes. I was able to get a pair for $4 at an op shop. My life was literally saved.”
10. Red Cross Secondhand Shop
| Best Known For | Clothing, Shoes, Handbags, Homewares, Small Electrical Items, Books, DVDs, Furniture |
| Website | https://www.redcross.org.nz/about-us/contact-us/map-of-new-zealand-red-cross-locations/ |
| Telephone | +6478460492 |
| shop.frankton@redcross.org.nz | |
| Address | 189 Commerce Street, Frankton, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Thursday
- 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Friday
- 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Saturday
- 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“The store primarily sells apparel, and many of the goods for sale appeared dusty. The person who served us was pleasant. We came here on a Friday when they were having a 50% off sale, so the clothes were very cheap.”
“It is one of the top op shops in Hamilton’s Frankton. There are four op shops within a 300-meter radius. This shop, on the other hand, has lower prices and greater discounts. You might also come across some brand-new items. Almost every product is available, including clothing, furniture, literature, homewares, jewellery, and so on.”
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11. Recycle Boutique Hamilton
| Best Known For | Secondhand Clothing, Shoes and Accessories |
| Website | https://recycleboutique.co.nz/ |
| Telephone | +6472117511 |
| hamilton@recycleboutique.co.nz | |
| Address | 322 Grey Street, Hamilton East, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday
- 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday
- 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday
- 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday
- 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Reviews
“Great opportunity for buying some vintage high-quality clothing. A really good selection of high-end, high-quality garments, footwear, and accessories.”
“It was an unexpected experience at this Hamilton thrift store, browsing for sneakers and discovering some nice Adidas. It was a steal. I am so thrilled and excited to go back for deals.”
12. Again & Again
| Best Known For | Secondhand Designer Clothing, Accessories, and Footwear |
| Website | https://againandagain.nz/ |
| Telephone | +64272269282 |
| again.again.consignment@gmail.com | |
| Address | 127 Alexandra Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Tuesday
- 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Wednesday
- 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Thursday
- 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Friday
- 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Saturday
- 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“I purchased a stunning designer gown here for a very cheap price. The business is beautiful, and the service is exceptional. ‘Again and Again’ is highly recommended.”
“A great selection of pre-loved high-end and designer clothes with friendly service and in such a great space too. I found 2 pieces that I’ve been wearing weekly since. Always putting out new items too… the temptation is real – I’ll be back.”
13. Vinnies Thrift Store
| Best Known For | Used Furniture, Household Items, Crockery, Clothing, Books, Footwear |
| Website | https://vinnieshamilton.co.nz/ |
| Telephone | +6478430562 |
| contact@vinnieshamilton.co.nz | |
| Address | 220 Ohaupo Road, Glenview, Hamilton 3206, New Zealand |
Hours
- Monday
- 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Thursday
- 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Friday
- 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Saturday
- 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Reviews
“I like our neighbourhood secondhand store. I am always greeted with a smile and meet wonderful individuals. Not to add the fantastic prices for useful old things that are no longer available. Thank you very much.”
“It’s well worth a visit. You never know what you might come across. Pricing is fair, and everyone on staff is friendly.”
Why Shopping at Op Shops?
Shopping at Opportunity Shops in Hamilton is more than just discovering cheap products near you; it’s a deliberate decision with multiple advantages. These stores, sometimes known as thrift stores or charity shops, provide more than just recycled products. They serve as hubs for sustainability, community support, and one-of-a-kind discoveries.
Let’s look at some of the reasons why shopping at thrift stores may be a rewarding experience:
- Great Prices and Cool Stuff – Stuff at Op Shops is cheap, way cheaper than regular stores. Plus, you’ll find things there that you won’t see anywhere else.
- Helps the Earth and Charities: Buying from Op Shops is good for the planet. It means you’re using things that already exist instead of making new ones, which helps reduce waste. Furthermore, when you buy from Op Shops, the money often goes to help charities and people in need. So, you’re doing a good thing while shopping.
- Helps People: Op Shops sometimes give jobs and teach skills to people who might have a hard time finding work elsewhere. Therefore, your shopping helps them too.
- Fashion on a Budget: If you like trying different styles but don’t want to spend lots of money, Op Shops are perfect. You can mix and match without spending a ton.
- Recycling Stuff: When you buy from Op Shops, you’re helping reuse things. It’s like giving stuff a second life instead of throwing it away.
- Community Feeling: Op Shops in Hamilton are like hangout spots. You meet different people, and it feels like you’re part of a community.
- Fun Shopping: Lastly, shopping at Op Shops is an adventure. You never know what you might discover, and that makes it fun.
FAQ on Hamilton Thrift Stores
Hospice Shop Waikato, Orphans Aid Opshop, St Aidans Op Shop, SPCA Op Shop Dinsdale, Hato Hone St John Retail Store, Habitat for Humanity ReStore Te Rapa, Op Shop for Breast Cancer, Waikato Second Hand Centre, The Salvation Army Family Store, HospiceShop Lake Road Upstairs, Recycle Boutique Hamilton, Again & Again, and Vinnies Glenview are some of the best second-hand shops in Hamilton near you.
In Hamilton Op Shops, you’re likely to find a mix of both used and occasionally brand-new items. While the primary focus is on selling secondhand goods to support charitable causes, these shops occasionally receive brand-new items through donations or surplus stock from retailers or businesses.
You can make sure your contribution is going to a worthy cause by checking the charitable organisation that operates the Op Shop and looking into their affiliations, financial reports, and transparency.
Op Shops in Hamilton, New Zealand, might have loyalty programs for frequent shoppers, but it’s best to check with specific stores directly or visit their websites if available. These programs can vary between different Op Shops, and some may offer loyalty cards or memberships that provide discounts, special offers, or early access to sales as a way to appreciate and encourage regular customers
In certain cases, based on the thrift store’s standards, scheduling requirements, and your availability, you may be able to negotiate your volunteer hours. However, it’s crucial to have a polite chat and acknowledge that the store may have established schedules due to volunteer team dynamics and operational needs.
It’s a good idea to let the staff know if you find a significant object so they can assess it independently or determine the appropriate price.
Conclusion
The thrill of the hunt, the joy of unearthing a bargain, and the satisfaction of giving pre-loved items a new lease on life – that’s the magic of op shopping in Hamilton.
So take your reusable tote bag, put on your adventure hat, and prepare to explore Hamilton’s unique world of secondhand treasures. Remember that patience is essential, but the benefits are plentiful.
Who knows, you might just find the ideal sofa for your living room, the perfect antique gown for your next party, or that rare book you’ve been looking for for years.
