Secondhand clothing in the ‘O’ range at Salvos – funkier, original and big brand labels for shoppers on the hunt for their own unique style.
Story and photos by Linda Moon
Katoomba Street’s famous profile of eateries, quirky shops, cold-climate street plantings and cockatoos is ever changing. And the latest transformation favours the circular economy.
Key Points:
- Secondhand shops are booming in Katoomba and helping drive the circular economy.
- Katoomba has 20 different options for secondhand, thrift, vintage and antique shopping.
- Young people, environmental awareness and tougher economic times are helping fuel the trend.
- See our guide to all 20 Katoomba Op Shops, Antique & Secondhand Stores here >
In October, observant locals will have noticed that two popular op shops (Anglicare and the Salvos) have relocated into prime positions within the tourist town’s main street.
Cayte Moxom, area manager for the Salvation Army (Central West), says the relocation of Salvos (previously in Waratah Street) is about being bigger and more accessible to the public. The move also involves a transition of the store from family/church run to an arm of the Salvation Army.
Doors officially opened on Wednesday 25th October.
A few doors down, the Anglicare Op Shop is also benefitting from a new location. The busy 195 Katoomba Street store recently relocated to expand into a bigger space. It’s a sure sign the secondhand economy is thriving.
The new Anglicare Op Shop. Bigger and better with more floor, rack and shelf space and room to move.
Thriving Centre for Retro
Katoomba now offers 20 different options for secondhand shopping. Featuring something for different budgets and tastes, these include charity-based op shops, vintage options, antique centres and the free reuse shed at the Katoomba Resource Recovery and Waste Management Facility.
See our guide to all 20 Katoomba Op Shops, Vintage & Antique Stores >
“Although we’re competitors,” Moxom says, “the more charities you have, the more choice.”
The growing trade in vintage and secondhand is further establishing the town as a thriving centre for retro and originality.
Boom time for Op Shops. The new Salvos Op Shop in Katoomba Street, one of 20 secondhand shops in Katoomba.
Boom time for op shops
Moxom says the secondhand sector is growing in Katoomba and elsewhere. She attributes it to harder economic times and affordability factors plus greater interest in sustainability and avoiding fast fashion.
People are more interested in considering the environment and planet in their purchases, and doing good in their local community. We’re in a national park, we have the Planetary Health Initiative and a community committed to caring about the environment. – Cayte Moxom
The global market for secondhand apparel is predicted to almost double by 2027 (to $350 billion) according to a report by Thredup. In fact, it’s predicted to grow three times faster than that for new fashion. Which is great for the environment!
Synthetic textiles have become a big environmental problem, Moxom says. Petroleum-based fabrics, like acrylics, elastine, polyester and lycra, don’t break down. Thus, recyling and re-using fashion can help.
Katoomba local, 19-year-old Amy James, modelling clothing she purchased from Katoomba op shops.
Secondhand hits the mainstream
While once we may have felt shame in shopping at op shops, secondhand shopping is mainstream now, Moxom says. “The idea that people who shop in op shops can’t afford it is no longer true. Also, young people want a point of difference and don’t want to wear what everyone else is wearing.”
A study published by The Conversation found second-hand shopping associated more with style-consciousness than either frugality or environmental awareness.
Local outdoor guide, Amy James, in upcycled summer top she hand made from op shop ware.
Youth embracing secondhand
19-year-old Katoomba local, Amy James, is one of many young people who see worth in buying ‘pre-loved’ goods. About half her wardrobe is secondhand.
It’s cheaper; it’s better for the environment, it’s fun, a bit of a treasure hunt. You never know what you’ll find. It’s also inspiring thinking what you can make from it. – Amy James
Mirror, lanterns and chalk bag made by Amy James from trash and treasure purchased in op shops.
The joy of upcycling
Amy, who works as an outdoor guide, upcycles finds from secondhand and op shops into unique clothing and household decor items. She recently refashioned an old mirror using mosaic materials she made from smashed teapot saucers and cups, bits of stained glass and tiles found in secondhand shops. She also handcrafts table runners, pillowcases, mosaics, lanterns and belts (the latter are made from old ties).
Making her own chalk bag (used in the climbing industry) has saved her heaps. The chalk bags typically retail from between $20 to $70, she says. The creative climber made her own using recycled fabric and a friendship bracelet.
Amy plans to start a market stall and promote her unique, handcrafted items on Instagram at theclumsypenguinau.
Lovely hanging lantern made by Amy James using recycled jars from op shops.
Cancer Wellness Op Shop a recycling hero
Amy’s personal favourite for fossicking is the Cancer Wellness Op Shop in North Katoomba. “It has heaps of stuff,” she says.
A popular locals haunt, the op shop also won a coveted expert accreditation for “clothing reuse” from Charitable Recycling Australia (in 2023). The charity recycles a remarkable 95 per cent of all the goods it receives. It also donates unsaleable goods overseas.
Like other charitable thrift shops, most funds go towards local charities and thus feed back into the community.
Cancer Wellness Op Shop, Katoomba – a Blue Mountains favourite for secondhand shopping.
Take Action:
- Go op-shopping in Katoomba instead of buying new. See our full guide to all the stores here >
- Recycle old clothes that can’t be donated through BMCC’s Clothing and Textile Recycling Program
- Get together with friends to hold a clothes swap party to freshen up your wardrobe!
This story has been produced as part of a Bioregional Collaboration for Planetary Health and is supported by the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF). The DRRF is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.
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bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
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Thank you to everyone that joined us at the Planetary Health Centre on Saturday for the first of our Skill Share Saturdays program!
The Centre was a hive of activity all day, and we heard from @alchemyfarms_permaculture, the @ediblegardentrailbluemountains team and Andy Mann. Also thanks to Sherlie McMillan from Greater Blue Mountains Rotary for teaching the Fashion Upcycling workshop, and Virginia Field for the Tai Chi and Qigong class.
The next event will be held on Saturday 1st August - you can register your place here: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
🖐Get involved!
Do you have a skill, program or interest that promotes planetary health that you`d be willing to share with members of the local community? We are looking for more workshop and session hosts for our future events.
Please get in touch, at [email protected]
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You are also welcome to bring any surplus seeds or produce for our Crop Swap, or wind down in the Planetary Health Cafe (until 2pm).
If you have a skill that you want to share, or any questions or queries, please contact [email protected]
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https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
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Skill Share Saturdays: featured session!
Join Andy Mann, a 23 year old Lawson local, for their Eating for Earth session 🌏
Eating for Earth is a judgement-free plant-based educational workshop that all types of eaters are encouraged to attend. There will be a presentation about the environmental impact of diets, a discussion section, and best of all, food! The food will be fully plant-based.
Andy wants to help inform our passionate community about how we can better reduce dietary environmental impact.
The session will run from 11AM - 12PM on Saturday 4th July.
Other sessions include:
- What to grow in a Blue Mountains Climate
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- Tai Chi and Qigong
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- How to get involved with the Edible Garden Trail
To register your place, visit our website: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
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Save the date!
We’re excited to announce the second Blue Mountains Food Security Fair, taking place in Katoomba in October 2026.
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Across the weekend, we’ll be exploring themes including:
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Expect a dynamic program of inspiring speakers, practical workshops, and hands-on experiences designed to leave you informed, empowered, and connected.
Key information
Date: Weekend of 10th October 2026
Location: Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre, Katoomba, NSW
We’ll be announcing speakers and program details soon.
We are also inviting expressions of interest from individuals and organisations who would like to contribute to the program, host workshops, run a stall or partner with us.
Please reach out to [email protected] if you are interested!
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bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
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bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
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- Fashion Upcycling and clothing reuse workshop
You are also welcome to bring any surplus seeds or produce for our Crop Swap, or wind down in the Planetary Health Cafe (until 2pm).
Visit the website to view the full program of events and register your place: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
Registrations essential.
We are also inviting expressions of interest from individuals and organisations who would like to contribute to the program - please reach out to [email protected] if you are interested!
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bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
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🍃Volunteer weekly at the Planetary Health Centre 🍃
From next week, Tuesday 28th April, come and join Leni from @alchemyfarms_permaculture from 10am - 12pm, to help with the management of the Planetary Health veggie gardens, where any surplus produce can be shared!
The gardening session will be followed by a complimentary tea or coffee in the Planetary Health cafe.
📆Day: Every Tuesday
🕙Time: 10AM - 12PM
📍Where:
Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre
33-39 Acacia Street
Katoomba
(follow the pathways at each side of the building, round to the terrace and gardens).
What shall I bring?
All you need to bring is water, gardening gloves and a hat.
If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected]
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#togetherwecan #faithinlove #interfaith #interfaithgathering #planetaryhealth #spirituality #wellnessweekend #katoomba #bluemountains
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Yum!
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