In this Q&A, Savers Australia managing director Michael Fisher discusses the thrifting business’ recent Sydney move and what’s ahead.
Why did Savers open a boutique store concept in Sydney CBD instead of its usual thrift store?
Our decision to introduce the Savers Thrift Boutique in Sydney was influenced by several factors. Consumers are becoming more aware of the impact their clothing choices have on the environment. They’re also seeking great value and love the thrill of finding a unique item at a great price. This is what 'Thrift Proud' is all about.
We’ve seen great success with our traditional Thrift Superstores across Australia, and our new store on Oxford Street provides a unique opportunity to experience this in a smaller format, continuing to showcase the one-of-a-kind fashion finds that Savers is known for, right in the heart of Sydney.
We know people in Sydney love shopping secondhand and we’re excited to continue to share our Thrift Proud movement with more customers in more locations.
What kind of labels will the store stock?
The Savers Thrift Boutique will feature a versatile selection of one-of-a-kind pre-loved fashion, offering sustainable and affordable clothing and accessories that not only benefit the hip pockets, but also the planet. Our aim is to provide a wide range of styles that cater to diverse tastes, while still maintaining the value and sustainability that Savers is known for.
Our latest store offers customers an inner-city Savers thrifting experience where customers will be able to find a little bit of everything. This new store is a continuation of our large format offer, centered on our commitment to providing exceptional value while promoting the circular economy through fashion reuse.
How many stores does Savers operate in Australia and will this change ahead?
We currently operate 13 stores across Australia as well as the Savers Thrift Boutique on Sydney’s Oxford Street.
The growing demand for sustainable fashion and the positive reception to our Thrift Proud mission have set the stage for continued expansion. We’re actively exploring opportunities to increase our presence in key markets across Australia, so customers can certainly expect to see more Savers stores in the future.
As we continue to grow, we aim to bring the Savers experience to more communities, helping even more Australians make sustainable shopping choices.
How does Savers Australia gain donations?
We accept donations on behalf of our long-standing not-for-profit partners (Red Nose Australia and Diabetes Victoria) at the Community Donation Centres located at our Savers thrift superstores.
Our not-for-profit partners also have their own home collection programs where they collect donations and deliver them to our stores. However the donations arrive to us, we pay the not-for-profit in bulk for those items, helping them to fund programs in the community. Both not-for-profits do incredible work and we’re proud to partner with them in our mission to champion re-use.
There is a diverse range of pre-loved items donated that we accept on behalf of our not-for-profit partners. As consumers are becoming more aware of the importance of extending the life of their clothing, we see a real mix of fashion, which makes each Savers store a true treasure hunting experience for customers.
Do you have leverage on what donations you accept/buy?
We purchase the donations from our not-for-profit partners in bulk without any pre-sorting. A diverse range of pre-loved items can be found on the shop floor, everything from everyday essentials to much loved brands, ensuring that all our stores offer customers exceptional value and one-of-a-kind finds.