Perth’s biggest celebration of second-hand fashion is returning for a second year to The Court this month, with Australia’s Biggest Op Shop Sale bringing 19 op shops and up-cyclers together for a huge day of sustainable shopping.
ABOSS 2.0 will transform the Northbridge nightclub on Sunday, August 16, into a giant op shop, giving shoppers a chance to browse everything from vintage clothing to designer finds while supporting local charities and sustainable fashion businesses.
The event launched last year on National Thrift Shop Day, and attracted more than 1000 people.
Event director and owner of ABOSS, Perth Pop Events and Rag Pop Up Carolyn O’Driscoll said this year’s event had been shaped around what shoppers enjoyed most about the first sale.
“Ultimately, our guests love to shop in a social atmosphere; they come with their friends, browse the stalls, watch the runway, and stay to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat,” she said.
Confirmed sellers include well-known community organisations including the Salvos, Save the Children, ParaQuad, Cat Haven and St Pat’s, alongside independent up-cyclers.
Ms O’Driscoll said the event was already at capacity.
“Due to our venue size, we are currently at maximum capacity, as every area of The Court will be transformed into an op shop shopper’s haven,” she said.
ABOSS is currently based in WA and focuses on showcasing local charities, independent up-cyclers and sustainable designers.
“There is currently no other event like this in Australia, where leading op shops come together in the one venue,” Ms O’Driscoll said.
There are plans to take the concept interstate.
The event will give shoppers a chance to get their hands on one-off pieces and browse premium designer fashion, vintage pieces and special sale racks without having to travel between multiple stores.
“Instead of driving from one op shop to another searching for that ‘unicorn’ find, we are bringing them all together under one roof,” Ms O’Driscoll said.
The event will offer two entry options, with a $12.50 plus booking fee Sustainably Stylish VIP Session providing ticket holders will priority access from 10am to 3pm and entry to the R.E.V.I.V.E runway show.
Free entry will be available from 1pm to 3pm, with some shops anticipated to mark down remaining stock towards the end of the event.
The R.E.V.I.V.E Runway will be one of the event’s major drawcards, with a 40-minute showcase featuring Perth models and influencers wearing curated looks sourced from a range of op shops.
A champagne bar will take over The Court’s upstairs balcony, while DJ Her Highness Lauren Simpson will be spinning the decks for the day.
Ms O’Driscoll said the event was ultimately about bringing people together around sustainable fashion.
“It is a unique Sunday shopping experience that directly supports valuable local charities and WA up-cyclers,” she said.
The event will have multiple changerooms and EFTOS machines. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags and dress in comfortable layers for trying on clothes.
Tickets can be purchased online.
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