COVID clear-outs and a desire for something new may be behind a surge in bric-a-brac sales, with sales up 20 to 30 per cent in one Perth Vinnies store."A lot of people cleared out, a lot of people have decided they don't like where they live anymore so they have moved house, so they bring all their items to us, and other people have been buying stuff."
They put the funds raised from its op shop sales into services which help the elderly, the homeless and people living in poverty.While many of the items that come in are straightforward household wares that can be washed and put on the shelf, others are given more careful consideration."Sometimes we even take them to an antique dealer if we feel it is something that could be quite valuable.
"One of the ladies that works here said that when she was a child they used to give them out at the fairground as prizes, rather than a cuddly toy," Ms Garden said."That would still be an item of value to someone, it's very unique. I've never seen one before."Never underestimate what will sell And then there are the items that are simply a mystery — especially kitchen and food-related items with a purpose that simply is not clear.