When keen shoppers arrive at the Tathra Op Shop on a Saturday morning asking for outlandish colour coordinated outfits, volunteer Nancy Hinde knows there’s a party on in town that night.
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“We have some hilarious days,” Ms Hinde said.
If there’s anyone in need we help out.
- Volunteer Nancy Hinde
The shops, run by the Tathra Uniting Church, will be hosting its official opening on Saturday from 11am for its new home next to Tathra Beach Supermarket on Andy Poole Dr.
A parade of “grey nomads” are also regular customers.
“The grey nomads trawl through the week,” volunteer Joe Stewart said.
“Often they’ve come down and they’ve forgotten something.
“We also get collectors through looking for LPs.”
A self proclaimed “grey nomad” herself, Ms Hinde said it’s the thrill of the hunt that brings travelers and tourists into the shop.
“I’m a grey nomad, and you just go to the Op Shops because you don’t know what you’ll find.’ she said.
“On overcast days people flock to buy books and toys, because they are stuck indoors at home.
“People bush camping also come in looking for pots and pans.”
Following the initial move, the volunteers noticed more people visiting the shop, and there are hopes summer will see it bustling with customers.
The shop also helps people in need, from donating to local families, to sponsoring a child in Cuszco, Peru, through World Vision.
“There was a lady in here yesterday who didn’t have much, so we help out where we can,’ Ms Hinde said.
“If there’s anyone in need we help out.”
Saturday will see a lucky dip for kids, live busking, and the ribbon will be cut by Bega and Tathra Uniting Church pastor Dan Reithmuller.
The shop has raised over $230,000 for charity since it was opened on July 29, 1995.
