Vinnies Waverley

RoxyC 2 months ago

This Vinnies has been here for decades and I previously would have rated it much higher. It is a huge store with lots of stock to browse through. But in recent years the pricing has become ridiculous. There used to be a rack of jeans all one low price, but now everything is priced differently and some are more than retail new. I've seen jeans there up around $90! A set of drawers asking $800. Part of the joy of op-shopping was the possibility of finding a brand you love at a bargain price or a cool vintage item, but that is not an option here. If they went back to the old pricing setup I'm sure they'd sell much more and probably make more money overall. Pros: lots of stock, big store. Cons: pricing.

Nicole Cupic 3 months ago

I’ve been shopping at St Vinnies for years and have always had positive experiences, which is why I was really disappointed with how I was treated during a recent return. I purchased a super oversized blazer that I later decided wasn’t right for me, I felt it would just end up sitting unworn in my wardrobe, so I returned it. On my first visit, I was served by two staff members; one was lovely and helpful, while the other seemed disinterested and unwilling to help. I had misplaced my receipt but was able to show proof of purchase via my phone. The lovely staff member tried to locate the transaction but weren’t able to find it at the time. On my second visit, after I had found the receipt and returned, I was then accused of having worn the jacket. This was not the case, it still smelled like the store, and I would have had it dry-cleaned first if I had decided to keep it. Overall, I left both visits feeling quite dismissed and uncomfortable (actually walked out in tears) which was very disappointing given my previous positive experiences with the store. I hope this feedback helps improve how customers are treated in future and they have faith in people being honest.

Greg B Edited 4 months ago

Dear St Vincent De Paul Society, I am writing to make a formal complaint regarding the behaviour of the manager at St Vincent de Paul Society in Waverley on Saturday 9th May. I have been a loyal customer and supporter of this charity shop for well over a decade, which is why this experience was so upsetting and disappointing. During my recent visit, I was spoken to in a manner that I found extremely rude, dismissive, and disrespectful. The manager’s attitude was unnecessarily hostile and completely lacking in basic courtesy and professionalism. As a customer, I do not expect special treatment, however I do expect to be treated with dignity and respect. Instead, I left feeling humiliated and uncomfortable. What was most concerning was the complete lack of compassion and patience shown by someone representing a charity organisation that is supposed to support and uplift the community. No person in a leadership role, particularly within a charity environment, should behave in such a hostile and disrespectful manner. After supporting your store for over a decade, this experience has seriously changed my perception of the organisation. A charity should reflect kindness, empathy, and

Mark Hamer Edited 8 months ago

Great shop. Large and full of clothes but I still found some discs and books I wanted. Friendly woman at the counter. I did wonder why people would give bad reviews and I was surprised to see complaints about too-high prices. It's definitely not too pricey! Update: Brought my wife in and she got quality leather boots $35 and a Country Road silk dress $20. As a charity-run thrift/op shop its profits go to Vinnies goals therefore they attempt to maximise profits - our choice whether we buy - rather than satisfy selfish entitled browsers/customers.

MS Edited 10 months ago

Big vinnies. Since this vinnies came under new management last year its changed into a shadow of itself, now focussing on clothes. The upper floor got a good refresh / new paint to address the leak/mold corner and looks good again. Lots of the non-clothing stock has disappeared though (i assumed binned as not aligned to new concept) with quite a few empty shelves. Vinnies only accepted clothes as donations recently…a whole new section of new items of some bedding/linnen brand. Shame as the stock is more now far more plain than before and more generic kmart type items. Maybe they sell more unique items via different channels these days. Prices for bric-a-brac have gone up significantly and often are close to retail. Votive 18 dollars, new at peters of kensington for 22 dollars. Kmart fake plant 10 dollars, same price new. It used to be one of my favourites, but like Maroubra this new concept is not for me I guess.