Like walking into the Tardis, this opportunity shop is larger on the inside than the outside. Packed full of stuff, this place will take you hours to work through properly.

Racks, and racks of clothing, for men, women and children line most of one side, while furniture, toys, cushions, crockery and other stuff, fill the other side of this shed.

Bargains exist here, you've just got to have the patience to wade through it. The service provider was cheerful and helpful.

Cheap prices too.

Approximate cost: $2.75

Great quality for relatively low prices and they have a great variety of products. Whenever I have time to lose I go here and just stroll around looking at the various items and I never leave with empty hands.

Firstly, with the many commercial and other enterprises with which the organisation is involved, it is very easy to overlook the fact that the Salvation Army was founded by Booth to raise the poor from destitution of body and spirit; it is a church whose purpose is to save souls. Secondly, that said, the various op shops which trade under the Salvo banner are a mixed bunch. Some I have found to be very expensive, as if catering to the memorabilia & collectibles market of the well to do, rather than offering inexpensive products which can help the economically disadvantaged afford to keep their dignity.
Fortunately the Ararat Thrift Shop is affordable. Overall the quality and prices are reasonable, with good things coming in regularly to refresh the stock. It has a wide selection of merchandise ranging from household wares and furniture; through clothing and shoes; to videos, DVDs, books and so forth. It is housed in a huge shed with generous parking facilities on site, behind the church. The staff generally have been pleasant to me. It is encouraging to see that both the mentally and socially challenged work here although, as I do not know if it is under some scheme for which the organisation is paid, I cannot say whether this is Christianity in action, or something else.
Other points in favour of this shop: there is a proper cash register and receipts are issued; I had no difficulty returning for exchange something packaged wrongly; customers are treated with respect. On the down side, from my point of view, is the choice of music often played in the background. While I love hymns, loud country & western versions, are liable to drive me from premises wanting to scream. Good hours: open Monday to Friday 9.00 am - 5.00 pm