Teen Thrifting Guide: Savers® | Review

From retro jackets to unique accessories, we explored Savers® in Adelaide to see what makes it a teen thrifting hotspot.

Review by Carla Caruso

We all know thrifting is better for the environment and our wallets, while new fashion often isn’t. Still, breaking old shopping habits isn’t always easy.

I got into op-shopping years ago, before it was considered ‘cool’. I especially enjoyed hunting for interesting handbags, jewellery, and belts. Over time, my thrifting days dwindled, since altering clothes often cost more than buying new – until one of my twelve-year-old twin sons, inspired by online influencers, rediscovered second-hand stores.

Before long, he was hooked, and I naturally became a designated driver. My son usually spends at least $30 per visit, so it isn’t a cheap hobby, but he loves styling himself and the thrill of uncovering hidden gems. My younger sister is also an op-shopping queen, so it clearly runs in the family.

One name that often comes up in thrifting circles is Savers®. Founded in the US in 1954, the company operates a unique model, partnering with local charities to reduce landfill. Charities provide items or receive a share of the proceeds, while Savers remains a private, for-profit business selling donated goods at affordable prices. A thrift store chain, run with business smarts!

In Adelaide, Savers® has several locations, including Marleston, Modbury, Noarlunga, and Kilburn. 

We recently checked out the Kilburn and Marleston stores, with the Marleston location opening in February 2025 as a superstore – the first new SA Savers® in over a decade.

Walking into the stores can be overwhelming, there’s just so much to sift through. But everything is sectioned neatly: shoes, toys, menswear, and beyond.

Department store–style fitting rooms and self-checkout machines make the experience feel surprisingly similar to shopping at a mall.

My son Sebastian’s best recent thrift scores:

• Retro Manchester United track top – $20
• Adidas Gazelle sneakers – $20
• Stussy rugby top – $15, zip jacket – $15
• Carhartt baggy jeans – $20, jumper – $20
• Mossimo puffer jacket – $20
• PUMA Ferrari T-shirt – $5

Brands to watch for, according to Sebastian: Carhartt, Fruit of the Loom, Stussy, and JNCO.

Sebastian’s thrifting tips:

• Look for items that are barely worn.
• Arrive early and hit the best stores – good finds go fast.
• Savers Kilburn has the widest variety; with so much on offer, you’re almost guaranteed to score something great.

My sister Daniella’s top thrift buys:

• Brand-new Jo Mercer leather ankle boots (current style) – $15 
• Brand-new Merlette NYC green blouse – $7 (retails for $710 US)
• Crocs black sandals – $15 (retail over $150)
• Plenty of quirky jewellery, usually under $10

Daniella’s thrifting tips:

• Choose a day when you can take your time and not rush.
• Try everything on – clothes often look different on the hanger.
• Explore all sections, including plus-size, men’s, and women’s; gems can be anywhere.
• Donate good-quality items back to earn some ✨thrifting karma✨.

Worth noting: Savers offers a 20% discount on Sundays for students with a valid student ID.

While thrifting might not be as easy as shopping online from your couch, it’s well worth the effort, especially for scoring a unique sense of style!

Locations:

• Savers Marleston: T6, 254 Richmond Road
• Savers Kilburn: Shop 4, 252 Churchill Road

Other great local charity op shops worth checking out:

• Aggie’s Op Shop – St Augustine’s (183 Unley Rd, Unley)
• Any of the RSPCA or Animal Welfare League op shops (from Aberfoyle Park to Mawson Lakes – fab cause!)
• Goodies Op Shop (behind Clayton Wesley Uniting Church – Corner of The Parade and Portrush Road, Beulah Park)
• Salvos Stores (from Aldinga to Golden Grove) – we’re fans of the shops at Unley and Melrose Park, and
• The Red Geranium Op Shop, supporting Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (486 Goodwood Road, Cumberland Park).

If you want to hit multiple shops at once, head to the mega centre on 308 Grange Road, Kidman Park, where you can find the RSPCA Op Shop, Save The Children Op Shop, Salvos, Vinnies, and the Australian Red Cross Superstore.

There are also around five op shops clustered in one section of Norwood Parade, including a Save The Children store (pictured below), which interestingly carries a large selection of vintage American clothing.

See our Top Parks & Playgrounds Around Adelaide

For more information and all enquiries, please visit the Savers Australia website.

All photos by Carla Caruso and James Elsby for Play & Go Adelaide. 

At Play & Go Adelaide, we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.

As per all our Play & Go reviews, this is not a sponsored post and our review is done completely independently. 

SUBSCRIBE

Follow Play & Go Adelaide on Facebook and Instagram

Want to get all the latest events and activities straight to your inbox?

Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter below to keep up to date with our latest posts and find out all the best events & activities for Adelaide families. Newsletters are only sent once a week, and you may sometimes get a special offer exclusively for our subscribers only!