Bribie Island’s answer to David Jones

Janelle Clarke knows a thing or two about shopping. Ask her what makes her so passionate and proficient at managing the Op Shop at the Churches of Christ church hall on Bribie Island and she’ll tell you, it’s down to 20+ years of retail experience, an eye for visual merchandising, and having a strong sense of purpose to care for others.

Prices are kept low and reasonable as, “this supports the community, with people able to buy very affordable pieces. The benefits are not just from the money we raise.”

An old-school approach sees shirts selling for $3, shoes in good condition for $4 and classic one-of-a-kind jewellery for $5 apiece. There is even a two-piece suit on the showroom floor for $6!

“I love it when people come up and ask me if we have another size of a certain item. As we don’t seem like an everyday op shop, we are more like a real store,” Janelle says. 

The busy hub has affectionately been dubbed the ‘David Jones of Bribie Island’. It’s more than a shop, and acts as a central meeting point for many in the community. Some people come and stay for a cuppa, others become such regular customers that they end up choosing to pitch in as a volunteer. There’s also a plant nursery where profits go towards school chaplaincy programs and other programs supporting locals struggling in the community.

But it’s the quirks that gives this Op Shop its warmth, with a cute Ring for a Hug bell placed on the front counter (which we can confirm works 😊), to a ‘Pay it Forward’ jar – where visitors can drop their change or a few cents in, and if someone is short when they reach the ‘til, their purchase is covered. 

It is no wonder they currently receive over 600 visitors every week and have a 37-strong team of volunteers. At a time when traditional retail is experiencing a downward turn, this store sure beats the trends. 

Janelle says, “I make it about people.” And it shows. 

Recently, Janelle made it as a Top 3 Finalist at the well-known Queensland Volunteer of the Year Awards. Janelle was presented with a certificate at a special ceremony at Brisbane City Hall last month. While chuffed at the nomination, Janelle invited two other volunteers to attend the ceremony, and is making sure to share the nomination celebrations with the wider team with an event in June. 

Well done to Janelle and the team.