The New South Wales arm of the St Vincent de Paul's Society has launched a new online platform called Vinnies Finds, selling over 20,000 hand-picked, pre-loved fashion pieces.
The website is currently being run by a team of 25 staff and volunteers at Vinnies’ Stanmore warehouse in Sydney’s Inner West.
It comes after Vinnies Victoria launched its own website, which covers the full retail category space.
Vinnies NSW CEO Yolanda Saiz said the new website is a culmination of nearly two years of planning and development.
“The eCommerce solution was designed, built, and rigorously tested, with multiple key partners contributing to the launch,” Saiz said.
“The warehouse and operations were established from the ground up by the Vinnies NSW retail team, transforming an empty space into a fully functioning distribution hub. An internal project team worked collaboratively alongside a number of external stakeholders.”
The team worked with various technology partners, including Deepend, Convert Digital and Huston Group covering web development, branding, positioning and design. Vinnies NSW also partnered with Shopify and Australia Post to run back-end operations, including shipping.
According to Statista research, the second-hand retail economy in Australia is worth more than $60 billion, with Credence Research showing the second-hand apparel market is projected to grow from US$578.10 million (~A$900m) in 2023 to an estimated US$1,598.37 million by 2032.
Saiz said the launch of Vinnies Finds represents a major step forward in the evolution of Vinnies NSW's retail offering. The charity arm’s history spans over 100 years, with the organisation managing more than 220 stores across the state.
“The new curated online store complements our bricks-and-mortar locations by giving customers the flexibility to shop however they prefer,” Saiz said. “As shopping habits continue to shift in the digital age, this move ensures Vinnies remains relevant, accessible, and aligned with what today’s consumers are looking for: convenience, sustainability, and style.
“By going digital, we’re not only reaching a broader audience but also meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly fashion, giving quality, pre-loved items a second life and supporting our mission in a modern, meaningful way.”