Deals n’ steals await at Pacas Recycling Store.
Deals n’ steals await at Pacas Recycling Store.
Gone are the days when you raced into an op shop with your shades on for fear someone driving by might recognise you. Or, to source an outfit for Uncle John’s 60s-themed birthday, because those crochet hotpants you rocked like a boss at Splendour were a tad too, umm, Splendour-ish. Well now the pendulum has swung the other way, and scoring a bag full of thrifted loot has become a perfectly acceptable means of updating your wardrobe. In fact, it’s touted as ‘the new black’ of shopping, not just because you get epic bang for your buck and unique finds, but because it’s sustainable. Circularity is the buzz word of 2022 and no industry has embraced this monumental movement quite like far-shion. Second-hand clothing meccas like Surfers Paradise’s Pacas Recycling Store are leading the charge in this space, vowing to help save our planet one thrifted garment at a time!
Passionate about conscious consumerism and the preservation of our environment, Pacas (not to be confused with Paccers a little further up the road…) encourages us to never pay retail prices – and we oblige! Their massive haul of preloved pieces are sourced from Florida (cool) and they specialise in US designer brands like GAP, Victoria’s Secret and American Eagle. Plus, they get new drops every single Saturday so yes, a little trip to the glitter strip is set to become a weekly event. Cue the sweet vintage finds!
Their super cool range will have you popping tags and stealing Grandpa’s style (we don’t really mean that but wanted to quote Macklemore) like a pro! Also, you’ll be doing your bit to support the environment coz friends, listen up. Thanks to fast fashion, the amount of clothing ending up in landfill is harmful to our environment, and Pacas owners Liz Marie de Ycaza and Alfonso Abril have vowed to help change that.
Relocating from Guatemala and Panama in 2018 with professional careers committed to tourism, they were forced to pivot from their original plan due to, well you can guess why (starts with Covid and ends with 19). However, this (not so) little change of plans turned out to be a blessing in disguise, paving the way for Pacas, a Spanish word which translates to ‘’bale of clothing”. People in third-world countries commonly purchase a bale of clothing to resell, hence the catchy name.
Drawing inspo from the second-hand shops they have visited abroad, and especially in Guatemala where competition in the thrifted clothing space is fierce, they developed the green print for their very own preloved empire. Offering low-cost, high-quality apparel, their goal is to encourage Gold Coasters to embrace the slow fashion phenomenon, rather than buying new. In fact, this savvy duo have more than just our humble town in their sites, dreaming big and aiming to launch 100 second-hand stores across the country in the future. Mic drop.
So next time you decide your wardrobe is in need of a little pick-me-up, head to Pacas for some guilt-free awesome new old finds (or old new finds, and we’re just confusing ourselves now but you get the gist). Paying full price is so 2021 and the treasures you can unearth here put Pacas at the top of the thrift store food chain. To once again quote our mate Macklemore, even if only have $20 in your pocket, this (place) is ** awesome.
Where: 3298 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
When: 10am – 6pm Monday – Saturday. 12pm – 4pm Sunday.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY PACAS RECYCLING STORE
It’s an experience that gets all your senses going, from that distinctive op shop scent to the rush of excitement you get when you find a pre-loved treasure you know you’ll be calling vintage!
In honour of all the people who do good by donating to op shops or volunteer their time, we bring forth an epic list of the crème de la crème of op shops on the Coast.
Thrifters, get excited, gather your besties and get ready to hunt down some bargains!
Salvos Store, Nerang
So our friends in the outer ‘burbs don’t have to miss out on the bargain hunt we bring to you Nerang’s Salvos Store just off the Pacific Motorway on Station Street. Friendly service and a great range of pre-loved items make this op shop a place to return!
Where: 23-25 Station St, Nerang
Lifeline Molendinar
Bargain hunters, this one will give you all the heart eyes. It is a literal warehouse. You’re guaranteed to walk away from this place with some bargains.
Where: 28 Industrial Ave, Molendinar
Lifeline, Southport
Southport’s Lifeline is the perfect spot when you’re in the mood to dress to impress. They have lots of retro and vintage clothing plus books, shoes, toys and manchester.
Where: 14 Railway St, Southport
Vinnies, Mudgeeraba
Vinnies, another familiar face in the world of op-shopsis a must for affordable and pre-loved items including clothing, furniture, books, music and bric-a-brac. Everything you buy inspires change in your local community, feel good shopping at its best!
Where: 58 Railway St, Mudgeeraba
Pacas Recycling Store, Surfers Paradise
Passionate about conscious consumerism and the preservation of our environment, Pacas encourages us to never pay retail prices – and we oblige! Their massive haul of preloved pieces is sourced from Florida (cool) and they specialise in US designer brands like GAP, Victoria’s Secret and American Eagle. Plus, they get new drops every single Saturday so yes, a little trip to the glitter strip is set to become a weekly event.
Where: 3298 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Salvos, Mermaid Beach
Located just near Soak Bathhouse in Mermaid Beach it’s easy to see why this store has a reputation for being one of the best on the Coast. This place is huge and a veritable treasure trove for thrifters.
Where: Pacific Square, Shop 11/2532 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
AWLQ, Burleigh
This hidden treasure trove located on the lower Gold Coast Highway just around the corner from Commune Cafe is rather small but offers you a good variety of clothing, furniture and home-wares. Plus it’s always a good feeling knowing you’re helping animals in need with your new finds. Show them off in style by relaxing with a yummy coffee afterwards.
Where: Cnr & Lower Gold Coast Hwy & Elder Entrance, Burleigh Heads
Vinnies, Burleigh Waters
Nestled between Harvey Norman and Burleigh Homespace at Santa Maria Court is Vinnies Burleigh Waters. The welcoming staff play a big part of why this op-shop is a locals favourite! Besides great customer service they give you everything you expect from a thrift shop and more.
Where: 11/1 Santa Maria Ct, Burleigh Waters
RSPCA, West Burleigh
Bargain hunters beware… RSPCA’s biggest Gold Coast store is another well kept secret and features furniture, books, toys, music, clothing and even some antiques! It’s pretty easy to spend hours browsing through all the second-hand steals and collectables, but as long as you make it out with some unique fashion items and vintage finds it’s well worth it!
Where: 18 Township Dr, Burleigh Heads
Nothing quite warms our cockles like a shopping spree. When we feel sad, it cheers us up. When we feel happy, it makes us even happier. And in contrast, when we’re broke AF after buying 1,047 Christmas presents, it gives us a panic attack….or does it?!!?! No friends, it doesn’t stress us out one iota because we know the secret to guilt-free shopping. All hail the almighty factory outlet!
Here’s our round-up of some must-visits to satisfy your shopping addiction and keep your savings intact.
Harbour Town Premium Outlets
I mean, this place needs no intro. We’ve all nabbed many-a-bargain here and it would be rude not to, coz there is everything you could ever want…at insanely good prices. We’re talking 240 retailers offering up to 70% off every single day and just shut up and take our money already. The best of both designer and high street faaarshion awaits like Coach, Armani, Seed, Sass & Bide, Politix, and Sheike to name a few. Plus JB HiFi, Bonds, Adidas, Adairs, Bed Bath N’ Table, Victoria’s Secret, Billini and we could go on…and on. It’s the ultimate one-stop-shop, with a spiffy eats and sips precinct to boot.
Where: 147-189 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
Sheridan Outlet
Nothing says luxury like Sheridan! And lucky us coz the Helensvale outlet offers quality bed linen, towels and accessories at up to 70% off original retail prices. Stop it! Shop an extensive range of pillows, quilts, towels, blankets, sheet sets, fitted sheets, pillowcases, bed shirts and mattress protectors, with new stock arriving weekly. That means regular visits are totally acceptable and we love it how we can always justify these things. You can even join the VIP club to make sure you have front row access to all the best deals. Sign us up! PS there is also a smaller outlet store at Harbour Town. Yay!
Where: Homeworld, 502 Hope Island Road, Helensvale
Ripcurl DFO
For a Gold Coaster, an endless supply of swimmers (all.the.styles), hats, rashies, towels, sunnies, cute summer threads, thongs and sandals (again – all.the.styles) is mandatory. Full stop, end of story. Thankfully, the surf gods have smiled upon us in the form of Nerang’s Ripcurl DFO (plus a smaller outlet at Harbour Town), offering all year round darn dirt-cheap Ripcurl radness. And for the surfers (i.e., every second person), this place is actual heaven. Wetsuits, surfboard covers, surf hardware – it’s all here and the quality is mint.
Where: 2 Pappas Way, Nerang
Ashmore Factory Outlets
Just look for the ginormous Aussie flag and pull in immediately for discounted goodies galore #truedat. There are plenty of household names waiting for you here, including Billabong, Quicksilver, Unit, and Surf, Dive N Ski. There’s also Skate Connection, a Good Price Pharmacy, Sunglass Clearance Warehouse, Nutrition Warehouse, and the Mega Footy Store. Plus you can update your ‘do at Cali Hair and work on your rig at Strong Pilates, so that you look as bangin’ as your bank balance. Sugar lovers will be spoilt for choice at Captains’ Candy!
Where: 12 Central Park Avenue, Ashmore
Sideways Surf Outlet
Ok so Sideways currently have not one but three locations on the Gold Coast alone, so it’s pretty safe to say it’s a crowd fave. Clothing wise, we’re talking up to 60% off all the big brand surf and street labels for the whole fam. Plus there’s A1 quality surfboards made from PSI Formula One and glassed with quality Aussie FGI resin, board bags and covers, and reliable leashes and tailpads from brands like Sideways (obvs), Gorilla, Wander and Modom. So if you’re partial to a surf, ‘seas’ the day and stock up on all your gear here!
Where: 16 Central Park Avenue, Ashmore, 1 Santa Maria Court, Burleigh Waters, & 28-30 Greenway Drive, Tweed Heads South
UGG Since 1974
Nothing says Australia like the quintessential UGG boot. A national icon which has been replicated time and time again, no imposter – many even using the UGG name #cheeky – have ever come close to the original. And colour us happy, there’s an UGG Since 1974 factory outlet right here on the Goldie! Shop everything from the snuggliest of boots to UGG slides, clutches, handbags, rugs and gloves. Choose from a ready-made pair or, insert drumroll, customise and design your own. Yes, this is a thing and what a time to be alive!
Where: 23 Christine Avenue, Miami
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Ah, Surfers Paradise. The jewel in the crown that is our fair city. The place visitors first picture in their minds and have done for the last several decades. While it is the most tourist-dense part of our Coast, what is it local’s love about it? Here we fill you in on the six best reasons locals love Surfers Paradise.
Belt out karaoke at Tune Up
The definition of karaoke, Tune Up is THE place to test out your vocal cords after you’ve had a few cocktails at bar instution The Avenue or a few schooners of ale from House of Brews. It’s an intimate environment that feels much like a house party where you can choose to mingle with everyone in the main bar or take up residence in your own little private room and sing your heart out. Count us in!
Where: Level 1, 23 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise (above Gold Coast Real Estate)
Have a Guinness at the D’Arcy Arms
Wet your whistle with a pint of Guinness at D’Arcy Arms where the historic first Guinness keg was brewed in Queensland (and arguably Australia), tapped onsite in 1988. This locals’ Irish pub fave offers a welcome change of pace if you want to take things slow, keep warm by the fireplace or if last night happened to get the better of you. There’s always great home-style food to be had, live music and a few friendly faces with some good craic.
Where: 2923 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
Have a luxe afternoon at Surfers Pavilion
Aptly positioned with ceaseless waterfront views and boasting a substantial mooring site of 400sq metres, means if locals would like to arrive GC-style by boat or jet ski — so be it! Setting and glam aside though, the new arrival is perfect for enjoying our fantastic year-round weather with an outside frosé bar, and for those with a discerning palette, a dedicated oyster and Champagne station keeps the crowd more than occupied.
Where: 30-34 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Hit 9 pins at Strike Bowling
Prepare to lose a few hours when you step into this space which is a literal smorgasbord of entertaining activities and feast for the senses. The highlight is the 10-lane glow in the dark bowling alley where competitive urges can be settled with groups big and small. But, it doesn’t stop there either. If you fancy further fun, then a 15-person karaoke room, cocktail bar, two escape rooms, and pool tables should do it.
Where: Circle on Cavill, Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Sip cocktails on The Island Rooftop Bar
Rooftop bars are one of the greatest things that ever happened to the Gold Coast. Period. Now, take this sentiment and couple it with this — the Gold Coast’s largest open-air rooftop bar — and voila, you have one of the best places to drink delectable cocktails, watch live music, and live your best life at the stream of ever-changing events (drag queen brunch anyone?). You are promised great times and vibes when you head to The Island.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Grab breaky at Cuppa on 41
If you find yourself in Surfers Paradise before the afternoon, then you need to head to Cuppa on 41 to energise yourself for the day — as well as for all the other inclusions on this list! The café is an excellent concept that allows local underprivileged youth to become experienced in hospitality, and coincidentally isn’t so hard on your pocket either! Our pick is the Bauernomelett, a German-style omelette straight out of heaven. You’ll leave with a satisfied belly and knowing you have contributed to a change in a Gold Coasters future.
Where: 41 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Indulge at Alfrescos Italian Restaurant
Creating picture-perfect pasta and pizza for the last 25 years, you might say what Alfrescos doesn’t know about Italian food and ambience isn’t worth knowing — and you’d be right! This charming family-owned and run restaurant has stood the test of time with locals and continually returning for great Italian classics and drinks to match. If you haven’t been in a little while, be sure to change that, the venue underwent a slight facelift late last year and is looking as enchanting as ever.
Where: 3/3018 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Boogie on down at Retro’s
When it comes to having a boogie along to cheeky tunes of yesteryear, you no longer have to hide in your bathroom in your towel to do so. All the locals know that Retro’s is the ultimate answer to having a fun night out and dancing the night away to the music you grew up with. With themed nights and drinks specials coming at you from all angles, you are destined to have a good time no matter what day of the week it is at this hotbed of a disco.
Where: 3 — 15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Take in the view at Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club
After a swish refurbishment, this 100-year-old surf club is the faultless place to go for an ice-cold beer for a spot of people watching, seamless views across the Pacific Ocean and to chat to a local. The family-friendly atmosphere is full of locals after their early morning beach walk tucking into a big brekky (but they’re also open for lunch and dinner too!) — a great option straight off the sand and when you feel the need to escape the crowds with some uber-friendly Queensland hospitality.
where: Corner of Hanlan Street & The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
