The Salvos Store Cleveland has been named the best op shop in Queensland and manager Narelle Pacey would like the person who nominated the store to contact her, as she would like to thank them.
Run by Melbourne-based business and website I Love to Op Shop, the annual awards recognise the best op shops in Australia according to votes from the communities they serve, with the winners announced during the recent National Op Shop Week.
Ms Pacey, of Thornlands, said the award was great news for the more than 40 volunteers who “help make the store what it is”.
“They do a great job,” she said.
“We were just thrilled to be nominated, as there are a lot of op shops out there.
“The volunteers here take a lot of pride in what they do.”
Ms Pacey said she was also thrilled that the Redlands community got behind the awards and voted for the store.
“About 80 per cent of the donations we receive come from the Redlands community,” she said.
“It’s the ultimate in recycling.
“People bring in their donations then stay and browse.
“We have very loyal customers who enjoy shopping here.
“The voting wasn’t an easy process and it’s a great feeling that the community has taken the time to vote for us.”
Ms Pacey said while the store’s volunteers had celebrated the award with a special cake, one thing was still missing – the name of the person who nominated them.
“Someone had to nominate us,” she said.
“I’m assuming it was a customer and I’d like them to come forward and tell us, as it would be awesome to say thank you.”
Store volunteer John Grimstone, of Cleveland, said he and his fellow volunteers were thrilled with the award.
“A lot of hard work goes into this store and the manager is very creative in what she does and how she presents things,” he said.
“We get a lot of compliments about how the store looks and we have a personal touch that makes all the difference.”
