The Salvos’ store in the Bridge Mall is just as busy as any other store at this time of the year. 

Manager Kirsten Hippisley said the store had been busy so far this year. 

“People do talk to us. We are very friendly with customers,” she said. 

“I think it is worse this year. I think the economic climate is worse and that is what they are telling us.

“They are having trouble paying their bills and buying food, which is why I think we are busy, because people can’t pay full price for Christmas presents so they have to come into an op shop to buy the presents.” 

Ms Hippisley said a lot of the customers headed to Big W before heading to the store in Bridge Mall.  While the store does not have collection bins out the front, Ms Hippisley encouraged people to donate.

“Probably just things that are good quality, things that people can use and that are still working,” she said. 

“People definitely want quality. They want to come in here and still find quality. They don’t want to come in and find things that have holes in them or paint all over it.

“We just ask people to be mindful of that and most people do do that. They are very generous with their donations.” 

The store is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday.

matthew.dixon@fairfaxmedia.com.au