BERRIDALE resident and stay at home mum, Hayley Michelle, has received a strong response from a single Facebook post asking the community if its own Op Shop would be of interest.

With an overwhelming number of comments, what was an idea dreamed up overnight, quickly turned into a reality for Hayley and the town as the ‘You Matter Berridale’ op shop, selling only clothing and shoes, readies to open.

Currently, no second-hand stores exist in the small town with, according to the 2023 census, a population of nearly 2,000 people reside.

Needing to travel to Jindabyne or Cooma for affordable clothing options, Hayley wanted the community’s feedback which has resulted in hundreds of items being dropped off to her home in Myack Street.

Hayley said everyone she has come past has loved the idea, with many offering their help and support to get the young mums venture underway.

“Once the word spread, I started receiving lots of donations and pretty quickly half of my veranda was covered in bags of clothes,” Hayley said.

“I had originally planned to open in a month’s time to give myself time to sort the donations and make it neat and tidy, but the sheer volume of donations has pushed the date forward.

“I was a single mum for a while, and I can understand how people struggle with things being so expensive.”

With the increase in cost of living, op shop prices have also gone up making it sometimes hard for those struggling to afford its items.

Hayley’s vision for her You Matter Berridale store is to make it affordable, save clothes going to landfill and offering a space for the community to come together to socialise while picking up a bargain.

“When I was a small child and Op Shopping was more popular, I remember buying items for $2, I wanted to bring the concept back of a gold coin donation,” Hayley said.

“I’m very conscious of the environment and have always tried to find ways to stop things going to landfill, and I understand some op shops have policies on what can and can’t be donated, but for me there is no rules.

“If there is a tare in the clothes or a small stain, I will put it out and if you want it, you can just pay for it what you can.”

Hayley said the idea is to collect donations and after a month a couple of different local organisations will go into a poll on Facebook for the community to choose where the funds should go.

“That way the community can see exactly how much has been donated and where the money is going,” Hayley said.

“And if anyone does need help with clothing and shoes who can’t spare a gold coin donation, come and have a chat with me, I am happy to help where I can because at the end of the day the money isn’t for me it’s to go back to the community.”

The community jumped on board straight away offering to pick up items from people who wanted to donate, offering their space to hold items and even some businesses offering to be a drop off point for the op shop.

Centrally located in Berridale with flat pathways, a fully enclosed veranda, a big yard for children to play and all at a very little cost to set up, Hayley is ready to welcome her community to You Matter Berridale.

With a supportive partner, a group of great friends and family by her side, come along to the open day at 68 Myack Street, Berridale from 10am to 2pm on Saturday February 8.

Enjoy a gold coin donation welcome barbecue, fresh produce gathered from Hayley’s vegetable gardens and surrounding neighbours and freshly baked goods while browsing the best op shop in Berridale.