The large Clyde St store began the day well stocked with furniture, clothing, books, toys, homeware and appliances, but felt noticeably more spacious at closing time, having generated "over $3000 by three o’clock".
Balclutha Community Op-Shop Charitable Trust chairwoman and store manager Claire Mackie thanked the team who had got the shop up and running for "about $500" and explained how their profits would help local good causes.
"We missed the funding round and thought we would need a lot more, but Balclutha Lions came through with their donation, so it’s really because of the community we were able to set up in the first place," she said.
"At the end of each financial year after all the overheads have been paid, every single bit of profit will be advertised in the Clutha Leader and then the community can apply for funding for community things."
She said past experience as employees of charity shops had inspired her and other members of the team to have a go at operating their own.
"There is a cost of living crisis, but more people are op-shopping now for a lot of different reasons.
"Donating what you no longer need to people who need it more is a convenient option for people who want to de-clutter their homes, so instead of going to landfill, goods are being reduced and re-used, which is key to the environment.
"Then it’s raising money for good causes when it makes its way to a new home to be re-loved.
"It’s win-win for everyone."
The Balclutha Op-Shop has a social media page and a van for deliveries and pick ups, and Ms Mackie said donations could be dropped off at the counter or back door.
"I always had faith we would the community would come through for us but I was blown away by the support I saw on day one," trust secretary Sue Maunder said.
