The Mustard Tree Op Shop & Cafe

Location :

From humble beginnings, The Mustard Tree Op Shop in Lilydale has grown into one of the most interesting op shops in Melbourne.
Sure, we operate much like any other op shop. Donations come in. They are priced accordingly. They are resold. Simple.
Simple? Well not really. One visit and you will realize we like to do things a bit differently. Quirky. Fun.
We get a lot of donations. Sometimes they are clean and useful and fantastic. Sometimes they are just absolute rubbish. Sometimes they are somewhere in between. That’s where quirky and fun step in.
For example.....
A cool vintage lamp gets donated, but it doesn’t pass testing and tagging. What to do? Well we could dump it in our skip. And send it to landfill. That’s not always the best option.
What we try to do is creatively upcycle it. It becomes a planter, or it gets reworked into another light fixture. We try to create an item that is now worth something. We display it for resale. It sells and the customer is happy with their new quirky sculptural piece. It didn’t go to landfill. It’s a win/win/win situation for the customer, The Mustard Tree and the environment. Anything is fair game when it comes to our Upcycled goods. Tea towels become cushions. Tea pots become lamps. Lamps become planters. It’s all about thinking outside the square and having fun.
We pride ourselves in our low prices on everyday items. Clothes, household goods, utensils, electrical. They are generally far cheaper than most op shops. There is always a lot of furniture available. The stock changes frequently due to our reasonable prices.
Obviously op shops are well known as places to find amazing vintage goodies. We get many donations that are quite collectable. These items are assessed for their collectability and priced. Sometimes we sell on eBay to maximize the return for these items. The profits go back to our community. We are passionate about community assistance.
All that we do at The Mustard Tree, including our “Upcycled” range is to help raise funds so that we can help people in the community.
The Mustard Tree is part of Lilydale Baptist Church and as a church we want to show God’s love as we care and provide for physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the hundreds of people who come into the shop every week.
We want to be seen as more than an op shop. We want to provide a place that people can come and feel welcome. Customers are able to enjoy a coffee and light meal in our café, they are able to purchase clothes, furniture, books, manchester, bric-a-brac, records and so much more at affordable op shop
prices. If people need extra help we have Community Care. We run a foodbank where we provide food parcels to anyone in need. Each month we provide enough food for approx. 3000 meals. We also offer pharmacy assistance and when necessary free clothing and household goods.
Yet another aspect to TMT that you rarely find in an op shop is a café. We have a bunch of vintage Laminex tables with chrome and vinyl chairs to relax at and grab a coffee and snack. We offer light meals as well as hot and cold drinks. Hearty soups in the winter. Light salads in the summer. The menu changes often.
Speaking of food, we offer our “Community Table” every Tuesday from 12pm- 1pm during school terms. It’s a free lunch prepared by our tireless volunteers for anyone in the community.
Recently we have been connecting with our customers via social media such as Facebook and Instagram. It’s a great tool to spread our message to the world and hear feedback from people globally.
Obviously, without the assistance of our many volunteers, it could not work as well as it does. Everyone brings a different skillset to the job. Our volunteers range in age from teenagers to 80+.
That’s just a brief snapshot of TMT. One visit and you won’t forget us!

• Anynomous

  12 October 2023

  Feeling a little bit like this guy, about looming Mondays? Then don't forget we are back open for the week tomorrow at 10AM! Pop in for a coffee or just a cheer up 😄⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀... .⠀ .⠀ #themustardtreeopshop #themustardtree #vintage #retro #opshop #ilovetoopshop #iltos #oppshop #thriftshop #charityshop #opshopfind #thriftshopfind #charityshopfind #opshoppers #supportlocallilydale #lilydaleopshop #lilydale #opshopping #secondhandisbest #reuse #recycle #recycledfashion

  See More

• Anynomous

  11 October 2023

  Happy Saturday! The Mustard Tree has always been known for its quirkiness. So come and see for yourself today! OPEN 10AM-1PM. 📺 ☕️ ⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀... .⠀ #themustardtreeopshop #themustardtree #vintage #retro #opshop #ilovetoopshop #iltos #oppshop #thriftshop #charityshop #opshopfind #thriftshopfind #charityshopfind #opshoppers #supportlocallilydale #lilydaleopshop #lilydale #opshopping #secondhandisbest #reuse #recycle #recycledfashion #quirkyopshop #retrotv #retrocafe

  See More

• Anynomous

  09 October 2023

  We might have been too busy with denim Week to discuss Plastic Free July... but plastic free living will always be here! ⠀ Get 50c off your coffee when you BYO mug.⠀ Otherwise our branded ones are ONLY $12 (with a coffee!) ☕️⠀ .⠀ .⠀... .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #themustardtreeopshop #themustardtree #vintage #retro #opshop #ilovetoopshop #iltos #oppshop #thriftshop #charityshop #opshopfind #thriftshopfind #charityshopfind #opshoppers #supportlocallilydale #lilydaleopshop #lilydale #opshopping #secondhandisbest #reuse #recycle #recycledfashion #plasticfreejuly #plasticfreeliving #wastefree #reusablecoffeecup

  See More

• Anynomous

  07 October 2023

  Did you know our scrabble letter keyrings are back instore? Come and find your initials!⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀... .⠀ .⠀ #themustardtreeopshop #themustardtree #vintage #retro #opshop #ilovetoopshop #iltos #oppshop #thriftshop #charityshop #opshopfind #thriftshopfind #charityshopfind #opshoppers #supportlocallilydale #lilydaleopshop #lilydale #opshopping #secondhandisbest #reuse #recycle #recycledfashion #upcycle #scrabblekeychain

  See More

• Anynomous

  06 October 2023

  Happy Monday everyone! We have loads of fabrics available at the Mustard Tree this week! Come have a look 👀 . . .... . . . . #themustardtreeopshop #themustardtree #vintage #retro #opshop #ilovetoopshop #iltos #oppshop #thriftshop #charityshop #opshopfind #thriftshopfind #charityshopfind #opshoppers #supportlocallilydale #lilydaleopshop #lilydale #opshopping #secondhandisbest #reuse #recycle #recycledfashion #fabric #vintagefabric #retrofabric

  See More

• Anynomous

  02 October 2023

  Have you seen our creative book displays? 📚 ⠀ .⠀ .⠀⠀ .⠀⠀ .⠀⠀... .⠀⠀ .⠀⠀ #themustardtreeopshop #themustardtree #vintage #retro #opshop #ilovetoopshop #iltos #oppshop #thriftshop #charityshop #opshopfind #thriftshopfind #charityshopfind #opshoppers #supportlocallilydale #lilydaleopshop #lilydale #opshopping #secondhandisbest #reuse #recycle #recycledbooks #collectablebooks #antiquebooks #vintagebooks #childrensbooks

  See More

• Anynomous

  30 September 2023

  Super cute bunting from Denim Week now available to purchase! $15-25 for a range of 2m to 4m lengths of bunting. Come in and see them all hung up! . .... . . . . #themustardtreeopshop #themustardtree #vintage #retro #opshop #ilovetoopshop #iltos #oppshop #thriftshop #charityshop #opshopfind #thriftshopfind #charityshopfind #opshoppers #supportlocallilydale #lilydaleopshop #lilydale #opshopping #secondhandisbest #reuse #recycle #recycledfashion #denimweek #denimbunting #bunting #upcycled

  See More

• Anynomous

  28 September 2023

  🚨50% ALERT🚨 We had so much fun with you all at DENIM WEEK! 👖 To celebrate we are continuing on this week with half price DENIM CLOTHING! 😳 That's a price range of $2.50-12.50 for jeans, jackets, shirts, even designer brands 😁 Children's denim clothing $2.50 and less!!

  ...

  (Our unique upcycled goods will remain at full price) . . . . . . #themustardtreeopshop #themustardtree #vintage #retro #opshop #ilovetoopshop #oppshop #thriftshop #charityshop #opshopfind #thriftshopfind #charityshopfind #opshoppers #supportlocallilydale #lilydaleopshop #lilydale #opshopping #secondhandisbest #reuse #recycle #recycledfashion #denimweek #denimskirt #kidsdenim #designerdenim

  See More

• Anynomous

  27 September 2023

  Melbourne weather... four seasons, am I right?! Can never be too sure if you should pack a beanie! 🌦❄️☀️💨⠀ Lovingly hand knitted & crocheted beanies. Brand new & ONLY $5 😍⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀... .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #themustardtreeopshop #themustardtree #vintage #retro #opshop #ilovetoopshop #oppshop #thriftshop #charityshop #opshopfind #thriftshopfind #charityshopfind #opshoppers #supportlocallilydale #lilydaleopshop #lilydale #opshopping #secondhandisbest #reuse #recycle #recycledfashion #handknitted #handcrocheted #handmade #knittedbeanie #crochetedbeanie #pompombeanie #melbournewinter

  See More

• Anynomous

  26 September 2023

  Denim week is still going strong - we have trays full of toddlers, children's and preteens denim for $5 and under ! The all-seasons, durability and timelessness of denim was made for kids 😊 #jackets #jeans #dresses #skirts #shirts #shorts all in excellent condition. Don't miss out! @ The Mustard Tree Op Shop & Cafe

• Anynomous

  25 September 2023

  Calling all creatives and makers! We at TMT have been fond of the Warburton Makers Fair. As you know we are all about the community and building each other up.

  This event is one not to miss, if you want to be part of the Fair this year!

• Anynomous

  25 September 2023

  Two of our beautiful hand upholstered denim pieces. An ottoman foot rest, and a gorgeous retro step stool.

  Make sure you don't miss out on our creative denim displays and unique treasures! 2 DAYS LEFT 😳 . .... . . . . #themustardtreeopshop #themustardtree #vintage #retro #opshop #ilovetoopshop #oppshop #thriftshop #charityshop #opshopfind #thriftshopfind #charityshopfind #opshoppers #supportlocallilydale #lilydaleopshop #lilydale #opshopping #secondhandisbest #reuse #recycle #recycledfashion #denim #denimweek #denimupcycle #upcycleddenim #denimstool #denimottoman #upcycledfurniture #upcycledclothing

  See More

• Anynomous

  23 September 2023

  Did you know? The profits from The Mustard Tree, go right back into the community! At TMT we are all for supporting our local Lilydale. ⠀ .⠀ All our denim items are only $5, with the exception of some designer brands such as LEVI'S, CALVIN KLEIN, & LEES!! ⠀ .⠀ Come on down and support our Lilydale this DENIM WEEK! Only 4 days left!⠀... .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #themustardtreeopshop #themustardtree #vintage #retro #opshop #ilovetoopshop #oppshop #thriftshop #charityshop #opshopfind #thriftshopfind #charityshopfind #opshoppers #supportlocallilydale #lilydaleopshop #lilydale #opshopping #secondhandisbest #reuse #recycle #recycledfashion #denim #denimweek #locallilydale #iltos

  See More

• Anynomous

  21 September 2023

  TOMORROW. IS. DENIM WEEK! It is finally here, and here all week! 😄👜👖

  Check out some of our beautiful upcycled denim bags that will be for sale. Each bag is fully lined with a stunning retro/vintage looking fabric!

  ...

  Get in quick before your favourite goes! OPEN 10AM tomorrow. • • • • • • #themustardtreeopshop #themustardtree #vintage #retro #opshop #ilovetoopshop #oppshop #thriftshop #charityshop #opshopfind #thriftshopfind #charityshopfind #opshoppers #supportlocallilydale #lilydaleopshop #lilydale #opshopping #secondhandisbest #reuse #recycle #recycledfashion #denim #denimbag #upcycledbags #denimweek #quadrupledenim #tripledenim #doubledenim @ The Mustard Tree Op Shop & Cafe

  See More

• Anynomous

  19 September 2023

  TMT friends, fans & family!!! Denim week is so close we can smell it. Starting Monday we will be celebrating all things denim for the entire week!

  What are these you ask? Upcycled denim clothing, carefully matched with a beautiful linen tea towel = adorable cushions! 😍

  ...

  Don't forget we are open tomorrow, Saturday! Last day open before Denim Week, 10AM-1PM • • • • • • #themustardtreeopshop #themustardtree #vintage #retro #opshop #ilovetoopshop #oppshop #thriftshop #charityshop #opshopfind #thriftshopfind #charityshopfind #opshoppers #supportlocallilydale #lilydaleopshop #lilydale #opshopping #secondhandisbest #reuse #recycle #recycledfashion #denim #denimweek #recycledenim #cushions #linen #australiannative #rosella

  See More

• Anynomous

  16 September 2023

  Enid Blyton, The Bobbsey Twins, The Nancy Drew Series, & many more classic children's books! 📚

  $5 each and a lovely vintage feel! Find them next to the counter, and in their usual home in our book section. • •... • • • #themustardtreeopshop #themustardtree #vintage #retro #opshop #ilovetoopshop #oppshop #thriftshop #charityshop #opshopfind #thriftshopfind #charityshopfind #opshoppers #supportlocallilydale #lilydaleopshop #lilydale #opshopping #secondhandisbest #reuse #recycle #recycledfashion #enidblyton #nancydrew #vintagechildrensbooks #childrensbooks #archiecomics #bobbseytwins

  See More

• Anynomous

  15 September 2023

  🌱🌿Here at The Mustard Tree we love succulents and we love upcycling! This beauty is using an old cake tin and would make a stunning coffee table center piece 🌱🌿

  For our loyal donators out there, succulents are always loved here 😍 •... • • • • #themustardtreeopshop #themustardtree #vintage #retro #opshop #ilovetoopshop #oppshop #thriftshop #charityshop #opshopfind #thriftshopfind #charityshopfind #opshoppers #supportlocallilydale #lilydaleopshop #lilydale #opshopping #secondhandisbest #reuse #recycle #recycledfashion #upcycle #succulents

  See More

• Anynomous

  13 September 2023

  The Beatles. Blue boys in double denim! Denim week is almost a week away 😬

  Time to get all your denim ready. You'll need it when we announce how you can get a free coffee!!! ☕️👖 •... • • • • • #themustardtreeopshop #themustardtree #vintage #retro #opshop #ilovetoopshop #oppshop #thriftshop #charityshop #opshopfind #thriftshopfind #charityshopfind #opshoppers #supportlocallilydale #lilydaleopshop #lilydale #opshopping #secondhandisbest #reuse #recycle #recycledfashion #denim #doubledenim

  See More

• Anynomous

  11 September 2023

  Big earrings are back in town! AND ours only 1 or 2 dollars a pair!

  Come explore our range of jewellery and accessories 👛 • •... • • • #themustardtreeopshop #themustardtree #vintage #retro #opshop #ilovetoopshop #oppshop #thriftshop #charityshop opshopfind #thriftshopfind #charityshopfind #opshoppers #supportlocallilydale #lilydaleopshop #lilydale #opshopping #secondhandisbest #reuse #recycle #recycledfashion #statementearrings #vintageearrings #vintagejewellery

  See More