Salvation Army

Australians will be able to access hundreds of one-off fashion and unique items from local Salvos Stores around the country thanks to the launch of Salvos Stores online, the first charity online shopping website of its kind in Australia.

The launch of the industry-leading site coincides with the start of 'Shopping with a Conscience' month, which aims to inspire Australians to shop with the environment and community in mind at Salvos Stores online and in the local community.

In addition to the new online store, Salvos Stores has also increased its product range to include new household items including toiletries and cleaning products. Both developments are in response to increasing consumer demand for easily accessible quality goods at affordable prices.

The first ever Salvos Stores online site can be accessed at www.salvos.org.au/stores, and items can be safely purchased with a simple mouse-click. To celebrate the website launch, nationwide delivery will be free for online purchases made before 19 April 2011. The new website strengthens Salvos Stores online community, which also spans across Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare.

Salvos Stores General Manager Neville Barrett has recognised that communities come in many shapes and sizes, and the biggest is now online: "It's important that Salvos Stores is relevant and accessible within all communities across Australia, which we do through our local presence and now actively in social media and our new online store."

"Whether you're in Townsville or suburban Sydney, I encourage everyone to get behind this campaign and start 'Shopping with a Conscience'. 100 percent of all Salvos Stores proceeds go to The Salvation Army to help our local communities, which more recently have been used to provide flood relief. In fact, shopping at Salvos Stores helps us provide goods, water and food for flood victims, provide relief for 500 people with drug, alcohol and gambling addiction, 8,000 food vouchers, refuge to 500 victims of abuse and 1,000 people with assistance in finding employment, every week."

Internationally recognised celebrity fashion designer and 'Shopping with a Conscience' ambassador, Kirrily Johnston, encourages all Australians to get involved and has donated an original Kirrily Johnston piece to the new online store: "'Shopping with a Conscience' is a great opportunity for Australians to rediscover Salvos Stores, and directly help the community by shopping at their local store or online."

"I always discover amazing finds at my local Salvos Store - like one-off vintage pieces and incredible fabrics - and it's satisfying to know that every purchase is guilt-free, because I'm directly helping the community or the environment by restoring something that someone before me also loved and cherished. Salvos Stores shopping really takes the concept of 'Shopping with a Conscience' to a new level."

Salvos Stores stock a range of quality goods which now include a range of new products as well as pre-loved clothing, furniture, homewares, electrical, books, toys and manchester. Find your nearest Salvos Store by entering your postcode at: www.salvos.org.au/stores. Search for us on Facebook & Twitter at My Salvos Stores & become a fan.

Kirrily Johnston's Top Five 'Shopping with a Conscience' tips:

1. New items are donated to Salvos Stores daily, so make sure you visit your local store or check online regularly to see what's come in!

2. Green is the new black, so check out your local Salvos Store for pre-loved furniture that you can restore in your own personal style instead of buying new.

3. Shout about your Salvos Stores find! Why not support Salvos Stores by becoming a fan of Salvos Stores Facebook page, and show off your best buy to the other fans.

4. Shopping solo can be lonely, so celebrate 'Shopping with a Conscience' month by taking your friends with you to your local Salvos Store. Spice up the trip by setting a $20 limit, and see who can walk away with the best discovery of the day.