Unique Shops In The Heart Of Ōtautahi Christchurch
H&M, Country Road or Glassons – these are big brands you’re bound to know. But have you heard about ‘Shut the Front Door’ or ‘The General Store?’ If not, now’s the time to go out on a wee shopping spree in the inner-city!
Unique Gift Shops
HAPA
HAPA is a design store specialising in New Zealand made products. From Ōtautahi Christchurch coffee mugs to greenstone jewellery and old Christchurch tram maps - HAPA has it all.
The Gift Shop
As the name suggests, The Gift Shop is packed full to the brim with epic gift ideas. The perfect place to buy something unique to surprise your best friend! You can find this cute wee shop at The Crossing.
The Kōwhai Collective
The Kōwhai Collective is a group of skilled artists and creatives who work together to run a gorgeous little gift shop. Their locally crafted products, handmade or designed by their members, embody their shared mission to grow local design, celebrate local designers and share their creativity. Pop in and meet one of the talented makers while finding unique gifts for yourself or a loved one.
Thrift Stores and Secondhand Clothing Shops
Nifty
Initially known for their flea markets, Nifty opened their new store in October 2022 so their lovely locals can now shop and sell pre-loved clothing with Nifty five days a week at their Cashel Street location. If there’s one thing that they love as much as the clothes, it’s the community that comes with it - pop into the store and swing by one of their markets.
Recycle Boutique
Recycle Boutique is a consignment store that celebrates conscious shopping and provides a platform for you to sell your clothing, shoes and accessories.
They specialise in high-quality designer, contemporary and vintage clothing, for men and women. Visit one of their two Christchurch stores at the Tannery o High Street.
Art and Creative Shops
Christchurch Art Gallery Design Store
Gallery stores are destinations in themselves, and Christchurch Art Gallery Design Store is no exception. Boasting an ever-changing range of creative products inspired by the gallery’s exhibitions, this is a great spot to find an imaginative gift or something special to treat yourself with. Don’t miss the curated collection of books, though be aware, it would be easy to spend hours flicking through the lot!
Corner of Worcester Boulevard & Montreal Street
Absolution Tattoo and Body Piercing
On top of being one of the best tattoo and body piercing studios in the city, Absolution is also partial to art and sculpture. Their contemporary studio plays host to revolving monthly exhibitions and boast a carefully curated selection of jewellery.
The Arts Centre, 28 Worcester Boulevard
Shopology
A collaborative retail space, Shopology brings together a bunch of creatives to work and sell their products. From artisan edibles to homewares and accessories, kids clothing and books to garden goodies, there’s much to discover here.
Homeware Shops
Shut the Front Door
Looking to move? On the hunt for unique pieces for the house? Then this is the store for you! Shut the Front Door has everything from bathroom decor to living room accessories and furniture – even the cutest clothing. This New Zealand store has a focus on sustainability and offers cool alternatives to the plastic bag.
The General Store
If you think that The General Store only offers souvenirs for tourists, think again! The General Store has a wide range of products from home decor to clothing for children and babies. Make sure to check out the novelty section: Darth Vader lights and egg monster bread cutters - just to name a few.
Frances Nation
Frances Nation is no ordinary gift store. Instead, it is a celebration of New Zealand made daily wares, each with a purpose and a story to tell. From potato mashers to tool boxes, hand thrown ceramics to harakeke flax baskets, the shop is full of made-to-last things and is much loved by any visitor!
Clothing and Accessory Shops
Boardertown
Opposite the Central Bus Exchange is Boardertown - a haven for all the skateboarders and snowboarders out there. The shop offers boards, clothing and accessories and also stocks New Zealand clothing brand RPM.
Action Bicycle Club
On top of a range of beautiful Instagram-worthy city bikes, Action Bicycle Club boasts a curated selection of functional and fashionable bike apparels and accessories. With a mission to make every day cycling a pleasure, this is a shop to visit if you’ve been meaning to get back on cycle grind.
Groovy Glasses
Differentiating themselves from other optometry practices by stocking spectacle frames that are creative, colourful and literally more out there than you’d find from anywhere else, Groovy Glasses is well worth a visit if you’ve ever wanted specs that stand out.
Books and Stationery Shops
Scorpio Books
Scorpio Books has been around for 40 years and is uniquely Christchurch. You can spend hours in Scorpio Books browsing magazines and books sitting on comfy couches or having a chat about the latest bestsellers with the friendly staff!
Designer and High End Shops
Plume
The Dunedin based design store Plume is home to the definition of edgy, located conveniently on High Street. The boutique's range includes New Zealand and international brands like Comme des Garçons, Y's by Yohji Yamamoto or Zambesi.
WORLD
WORLD was founded by two Kiwi designers in 1989. The shop specialises in designer clothing made in New Zealand. Perfect for those who like to dress to impress!
