Urban Eye: New shops and eateries from around New Zealand.
Here’s what’s hot around the country
Auckland DAVID JONES
Aucklanders rejoice: Luxury Australian department store David Jones is no longer just in Wellington following its November opening in the new Westfield Newmarket complex. With an expanded lineup of premium local brands including new additions Wynn Hamlyn and Harris Tapper, the store also has international fashion names new to Auckland such a Ulla Johnson, Carla Zampatti and Rixo. Set over two floors, it’s the first outlet in New Zealand to sell Gucci make-up. If the 400-plus brands on offer are too overwhelming, book a free personal shopping service to sort yourself out. 298-334 Broadway, Newmarket
Wellington VERDANT
Verdant, meaning green, is a store with just that focus. In a space designed by founder Janette Sherwood, Verdant offers the best of Wellington artists, designers and makers. Speciality items are natural, organic homeware and gifts, such as cushions, fabrics and bedlinen, as well as custom bespoke curtains and furniture made from planet-friendly materials. 27a Webb St, Te Aro, verdantdesign.co.nz
Kaikōura ADDY & LOU
Adding life to the main street of post-quake Kaikōura is new homeware and fashion store Addy & Lou. Reflecting its tight-knit family ownership it’s named after the daughters of the owners, one of whom manages the store. Brands include French Country Collections, Briarwood, MOR and smaller New Zealand brands such as Living Light, Isle of Eden and Smith & Dillon.
44 West End, addyandlou.co.nz
Auckland THE PLANT BASE
The Plant Base is Auckland’s new one-stop shop for indoor and landscaping plants, as well as plant-based projects made with jute, bamboo, cork, coconut fibre and more. You can even get coffee served with your choice of plant milk. Products are all available online, and the store also offers plant hire and landscaping services. Next up are plans to offer yoga alongside the plants. Unit B6, 18 Oteha Valley Rd Ext, theplantbase.co.nz
Christchurch GRATER GOODS
There’s salami, roasts, cheeses, a barbecue pack and something called Furkey and it’s all vegan. Grater Goods in Christchurch is all about the greater good, serving up vegan and plant-based goodies. It’s also a play on words as the store is owned by Flip Grater and husband Youssef Iskrane. Alongside the deli selection is a lunch menu with offerings like the Fricken burger.
105 Orbell St, gratergoods.co.nz
Napier LITTLE & FOX
What started in a garage behind a tyre shop has grown into a store filled with fabrics, rugs, restored furniture, wallpaper, and more. Now running regular classes and hosting information evenings, it just keeps growing. It’s a feast for the eyes, with manufacturing and retail all under the same roof, but the exposed beams and open courtyard make for airy and enjoyable shopping. 48 West Quay, littleandfox.co.nz
Auckland THE COLLECTIVE
With ethical shopping a popular option, places like The Collective are becoming more common. Its point of difference, however, is that 50 percent of its profits go to the Mental Health Foundation. Following a bout of post-natal depression, owner Lou Clark decided to start a social enterprise to inspire conversation and encourage people to buy preloved goods. Highbury Shopping Centre, Birkenhead, thecollective.co.nz