Thifty idea to map out bargain trail
It is hoped finding a vintage treasure will become easier thanks to a thrifty map conceived by a group of Plimmerton businesswomen.
The ‘‘Explore and Score’’ map points shoppers towards 12 second- hand shops in Plimmerton, Mana, Waitangirua, Titahi Bay, Kenepuru and the CBD, from op shops to vintage boutiques.
Copies of the map will be available in information centres and the shops themselves, with printing costs covered by Porirua City Council’s waste minimisation team, who were impressed by the scheme’s green credentials.
‘‘It’s about saving money, finding exciting bargains,’’ says Emma Wootton, one of the scheme’s founders.
Ms Wootton, who runs a garage sale-finding website, has spent nine months creating Explore and Score with vintage shop owners Lee Mclauchlan and Kim Kobialko and gardening and compost business owner Leanne Pelabon.
The women took advantage of a surge in popularity for second- hand shopping, Ms Wootton says.
‘‘It’s cool on three levels. The environment – that’s motivating people increasingly. It matters to people’s budgets.
‘‘People do it for their individual reasons and it’s a way of expressing their own personal
Stickers in shop windows will direct Porirua bargain-hunters along an ‘‘Explore and Score’’ shopping trail devised by Plimmerton businesswomen. From left, Leanne Pelabon, Kim Kobialko and Emma Wootton. ability and style.’’
Porirua is a test case. The women intend to make similar maps in Wellington and the Hutt, then take it nationwide.
‘‘It shows people the whole of Porirua. A lot of people come to the city and say ‘is that it?’’’ co-creator Leanne Pelabon says.
To win a $240 second-hand shopping spree, email exploreandscorenz@gmail.com with a suggested name for their cheeky kea mascot.