Boutique happy to follow trend
Recycling and sustainability is trendy right now — Mai Boutique is very happy to be part of that trend.
The popular inner city second hand retail store — formerly Recycle Boutique — recently held a relaunch party to celebrate the “overwhelming success” of the Dalton St store. Owner Mandy Paige says the new name seemed a good fit and is a reference to time “as in haere mai” — the store is packed with new and pre-loved clothing and accessories; both current and past fashion trends.
“That’s our point of difference — being able to offer a wide range of clothing and accessory items to suit any style, while helping to reduce our carbon footprint by reusing items.”
Mai Boutique is a consignment store — selling items on behalf of customers, and sharing the profit.
“It’s a win-win situation. Customers earn money selling their pre-loved items while finding new treasures to add to their wardrobes.”
Items in an “excellent preloved condition” are handpicked. Only the best make it into the store, Mandy says. The rest are donated to charity.
Mandy and assistant Sarah Tichborne have been working hard this year to increase the menswear range, with a lot of American vintage proving popular with Hawke’s Bay students.
Mandy says the customer age ranges from 13 to 80.
“People seem to be able to find something they fall in love with easily.”
A range of new clothing, including the New Zealand designed Sabatini label, is now for sale in store, and Mandy is aiming to add more New Zealand designer brands.
“They are sending us their last year’s sale stock so we can sell at a discounted rate. We are able to choose this rate to pass onto our customers.”
Accessories and footwear are also standouts at Mai Boutique.
“We are well known for our socks and sunglasses.”
Mandy and Sarah’s product knowledge is proving a hit with customers, many now on first name basis and asking, “What have you got for me?”
“I know their tastes and can find options for them.”
While most of the stock is brought in by Hawke’s Bay residents, Mai Boutique also has customers from Taupo and Gisborne. Those from further afield ship their clothes directly to the store.
“We like to make the process as easy as possible for our customers.”
Mandy and Sarah are now working on introducing upcycled clothing and a children’s pre-loved clothing section.
“With the demise of Pumpkin Patch and JK Clothing there are few cost-effective options for families to find clothes for their kids.”
Mai Boutique is open seven days a week.