The end of an era for town as second-hand shop mecca
A second-hand goods “institution” helped put a small Mid-Canterbury town on the map, but its owners have sold up and are preparing to close the business down.
Overflow has been operating for more than 20 years, spread over seven land titles on the corner of State Highway 72 and Mayfield-Klondyke Rd in Mayfield, an agricultural service town near Ashburton.
Owners Jan and Peter Howden have sold their farm and buildings, with ownership transferring on May 1. “I have to have everything packed up and gone,” Jan Howden, now in her 80s, said. “We’ve had a sale on for two months with discounts and when we are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday there are that many people queuing up, waiting outside to get in.”
Anything left would be offered to charities and whatever was not taken would be dropped off at a recycling centre, she said. However, she would keep some items back in case she decided to continue selling at markets.
Howden said she had done too many interviews about herself over the years. “I don’t want it to be all about me. I just want to thank everybody for supporting me over the years. It’s a good community with good local people that just do so much in the background.”
The shop made Mayfield a mecca for buyers ranging from film and theatre companies to collectors, fashion designers and countless Kiwis and tourists who love the thrill of the hunt. The business grew and, with the help of her then daughter-in-law, Howden also had shops in Christchurch, Queenstown and Methven at one time.
Mayfield was the core, and Overflow, her original shop (more a warehouse) kept going at least 20 years. More products meant more space was needed and Howden bought neighbouring properties to cope with the overflow from Overflow. She employed about six locals at peak times.
Federated Farmers Mid-Canterbury president David Acland, who lives near Mayfield, said he was sad to hear the shop was closing down. “It’s always been a funny old thing. It started off as one building and then she added another and another accumulating interesting stuff, some good and some bad.”
He said the shop attracted people and encouraged passers-by to stop.