Undoubtedly, I have had a lifelong passion for shopping and gorgeous things. And I hope that you find inspiration in my latest series of posts, “The Shop Local Edit – My Favourite Shops in Timaru”

Firstly, I just wanted to start by saying that whenever I travel, one of my absolute favourite sightseeing options is checking out the local shopping. Not purely from an over-consumerism perspective, I love retail spaces from an aesthetic, interior decor, branding and the unique wares they have chosen to stock.

In recent years, I have been fortunate to travel with my children’s sport internationally and to almost every town in New Zealand. On such occasions, I always make the most of any downtime to check out the local shopping destinations and consider myself a bit of an expert on great finds and where to shop.

I have considered creating a series of posts on such finds for quite a while. However, with Covid-19 wreaking havoc on local economies, shopping with local businesses has become more important than ever. As a result, the creation of my series on “Shop Local Edit – My Favourite Shops in…“! 

The Shop Local Movement

There is no doubt that we have all faced some incredibly trying times. However, you are one of the lucky ones if you have come through Covid-19 unscathed, with a job, your income still intact and your health! 

In New Zealand, shopping restrictions have recently been lifted to include non-essential items, and you may be looking for some retail therapy. With the global pandemic wreaking havoc on local economies, shopping with local businesses has become more important than ever.

For me, that is within New Zealand, and when we shop at local shops or New Zealand online stores, we help keep our communities strong, encourage the continued growth and survival of small boutique shops, reduce environmental impacts and keep jobs in New Zealand. Most importantly, we help our local businesses get back on their feet.

Many local shops & boutiques have had to be innovative and quickly adapt to the new norm in these unprecedented times. And additionally, have hastily provided an online platform (if they didn’t have one previously). So now you can shop online from anywhere. 

My Favourite Shops in Timaru, New Zealand

I’m not even sure I count the times I have been to Timaru in recent years. There have been numerous sports trips ranging from day trips to a week.

I also fondly remember shopping and having coffee as an escape in the early days following the Christchurch earthquakes.

On such occasions, I always make the most of any downtime to check out the local shopping destinations and consider myself a bit of an expert on great finds and where to shop.

There is no doubt that COVID-19 and New Zealand’s currently closed borders have hit all townships in New Zealand exceptionally hard, and with my shopping experience in the area, I considered this my perfect third shopping destination for my Shop Local Edits!

About – Timaru, New Zealand

The second-largest city in Canterbury, Timaru, sits about midway between Christchurch and Dunedin. It is a picturesque region flanked by the majestic snowed-capped Southern Alps in the west and the Pacific Ocean in the east.

It is a busy coastal South Island port with everything you need for a stopover or holiday destination. Timaru is also a gateway to the Central South Island’s mountains, lakes and rivers.

Timaru’s focal point is the lovely Caroline Bay, which has a safe swimming beach bordered by a 20-ha reserve with children’s playgrounds, gardens, tennis courts, an aviary, and a skating rink.

The town is known for its elegant Victorian and Edwardian buildings made of volcanic bluestone. The region’s history can be explored at the South Canterbury Museum, Te Ana Maori Rock Art Centre. The gorgeous Aigantighe Art Gallery and Timaru’s lovely Botanic Gardens can be explored.

There are plenty of things to do in Timaru, with numerous fantastic sports grounds and facilities, including the Caroline Bay Trust Aoraki Centre. Activities in the Timaru district include walking tracks, mountain biking, golfing and fishing. In winter, there are several ski fields within reach.

I’m writing this post on New Zealand’s first day at Level 1. And with no restrictions except for our closed borders….there’s never been a better time to “Do Something New, New Zealand!” 

The above is just my quick summary of Timaru; however, for all things on offer in Timaru, you can check them out here.

The Shop Local Edit – Favourite Shops In Timaru.

At long last….so here is the second of my “Shop Local Edit” posts – My Favourite Shops in Timaru. I hope that you enjoy and find some inspiration from my favourite shops. (For each, I have also selected a few of my current favourite items that I would add to my shopping cart). 

So be sure to check out their websites and follow them on social media to keep updated with their new arrivals. And last but not least, remember to Shop Like Your Local Shops Depend On It…Because They Do! 

Paula x

The Edit

The Best Shops in Timaru, New Zealand | The Shop Local Edit

1. HEAD OVER HEELS

About – Head over Heels 

“Head Over Heels offers beautifully crafted footwear for the stylish, modern woman. Our ethos is firmly rooted in providing our customers with a diverse range of high-quality, unique, and stylish footwear and accessories that will become the cornerstone of a woman’s wardrobe.

Our products are handpicked from shoe and handbag designers within New Zealand and around the world. We are constantly on the lookout for products which embody these qualities which we know our customers share with us.“

To find out more about Head Over Heels, click here. 

What I love about Head over Heels;

Head Over Heels would have to be my favourite shoe store in New Zealand. The fact that it was first established in Timaru in 2006 is one of the additional reasons that I chose Timaru as my next Shop Local edit.

In 2008, Head Over Heels opened in my hometown of Christchurch. And despite a few location changes in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes, it remains the must-shop destination for high-quality, unique, and stylish footwear and accessories from New Zealand and International designers.

Head Over Heels is definitely worthy of my personal number one spot on my “The Shop Local Edit – My Favourite Shops in Timaru.”

Shop My Favourites

Follow on Instagram @headoverheelsnz

Follow on Facebook @headoverheelsnz

2. CHILLIS & MORE

About – Chillis & More 

“The Ultimate – Stocking the very best in the leading brands you love.

Our unique shopping experience is a must-see!!! With car parking at the door and down the south side of the building, you can come on in, grab a coffee and check out our fantastic range of upmarket clothing and accessories for Guys and Girls. With our amazing account system, we make life very easy and you can also visit our website where you can also BUY ONLINE. Come in and visit the experienced and friendly staff today. See you soon!”

To find out more about Chillis & More, click here. 

What I love about Chillis & More;

There is no doubt that Chillies and More is the ultimate destination store. It’s an amazing space with a great selection of women’s and men’s clothing, accessories, and unique homewares.

With a motto of “Attitude not Age”, there is no doubt that Chills & More caters to various ages and styles. In the past, I’ve been just as likely to find something for my teens, husband and myself.

A unique shopping experience and must-visit in Timaru, with some of my favourite brands in being;

Mild Red | Widess | COOP by Trelise Cooper | Jason Lingard | GAARD |Huffer | Glasshouse Candles |G Star RAW | Jimmy D | Maaike | OBI Black

Shop My Favourites

Follow on Instagram @chillisandmore

Follow on Facebook @chillisandmore

3. BALLANTYNES TIMARU

About – Ballantynes Timaru

“Ballantynes Timaru follows our flagship store in Christchurch being well renowned for its quality merchandise and welcoming service. Stocking a wide range of fashion clothing, accessories, lingerie, china, bed and bath, cookware and giftware, Ballantynes covers all your needs. Take a break at JB’s Café and enjoy a fresh coffee and a bite to eat.”

To learn more about Ballantynes, click here, or for the History of Ballantynes, click here. 

What I love about Ballantynes Timaru;

It’s hard not to include the Timaru Branch (est 1883) of New Zealand’s first department store, Ballantynes, in this post.

The flagship iconic Christchurch Ballatnyne’s store was established in 1854. And while the Timaru branch offers most of the major departments of the Christchurch store, it is a smaller operation. (However, there is also their online store).

Ballantynes is renowned for its quality merchandise and exceptional service and is the place to go for leading fashion, beauty, and homeware brands. My current favourites are;

Kowtow | Trelise Cooper | Karen Walker |C & M | Deadly Ponies | Huffer | Marle | Juliette Hogan | Camilla & Marc

Shop My Favourites

Follow on Instagram @ballantynes_department_store and @curated_by_ballantynes

Follow on Facebook @ballantynestimaru

3. MISS TIMARU

About – Miss Timaru

“The Miss Timaru is a must-visit destination established over 50 years ago. This iconic retailer maintains a large, ever-changing showcase of fashion. Renowned for offering wonderful choice and honest advice.

Their online presence has joined with sister store Preen. Now all of these wonderful labels are available for online purchase.”

To find out more about Miss Timaru, click here.

What I love about Miss Timaru;

If I’m brutally honest, Miss Timaru may not make my usual destination shopping list for the purposes of this blog. However, given its iconic status in Timaru and the fact that its 3rd generational ownership, it’s hard not to include it.

It’s a shop with a wide range of relatively affordable and everyday New Zealand labels. Although my favourites would be;

David Pond | Toby | Random | COOP by Trelise Cooper | Lilac & Sage

Shop My Favourites

Follow on Instagram @sophiepreen_online

Follow on Facebook @misstimaru

4. MAREE HYNES GIFTS & INTERIORS

About – Maree Hynes Gifts & Interiors

“With over 25 years experience in the business of interior design including fitting made to measure curtains, Maree and her team bring a wealth of knowledge and resources to your project. She really understands texture, colour and design, and brings all this knowledge with her when you enlist her services. Maree’s passion for all things interior bought her to opening her own showroom over 10 years ago. Here Maree handpicks beautiful pieces to adorn your home, from gorgeous furniture to an amazing collection of cushions and homewares. Many pieces are one-offs and you will not find the like in big chain stores.”

To find out more about Maree Hynes Gifts & Interiors, click here.

What I love about Maree Hynes Gifts & Interiors;

A gorgeous shop with a lovely selection of unique furniture, homewares, gifts and accessories. And is a great destination shop worth the visit when in the region.

Shop My Favourites

Follow on Instagram @mareehynesinteriors

Follow on Facebook @Mareehynesinteriors

5. BLACK & CO

About – Black & Co

“Black & Co – Purveyors of Fine Goods; With a focus on quality fashion pieces, luxe homewares and unique jewellery – Black & Co offers shoppers a unique experience.

Black & Co est 2018 is your one-stop shop, stocking a range of designer and eclectic clothing and a wide range of beautiful homewares and fine giftware with a unique and quirky flair! Black & Co stocks a range of international fashion labels and the latest ranges from several New Zealand designers. “

To find out more about Black & Co, click here.

What I love about Black & Co;

You need to read the story of this couple to be inspired. There is nothing like following your dreams and making them happen. Firstly, in 2016, they created Tuesday – a quirky & humourous gift store. In 2018, Black & Co focused on quality fashion pieces, luxe homewares and unique jewellery next door. And obviously not to stop there, the next project being a stunning Lounge Bar called Hector Black’s.

My attention to Black & Co. was due to them stocking one of my current favourite brands, Noa Noa. However, they have several unique and fabulous brands, including;

Noa Noa | Haven |Nice Things | Kinney the Label | Isle of Mine | Airs & Graces

Shop My Favourites

Follow on Instagram @blackandcostorenz

Follow on Facebook blackandcostore

6. MILLIE ROSE

About – Millie Rose

“Millie Rose – Boutique – Gifts – Cakes – Est 2020; Where you can find hand-picked gifts, unique fashion, designer cakes and cupcakes.

I have recently returned to my home town after working in a Patisserie in Scotland.

I dreamed of starting my own business, and I wanted to open a store that embraced everything I love about cakes, fashion and design.

Let’s shop local, pop in for an old-style plunger coffee and cupcake, sit down, chill out, relax and enjoy my range of fashion, giftware and accessories.”

To find out more about Millie Rose, click here.

What I love about Millie Rose;

I was about to finish this post when I stumbled across this exciting new addition to Timaru. The bio sentence “I had a dream to start my own business, and I wanted to open a store that embraced everything I love about cakes, fashion and design” captivated me. As except for the cakes, it has always been a dream of mine. And I’m always in awe of people acting on their dreams. Notwithstanding trying to have a grand opening through a COVID-restricted New Zealand.

The cupcakes and cakes look incredible, and there is a gorgeous collection of fashion, giftware and accessories. Obviously, it’s a must-visit and a great new inclusion for my Shop Local Edit – My Favourite Shops in Timaru.

My favourite brands and items are;

Cartel & Willow | Annah S | Opal + Sage Candles | Glenn Jones Prints and more. 

Shop My Favourites

Follow on Instagram @millierose.nz

Follow on Facebook @MilliesRoseNZ

7. ARTHUR ST KITCHEN

About – Arthur Street Kitchen

“Arthur St Kitchen has created the perfect relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy breakfast or lunch. Seating is available inside the café in one of the three spacious rooms or outside the sunny courtyard. According to Lonely Planet, it’s Timaru’s funkiest eatery!”

To find out more about Arthur Street Kitchen, click here.

What I love about Arthur Street Kitchen;

I have to admit once I found Arthur Street Kitchen, it tended to be my go-to cafe! Enough said…it’s great!

Follow on Instagram @arthurstkitchen

Follow on Facebook arthurstkitchen

P.s

If you like this post on Shop Local – My Favourite Shops Timaru, check out my previous posts in the Shop Local Edit;

Shop Local – My Favourite Shops in Havelock North, NZ

Shop Local – My Favourite Shops in Queenstown, NZ

The Best Ethical & Sustainable​ New Zealand Fashion Designers To Know