Vintage & thrifted shopping in Auckland: a few of my favourite second-hand shopping destinations, they seem to variously come and go in Auckland but these are my tried and tested. Although vintage shopping is often luck, having an experienced eye with you can help to find that showstopper piece or a selection of items that will work for you and your unique style.
The vintage shopping scene has dramatically changed over the past couple of years. And although you can still find great pieces in classic op-shops it is getting harder to find those gems at old school prices. So the likes of Tatty’s, Recycle Boutique and other high-end second-hand designer stores are a great option although more pricey than an op-shop but great for finding items to give your wardrobe a stylish and susitainable update.
Go Jo Recycle and New Lynn: A fantastic proper old-style vintage store tucked away in the deep industrial outskirts of New Lynn. Great scores at good prices. I picked up a fabulous 1940s number here. Come here if you are needing something for a special occassion with very knowledgeable staff and owner. Also in New Lynn not far away is a rather large Hospice shop, Savemart is also around the corner so you can do the rounds.
Flea Market Balmoral: An updated old school style market in Balmoral with lots of treasures on offer. Experienced vintage sellers, sellers clearing out wardrobes, homewares, vinyl records, coffee and food. Make a morning of it.
Search & Destroy Ponsonby: A shout-out to this Auckland stalwart, which sees many a celebrity (Jason Momoa, Rita Ora et al) when filming or visiting Auckland shopping for vintage denim, Japanese workwear and band tee’s. Great to hang and have a coffee and people watch while picking up some excellent vinyl.
Vixen Vintage & K’Rd: Anyone in the know, knows that K’Rd is a second-hand shopping mecca but Vixen is an old fav that has been around for years with a rock n roll vibe, fabulous stock, excellent window displays and regular trips to the US to source. For mostly genuine vintage has pretty good prices – right next to St Kevin’s Arcade. Also in the arcade Sinda Vintage a cornucopia of vintage, handmade items and other ephemera. Fashion Stylists use this place a lot for fashion, film and video shoots including myself. Also on K’Rd: Crushes, Paperbag Princess, Smoove, People Being People and lots of other pop-ups.
Also on K’Rd is the wonderful and eclectic Touch My Junk over two floors of true vintage bohemian goodness. A bit of a secret find and you can only visit by appointment. Call Felicity on 027 666 4666. Make a day of it and grab a coffee and brunch on K’Rd and visit this place just for the experience of it.
Glen Innes & Ti Rakau:
Glen Innes is a good choice for what is left of proper old school op-shopping especially in Auckland. If you head to the town centre you have: SPCA, Family Store and City Mission. Heading out of town Habitat for Humanity.
But my favourite location which is still a bit of a secret (although slowly being found out) is around the Botany area; I have had some wonderful luck here and prices are still fairly reasonable: starting at The Hope Shop – 219 Burswood Drive off Ti Rakau Drive, Salvation Army – 298 Ti Rakau Drive, St Columbia Church Op Shop – 298 Ti Rakau Drive and around the corner the Eastgate Christian Centre Op Shop – 9 Ben Lomard Cresent, Pakuranga, with a large Hospice Shop around the corner.