Second Hand September

Napier has a niche in vintage, in the classic lines and careful craftsmanship of a bygone era.

Like the architecture, clothing and objects from yesteryear were made with superior expertise, with intricate detailing and flourishes you won't find on many new items for sale today. Sometimes it’s a case of not being able to find that special something at all unless you buy it second-hand, whether that’s a retro teapot, a rare book or a vintage hat. These are things that were built to last and to be passed on.

Second-hand carries a hint of history. When you wear vintage it adds to your style. Retro can bring back memories. Each item is one-of-a-kind and each tells a story. The aesthetics of second-hand are rewarding but, ethically, buying second-hand is rewarding too.

Buying used, or donating things you no longer want, is always the best option from an environmental perspective. When you throw away, things don’t go away, they just fill up the landfill.

In New Zealand, 4% of rubbish sent to landfill is clothing and textiles. That’s about 143,820 tonnes a year and a whopping 3,560 tonnes in Hawke’s Bay alone!

Second Hand September is an Oxfam campaign that encourages people to buy only second-hand for September to divert waste from landfill and be a bit gentler on our planet.

In support of second-hand September, we are shining a spotlight on second-hand stores and recycle boutiques in Napier. There’s plenty of them and this is just a snapshot. Some are exceptional, some exquisite, some quirky, some quaint, if you like a good fossick and the thrill of a killer find you’ll love this lot. From antiques, furniture, books and homewares to jewellery, art deco fashion and designer clothing, there is something for every need, every want and every taste.

At Garment, the high turnover of stock is testament to the popularity of the place. Each visit will reveal new and exciting pieces to complement your wardrobe. If you’re looking to sell your pre-loved designer clothes, then Garment can help with that too. Owned and operated by mother-daughter duo, Virginia and Sarah, Garment specialises pre-loved items from designer brands.

“There’s so much life left in these clothes,” Virginia says. “It feels good to be reducing our carbon footprint. Seeing these beautiful fashion items have a renewed life is fantastic.”

Up the road, lovers of vintage clothing will find it hard to walk past Old Flames without being drawn inside. Owner/operator, Brodie Gore, has a keen eye for vintage and travels the country to source unique pieces. She also welcomes donations of quality pre-loved clothing, handbags, shoes, art and accessories.

“I love doing my bit to save the planet,” Brodie says. “Buying second hand is more sustainable and there are so many one-off outfits you can create with pre-loved items.”

Long-time Cranford Hospice Store volunteer, Barrie Ellison, agrees that second-hand shopping is a great way to buy quality items without the environmental price-tag. At the Cranford Store, the extra benefit for consumers is knowing their dollar is helping the local people who are supported and cared for by Cranford Hospice. Second-hand can help the planet and the pocket as well as people who do good work in the community.

At the Presbyterian Support Charity Shop, among the most popular items sold are linen and furniture, but they also sell jewellery, shoes, hats, belts, handbags, bric-a-brac and vintage. All proceeds go to Presbyterian Support East Coast, which runs a number of important community programmes and services including Enliven and Family Works. The shop accepts donations and relies on volunteers to sort them and to manage retail.

If you’re looking to add an extra hit of adrenaline to your retail experience, look no further than an auction house! There’s nothing quite like the anticipation and excitement of vying for something you have your eye on in an auction! The auctioneers at Maidens and Foster Auctioneers know how to host an action-packed event! Their weekly general and antique auctions are well-attended by people looking for everything from furniture to furnishings, from whiteware to tools.

Owner Todd Foster says he loves auctioning off great items with lots of life left in them. He likes the satisfaction of handing them on to another owner who will put them to good use.

“It’s not uncommon for me to sell items two or three times over,” Todd says. “The older furniture and chattels were often better quality so they could go around, unlike some single-use disposable alternatives that can be purchased today.”

Another treasure trove of vintage, antiques, art deco and collectables in Decorum. Their range of second-hand goods has extended beyond clothing to hats, jewellery, handbags, accessories, even antique and vintage glassware and crockery.

Owners Linda and Barry couldn’t recommend buying preloved highly enough, not only because it’s good for the environment, but because of the quality fabrics and workmanship that is now only rarely seen in fast-fashion these days.

Antiques can also be found at the Napier Antiques and Jewellery Centre. Their most popular items are preloved jewellery, from gold and silver to quirky vintage pieces. They also have a huge array of antiques, china and collectables.

“We have many regulars who come in at least once a week, and tourists love the store,” says co-owner Raewyn. “Second hand buying is a way to pick up something unique, of quality and sustainable for the planet. I love it because you never know what you might find.”

Whether you’ve got a passion for fashion or you’re an antique freak, discover a new way to go Second-Hand this September. There’s plenty of options to explore in Napier.

18 September 2022

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