Indulge in Retail Therapy, We've Found the Neatest Places to Shop in Hamilton

A gem of a lifestyle brand hidden on Ward Street in Hamilton, Crate draws inspiration from pop culture and current fashion trends while keeping quality front of mind. While their collection covers a wide range of needs—they have everything from kids clothing to jackets and headwear—the focus rests on pieces that are easy to incorporate into your existing wardrobe, while still feeling stylish and fresh.

If you’re anything like us, you love a good secondhand book steal, and Browsers is the place to go for just that. A beautiful store with ceiling-high bookshelves containing everything from arts, photography, music, kids’ books, and quality fiction, you’re sure to find countless treasures to take home. Owner Rachel has realised a long-time dream of running and owning a second-hand bookshop, which makes supporting this 100% locally owned and operated business all the more sweet. Not to mention that the books here are in amazing quality.

Founded in 2008 by two sisters Julia and Claire, Sisters On London has turned into the go-to destination for your fashion fix. Tucked away on London Street you’ll find designer brands from NZ and Australia, as well as giftware and accessories. With brands like Deadly Ponies, Lonely Lingerie, Sass and Bide and Karen Walker, everyone will be able to find a piece that suits their style here. Keep up to date with new arrivals and style inspo on their Instagram.

Harper Inc is a family business that started out of a love of fashion (and shopping, of course).

With a passion for bringing the best brands to Hamilton, Harper Inc chooses the brands they work with carefully, focusing on ethics and sustainability while making sure they’re supporting NZ brands in the process. Not only do they have a wide range of gorgeous clothes, but they also offer handbags, cosmetics, and homewares. Take our word for it: you’ll have a seriously hard time not buying the whole shop.

Yet another family-owned and operated small business that is run with so much love. Little Mash aims to support women through pregnancy, motherhood and parenting to give them the best quality products for their wee ones. Selling everything from baby and toddler clothes to women’s breastfeeding aids, swaddles, furniture, and wellness remedies, you’ll pick from the best of the best when you buy for future mamas from Little Mash. Owner/Operator Ren is a pediatric nurse and midwife with a decade of experience, so you’re in the safest of hands if you need any questions answered.

Recycle Boutique is the place to be for people that love the big brands but can’t spend the big bucks. Locals come here to buy and sell second-hand clothing, giving it a new lease on life. The textile industry is one of the most polluting in the world, and Recycle aims to shift the way we shop while proving that we can definitely look stylish while also saving the planet. The shop boasts brands such as Kowtow, Ruby, Adidas, Nike, Karen Walker, and many, many more. Have a wander and see what you can find—you never know when you’ll bring an absolute bargain home.

Head to The Flower Crate for fresh flowers, apothecary items, botanical homewares, indoor plants, and jaw-dropping garden wares. All of the flowers used are sourced within New Zealand, and you can select from their daily blooms or curate something entirely suited to you. Most importantly, they’re 100% flower foam-free, and working towards going plastic-free. They only stock ethical and sustainable brands, so you know your purchase is supporting locals and the environment.

If you’re a millennial woman, there’s a good chance you already know RUBY. If you don’t, let’s get you acquainted. This New Zealand made brand is known for its simple, elegant, and youthful designs with a bit of fun thrown in. After starting as a streetwear brand, they’ve grown to be well known all around NZ for their aesthetic and love of fun fashion pieces, without harming the environment. They have mid-season drops alongside their main line, and have even expanded into footwear and accessories. RUBY aims to continually make long term improvements for the people and places they work with, with the goal of shifting from a linear to a circular company.

A curated collection of New Zealand and international women and men’s fashion is what you’ll find at True. They love and celebrate ethical designers and production, unique designs, and amazing quality. Not only do they sell women and menswear, but they also have homewares, gifts, jewellery, and accessories for you to find something that fits your style and your ethos.

True is looking toward a sustainable future, making sure that they are choosing the finest quality fabrics, and the best craftsmanship. When you take a piece home, you have it for life.

If you're more of an outdoorsy type, Trek 'n' Travel have got your covered for all of your adventures around NZ and beyond. They pride themselves on delivering quality outdoor and travel equipment that will ‘go the distance’ with you wherever you may go. Owned by Colin Hancock for the past 20 years, the Trek ‘n’ Travel team have built a reputation for being specialists in their field. Stocking outdoor, travel and leisure clothing, footwear, packs, sleeping bags, tents and a wide range of accessories, you’ll be able to find exactly what you need. Plus, the quality service ensures your trip isn’t spoiled by having the wrong gear!