Are you always on the hunt for pre-loved treasures? Do you love the thrill of scouring second-hand shops for amazing finds? Well this Waiuku-based chick loves to shop in second hand stores!

What’s In a Name?

If you didn’t already know, Uku Chic (previous business !) takes part of its name from Waiuku. Waiuku is located on the Awhitu Peninsula, about an hour’s drive from central Auckland, on a good day. Once the major port on the trade route between Auckland and Waikato, Waiuku has now become a tourist area.

There is lots to see and do – the Glenbrook Vintage railway, heading up the Peninsula to visit the many beaches, the Pollock Art Gallery or the Manukau Lighthouse.

Waiuku’s Secret

But Waiuku has a secret. In this little town is every bargain hunters, second hand enthusiast, or avid upcyclers dream. It has two opportunity shops, one Zero waste shop and one recycled clothing boutique.

Lots of my time is spent in these shops looking for things to add to my home. Or looking for items to upcycle.

The List of Treasure Troves…

• Retro Fit – now known as Frock and Gem (will need to check it out and see if it offers second hand or just new)
• St Andrew’s Opportunity Shop – Clothing, home décor
• St John Opportunity Shop – Clothing, furniture, home décor
• Waiuku Zero Waste – Furniture, home décor

St John

Why Second Hand Shopping?

So why is second hand shopping so popular? The process of rescuing old treasures from shops and giving them a new life has had a resurgence in recent years. Here are some of the reasons I think thrift shopping is on the rise…

Cost: There is no sense beating around the bush, second hand items are cheaper than brand new items. Often second hand items are better quality than newer ones as they were made to last, as opposed to our recent disposable mindset. Sometimes you can even locate well-known brand names for bargain prices.

Uniqueness: You never know what you are going to find when you walk into a second-hand shop. But you can be darn sure that you won’t find a shelf of items that look the same. By buying pre-loved, you can pick up some creative and unique pieces.

Sustainability: Buying second hand cuts down on the manufacture of new items, and reduces the amount of waste that goes into landfills. Plus, by buying at your local store, you keep money in the community, helping local businesses and charities.

Waiuku Zero Waste

Upcycling

Second-hand shops used to have a really bad reputation for having junk that no one wanted, but now they are quite the popular place to locate rare finds. It has become a very accepted practice to breathe life back into an old and tired piece with upcycling. The thrill of the hunt is always alive when you are second hand shopping. Items are often donated several times a week, so there is always new treasures to find!

St Andrews Op Shop Waiuku

Read about op shopping in Matamata  Rotorua  Whangarei