Wednesday, 10 March 2010
WHERE’S hot to shop for Whakatane’s stylistas these days?
Believe it or not, it’s the Red Cross.
Over the last few months the charity shop in King Street has become more than just another op-shop, attracting some of the town’s more discerning shoppers.
With a new delivery each week from the Red Cross processing centre in Tauranga, the shop has an ever-changing stock of clothing, manchester, bric-a-brac and homeware that is making it a popular midweek stop for many people.
Traditionally op-shopping has attracted alternative types looking to create a style of their own or those on a tight budget.
But the clientele at the Red Cross shop has broadened in the past few months with brand new customers enticed through the doors by the vibrant window displays bolstering the ranks of the “old faithfuls” who still frequent the shop on a regular basis.
The displays are the handiwork of the store’s new co-ordinator, a well-known Whakatane fashion guru, and it is her ingenuity that has been attributed to the store’s newfound popularity.
The recession and the feelgood factor that goes with charity shopping has made people think twice about parting with their hard-earned cash.
Top fashion labels such as Ricochet, Karen Walker, Stella Gregg and Veronica Maine - well out of the average person’s price range new - can be picked up at affordable prices second-hand.
A rummage through the racks could also uncover surf labels such as Stussy and Billabong and various popular New Zealand and Australian brands.
Unwanted Christmas gifts still in their boxes, food processors, juicers and other homeware adorn the shelves.
“People are getting wise now,” the store co-ordinator, who did not wish to be named, told the Beacon. “A lot of people that would never have had second-hand shopped in the past are now looking at it as the smart way to go.”
Turnover at the shop has increased dramatically with Red Cross proceeds at the moment destined for various countries in need.
She said the shop’s biggest advertisement has been word of mouth with plenty of people now raving about what they managed to find at the store, and the friendly service of the store’s 20 volunteers. Although much of the stock now comes from outside of Whakatane, the store still happily accepts donations.
Any heavy items such as fridges, freezers or furniture can be picked up anytime by phoning 07 3085694.