Recycle Boutique Christchurch

Fashion key icon.
Fashion key icon.

Monday10:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Tuesday10:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Wednesday10:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Thursday10:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Friday10:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Saturday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Sunday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

248 High St, Christchurch CBD, Christchurch

03 925 9165

Choosing an outfit each morning (or multiple times per day if that’s you) has to be one of the most uniquely delightful aspects of being human. An outfit can be cute, daring, exotic, vibrant, muted, risque, comfortable, futuristic or any combination thereof. Fashion is fun, creative and inspiring but the glossy pages that feature the season’s latest looks often feel inaccessible. Hefty price tags, coupled with rampant consumerism put a damper on things all too often. 

Recycle Boutique changes all of that. Since 2005, Recycle Boutique has been challenging the status quo as one part designer boutique, one part second hand shop and one part sustainable shopping option. 

While the first store was in Auckland and they’ve since expanded all over the country, the concept is still very true to itself. At first glance you’d never guess Recycle Boutique is a second hand shop. The CBD shop’s big windows let in heaps of natural light which illuminate the racks of freshly pressed designer frocks, jackets, pants, shoes and more. 

The spacious layout with bright colour accents, accessory racks and shoe displays make you feel as if you’re at your favourite designer’s brick and mortar store. On the hangers you’ll find numbers from beloved New Zealand brands like Kate Sylvester, Kowtow, Moochi, Karen Walker, Trelise Cooper and WORLD - but at a fraction of the price. You’ll also find pieces from around the globe with labels like Levi, Tommy Hilfiger, SolSana, Marc Jacobs, Carhartt, DKNY and The North Face in high supply. You'll also find pieces of vintage dotted around amongst the modern wears. 

But never fear, second hand shopping is not just reserved for hipsters with a knack for finding hidden gems. At Recycle Boutique everything is organised and clearly labeled to make finding your next closet addition a cinch. There’s no fighting through overstuffed clothing racks here. Everything is ordered by item type and size and spacious changing rooms make it easy to try on. You won’t find any duds here, either. Recycle Boutique carefully selects and processes each item they sell to keep quality (and style) on point. If you’re in a rush head directly to the ‘Staff Pick’s’ rack for one off items, rare brands and delicious fabrics. 

It’s no secret that ‘fast fashion’ has some serious drawbacks when it comes to the environment and worker welfare. Buying second hand is a way to combat this and Recycle Boutique makes the option hard to resist. 

Once you’ve found your dream outfit, head home but don’t stop there. Peruse your closet for items you no longer wear but still deserve love. Pop in to Recycle Boutique at any point for some of the easiest, breeziest consigning you’re likely to find. Anywhere. 

Unlike most consignment shops, you don’t need an appointment to sell your items here. Simply drop them off at the register, wait for an email and come pick up your earnings when your clothes sell. Recycle Boutique makes it easy to dress fab, reduce your carbon footprint and save/earn a bit of money all at the same time. Name a better combination. We’ll wait.

If you’re not in the Christchurch CBD be sure to check out Recycle Boutique at The Tannery. Or in Queenstown, Wellington, Auckland, Newmarket, Takapuna, Hamilton, Mount Maunganui or Palmerston North.

Words by Olivia Sisson & Photography by Nancy Zhou

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

248 High St, Christchurch CBD, Christchurch

Nearby Places

The Muse Christchurch Art Hotel

The inside of a hotel room at The Muse in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Accommodation key icon.

Step off Manchester Street in Christchurch’s CBD and into the lobby of The MUSE Art Hotel and there is an immediate mood change.

Akin Café

Customers enjoying their coffees in Akin.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Akin is as clean-cut as a café can be.

Odeon

A wide view of the inside of the Odeon restaurant in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

Take one of Christchurch’s best chefs and his wealth of international experience, add his Andalusian-inspired dishes to an epic and interesting wine list, and top it all off with a sumptuous, luxe decor and you get Odeon.

Riverside Market

Riverside market by the Avon
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon. Cafes key icon. Fashion key icon.

This unique Christchurch establishment brings fresh produce, artisan bakeries, independent food stalls, rooftop bars and restaurants, high-class retail and eclectic market stalls all under one roof.

Similar Places

Bohemian Bakery Central City

Brick facade of the Bohemian Bakery.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Goods key icon.

Bohemian Bakery’s second storefront is a cozy enclave filled with the smells and sounds of a traditional bakery, like the ever popular Portuguese tart and crusty loaves.

PLUME

The exterior and entrance to the PLUME clothing store in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Fashion key icon.

Makes a strong case for the enduring value of a bespoke and compelling retail experience.

General Post

The exterior of General Post.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon. Services key icon.

You’ll find a few golden nuggets interspersed around Tai Tapu, and General Post is one of them. This small neighbourhood cafe has tonnes of practicality and style.

Henry Trading

Anglepoise lamp with candles stocked on the shelves at Henry Trading, Lyttelton.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick

A must-visit spot brimming with homewares and more made by good people.