Better than New: Finding the Sparkle in Secondhand with Nifty’s Rosie Carroll

Photo of Rosie Carroll sitting on orange semi-circle couch at her secondshop Nifty in Christchurch
There are people in this world who have a knack for turning one person’s trash into their own wardrobe treasure. After years of working in retail, schooling up on fast fashion, and selling her own threads at markets, Rosie Carroll is undeniably blessed with this gift.

Cactus Outdoors

Outdoor clothing on racks in a retail store.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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For those conquering Everest, tending to farm paddocks, or enjoying a weekend on the chairlift, there’s one name that stands above the rest for its made-to-last gear:...

Sophie Divett Jewellery

A close up of a woman wearing a blunt hair cut holding a ring.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Stepping into Sophie Divett Jewellery on Christchurch’s Colombo Street is like entering a jewellery store of a bygone era.

Nifty

The pink block exterior of Nifty in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Stay and explore key icon. Fashion key icon. Markets key icon.

Driving along the industrial end of Christchurch's Cashel Street, you don’t expect to come across a pale pink pop of colour that is the Nifty building.

PLUME

The exterior and entrance to the PLUME clothing store in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Makes a strong case for the enduring value of a bespoke and compelling retail experience.

Recycle Boutique Christchurch

Staff picks rack.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Recycle Boutique challenges the status quo as one part designer boutique, one part second hand shop and one part sustainable shopping option.

Indigo & Provisions

Interior view of the historic windows and leather chesterfield at Indigo & Provisions, Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Indigo & Provisions is a specialised fashion store inspired by traditional work-wear, heritage styles and high quality.

Untouched World

Close up of shoes and book on display.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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The only fashion company in the world to be recognised by the United Nations for sustainability, Untouched World is a true leader in the field of ethical lifestyle fashion.

BOXed Quarter

Laneways and an overhead walkway within BOXed Quarter in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Fashion key icon.

A hub for all things food, creativity and culture, BOXed Quarter thinks outside the square.

Your Guide to Second-Hand Clothes Shopping in Christchurch

The busy and bright interior of a second hand clothing store.
The neatest second-hand clothing finds in the ‘03.

RUBY Christchurch

The full-height windows of the exterior of Ruby store in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Timeless, beautiful and instantly recognisable, Ruby is one of New Zealand’s favourite brands.

The National

Someone looking at unique jewellery pieces on display.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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The National has been at the forefront of the contemporary art scene in Christchurch for over a decade.

Embassy

A man working behind the counter at Embassy where lots of caps are displayed on shelves.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Peruse the likes of Adidas, Vans, Element, and Lower’s latest lines all stocked in store, or choose from more than 50 other international and New Zealand brands.

The Tannery

Plants lining the hall of The Tannery outside the plant shop.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Prepared to be wowed by the sophisticated one-stop-shop that is The Tannery.

Stencil

Looking between clothing racks towards the entrance to the Stencil store in The Colombo mall.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Variety is the spice of life, and you’ll certainly find something to spice up your wardrobe at Stencil.

Infinite Definite

Pink and Brown checked cardigan hanging on rack.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick
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Cool kicks, clothing and lifestyle goods find themselves a home here, and with over 60 different designers in stock, there is something for everyone.