William Bee

As you make your way into Ōamaru’s Heritage Precinct, it’s hard to miss the stunning corner store that is William Bee General Merchants.

William Bee is named for the original proprietor who sold wine, foodstuffs, china and cured meats here way back in 1867. William, it seems, was onto supporting local and New Zealand made long before it became trendy and current traders, Sarah and Anneke, keep this at the core of their business, too.

Today, Bee’s Corner offers hip baby clothes, New Zealand outerwear, felted throws and rugs, as well as gifts, jewellery, candles and body products. The shop’s historic pane glass windows let in heaps of sunlight which makes these unique textures, patterns and designs sing. 

On the kid’s side of things, you’ll find little numbers from Jamie Kay and Nature Baby, all of which are supremely soft and made with natural fibres. As mums themselves, Sarah and Anneke, have also sourced a range of Pretty Brave footwear and Lamington merino socks which makes William Bee a one-stop shop for outfitting the tots. With a focus on organic cotton and fun prints, these brands are the ones they love, too.

Mums and dads aren’t forgotten here, though as William Bee General Merchants is also home to the New Zealand outerwear brand Moké Apparel, which Sarah created with her father. Their Down coats, rain jackets and windbreakers are all designed right here. These pieces are Ōamaru inspired, constructed specifically for the changeable Otago weather but in exciting colour palettes and chic cuts, too. 

Moké’s sister brand, Nyx & Min, can also be found amongst the racks here and focuses on luxurious loungewear - the kind of clothes you’ll want to wear at home but also around town. Along the store’s back wall, you can test out the many locally-made candles and creams which jazz up any self-care routine. Once you’ve chosen all your favourites, head to the till, where you’ll notice an old photo of William Bee himself.