William Bee

Fashion key icon.
Fashion key icon.

Monday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Tuesday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Wednesday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Thursday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Friday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Saturday10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Sunday10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

1 Itchen St, Oamaru

03 434 9924

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.

Words by Olivia Sisson & Photography by Anna Briggs

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

1 Itchen St, Oamaru

Nearby Places

Cucina

Looking over the shoulder of a person eating a meal with a knife and fork.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki Editor's Pick
Restaurants key icon.

Argentinian, Italian and Spanish flavours meet Kiwi hospitality at Cucina. Owners Yanina and Pablo, moved their family to Ōamaru in 2008, and celebrate the cuisine they grew up with through Waitaki's best ingredients.

The Vault

Close up of fun ravioli and olive shaped candles
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Services key icon.

The Oamaru Vault launched in August 2024 with a world of products designed to make everyday moments feel that extra bit special, from beauty and homeware to fashion, accessories and cute things for kids.

Crafted

Unique sculptures and ceramics on table in front of a wall filled with artistic photography at Crafted Gallery in Ōamaru
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Galleries and museum key icon.

It’s hard not to be inspired by Ōamaru’s rugged coastline and fabled history. The town is home to many talented makers and artists, and at the collective gallery you can explore their work at your own pace.

Buggyrobot Gallery

Close up of Martin using a tool to work on orange robot sculpture at his workshop desk
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Galleries and museum key icon.

Buggyrobot Gallery is a quirky gallery and workshop found in the heart of Ōamaru’s Victorian Precinct, and it’s a must-visit.

Similar Places

Hyde Boutique

Contemporary fashion boutique with white shop counter surrounded by clothing on metal racks and jeans folded on timber tables
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Fashion key icon.

Retail therapy doesn’t get any better in Ōamaru than Hyde Boutique, a high-end designer fashion destination situated on the town’s busy Thames Street.

Housekeepers Design

Interior view of the shop at Housekeepers Design in Ōamaru.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Fashion key icon.

A beautiful old building full of beautiful new objects. We’re talking New Zealand-made clothing, accessories and homewares that’ll delight even the most discerning of buyers. Do your gift shopping or treat yourself.

Feliz & Sage Cafe & Gifts

Waiter picking up a cheese scone from under mesh cloche with tongs
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Cafes key icon.

A daily destination for locals and an inviting stopover for cyclists, Feliz & Sage is a cafe and gift shop adding plenty of life to Kurow’s Bledisloe Street.

Crafted

Unique sculptures and ceramics on table in front of a wall filled with artistic photography at Crafted Gallery in Ōamaru
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Galleries and museum key icon.

It’s hard not to be inspired by Ōamaru’s rugged coastline and fabled history. The town is home to many talented makers and artists, and at the collective gallery you can explore their work at your own pace.