that was then, this is now.

MondayClosed.

Tuesday10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Wednesday9:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Thursday9:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Friday9:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Saturday9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Sunday11:00 am – 2:00 pm.

57 Ghuznee St, Te Aro, Wellington

022 025 6536

Walking through the doors of that was then, this is now feels a bit like stepping into a perfectly distilled version of Cuba Street’s spirit: textured, effortlessly cool, and a little bit punk rock. Every item here has been handpicked by the owners, who’ve poured their personal style, knowledge, and enthusiasm into every corner of the store. The result is a retail space that feels like an old friend’s flat, only cleaner, sharper, and with much better denim.

It’s a place of contrasts, and the team has made smart use of the layout to create a practical and versatile space. The textured, pitch-black storefront leads you seamlessly into a clean, well-organised clothing shop on the ground floor, with the white brick walls letting the racks, shelves, and cabinets take centre stage. Head on upstairs and you’ll find an entire barbershop because a good fade is often what takes an outfit to the next level.

Take your time perusing the hard-to-find, small-scale independent brands that celebrate craftsmanship and quality. Japanese denim heavyweights, such as Sugarcane and Samurai, sit alongside UK workwear icons, Universal Works, and Americana classics like 3sixteen and RGT. The carefully expanded womenswear range brings labels like Girls of Dust and W’menswear into the mix, delivering strong silhouettes and bold, wearable statements. Every piece has a story, and the team is always keen to share the background behind the fabrics and the makers.

From the socks on your feet to the product in your hair, the team at that was then, this is now is genuinely invested in making sure you leave feeling great. This isn’t just a shop, it’s a full-on Cuba precinct experience: curated, charismatic, and effortlessly Wellington.

Words by John Son & Photography by Anna Briggs

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

57 Ghuznee St, Te Aro, Wellington

Nearby Places

Glou Glou

Wooden bar leaner with green tiles holding plates of sweet and savoury crumpets and ube and matcha lattes
Place Wellington
Cafes key icon.

Located inside Wellington’s iconic Exchange Building on Allen Street, Glou Glou is an upmarket casual cafe that is ultra sleek yet laid-back enough to warrant a daily...

Garage Project

Coloured framed art on wall.
Place Wellington
Goods key icon.

Situated in an old petrol station in the Aro Valley, Garage Project’s vibe is all about producing experimental beers in a perfect, yet unexpected setting.

Meow

People outside area.
Place Wellington
Bars key icon.

Live music, slam poetry readings, stand-up comedy and a thumping happy hour make Meow a versatile venue.

Iris Store + Studio

The front window inside Iris Store + Studio in Wellington.
Place Wellington
Services key icon. Wellbeing key icon.

Nestled in a creative corner of Wellington and surrounded by like-minded boutique neighbours, Iris Store + Studio is much more than a one-stop shop for all your beauty needs.

Similar Places

The Wilderness

Flowers and candles on display on white shelves inside The Wilderness.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu Editor's Pick
Services key icon.

Stunning seasonal blooms, dried floral installations, indoor plants, terrariums, candles, chocolate… it’s well worth popping in to admire all the lovely items in The Wilderness.

The Polish Sausage Company

Portrait of Anna next to hanging sausages at The Polish Sausage Company in Lyall Bay Wellington
Place Wellington
Goods key icon.

Smoke curls through the Lyall Bay air long before you spot the source, a quiet signal that something seriously good is being made by hand.

Good Housekeeping

Chairs, plants and brooms for sale at Good Housekeeping Wellington shop, New Zealand.
Place Wellington

An eco-friendly and DIY shop by the owners of The Powder Room.

Sully's

Shop view of Sully's including decorative lighting.
Place Wellington
Fashion key icon.

Clothing stores abound in Wellington, but Sully’s is one of those that feels like a breath of fresh air the moment you walk in.