Indulge in Retail Therapy, We've Found the Neatest Places to Shop in Hamilton
Hit the ground running in Hamilton and head out to see the best in retail the city has to offer.
From clothing stores to bookshops, we’ve scoured the city from Hamilton East to Frankton for the neatest places to indulge in a bit of retail therapy.
Words by: Hayley James
If you’ve already had the chance to explore Hamilton, then you know it’s chock full of up and coming creatives and cafés, and that exciting energy doesn’t stop short of its shopping scene.
There’s no doubt that sometimes a little retail therapy is ‘just what the doctor ordered’, and what is pleasing about Hamilton is that it plays host to a wide range of independently run and top rate local businesses, meaning you can spend up knowing your money is going into keeping this creative, fashionable and adventurous town humming.
Crate
12 Ward Street, Hamilton Central
A gem of a lifestyle brand hidden on Ward Street in Hamilton, Crate draws inspiration from pop culture and current fashion trends while keeping quality front of mind. While their collection covers a wide range of needs—they have everything from kids clothing to jackets and headwear—the focus rests on pieces that are easy to incorporate into your existing wardrobe, while still feeling stylish and fresh.
Browsers Bookshop
298 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central
If you’re anything like us, you love a good secondhand book steal, and Browsers is the place to go for just that. A beautiful store with ceiling-high bookshelves containing everything from arts, photography, music, kids’ books, and quality fiction, you’re sure to find countless treasures to take home. Owner Rachel has realised a long-time dream of running and owning a second-hand bookshop, which makes supporting this 100% locally owned and operated business all the more sweet. Not to mention that the books here are in amazing quality.
Sisters on London
298 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central
Founded in 2008 by two sisters Julia and Claire, Sisters On London has turned into the go-to destination for your fashion fix. Tucked away on London Street you’ll find designer brands from NZ and Australia, as well as giftware and accessories. With brands like Deadly Ponies, Lonely Lingerie, Sass and Bide and Karen Walker, everyone will be able to find a piece that suits their style here. Keep up to date with new arrivals and style inspo on their Instagram.
Harper Inc.
2/19 Worley Place, Hamilton CBD
Harper Inc is a family business that started out of a love of fashion (and shopping, of course).
With a passion for bringing the best brands to Hamilton, Harper Inc chooses the brands they work with carefully, focusing on ethics and sustainability while making sure they’re supporting NZ brands in the process. Not only do they have a wide range of gorgeous clothes, but they also offer handbags, cosmetics, and homewares. Take our word for it: you’ll have a seriously hard time not buying the whole shop.
Recycle Boutique
322 Grey Street, Hamilton East
Recycle Boutique is the place to be for people that love the big brands but can’t spend the big bucks. Locals come here to buy and sell second-hand clothing, giving it a new lease on life. The textile industry is one of the most polluting in the world, and Recycle aims to shift the way we shop while proving that we can definitely look stylish while also saving the planet. The shop boasts brands such as Kowtow, Ruby, Adidas, Nike, Karen Walker, and many, many more. Have a wander and see what you can find—you never know when you’ll bring an absolute bargain home.
The Flower Crate
394 Grey Street, Hamilton East
Head to The Flower Crate for fresh flowers, apothecary items, botanical homewares, indoor plants, and jaw-dropping garden wares. All of the flowers used are sourced within New Zealand, and you can select from their daily blooms or curate something entirely suited to you. Most importantly, they’re 100% flower foam-free, and working towards going plastic-free. They only stock ethical and sustainable brands, so you know your purchase is supporting locals and the environment.
RUBY
394 Grey Street, Hamilton East
If you’re a millennial woman, there’s a good chance you already know RUBY. If you don’t, let’s get you acquainted. This New Zealand made brand is known for its simple, elegant, and youthful designs with a bit of fun thrown in. After starting as a streetwear brand, they’ve grown to be well known all around NZ for their aesthetic and love of fun fashion pieces, without harming the environment. They have mid-season drops alongside their main line, and have even expanded into footwear and accessories. RUBY aims to continually make long term improvements for the people and places they work with, with the goal of shifting from a linear to a circular company.
True
302 Barton Street, Hamilton Central
A curated collection of New Zealand and international women and men’s fashion is what you’ll find at True. They love and celebrate ethical designers and production, unique designs, and amazing quality. Not only do they sell women and menswear, but they also have homewares, gifts, jewellery, and accessories for you to find something that fits your style and your ethos.
True is looking toward a sustainable future, making sure that they are choosing the finest quality fabrics, and the best craftsmanship. When you take a piece home, you have it for life.
Trek 'n' Travel
221 Victoria Street, Hamilton
If you're more of an outdoorsy type, Trek 'n' Travel have got your covered for all of your adventures around NZ and beyond. They pride themselves on delivering quality outdoor and travel equipment that will ‘go the distance’ with you wherever you may go. Owned by Colin Hancock for the past 20 years, the Trek ‘n’ Travel team have built a reputation for being specialists in their field. Stocking outdoor, travel and leisure clothing, footwear, packs, sleeping bags, tents and a wide range of accessories, you’ll be able to find exactly what you need. Plus, the quality service ensures your trip isn’t spoiled by having the wrong gear!
Neat Hamilton Places
Exscite
Housed within the Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery is Exscite, an interactive discovery centre offering a vibrant and engaging learning experience.
Madam Woo
Madam Woo is a beloved fixture in Hamilton's dining scene, and for several years now, it’s been wooing its customers with far more than just its delicious food.
Mr. Pickles
A fancy yet cheeky bar and restaurant all in one, come here for your after work drinks.
Flax Roots Tattoo
Well-known throughout town for their specialist skills, customers come from all over for the Flax Roots tattoo experience.
Banh Mi Caphe
A visit to Banh Mi Caphe is going to transport you straight to the streets of South East Asia.