The Heart of Thorndon Quay: Four Traders Who Have Stood the Test of Time

Tell us a little about the business's journey.

We opened YOYO back in June 2011 because we’re passionate about great Kiwi design and wanted to create a space where people could find custom furniture, homeware, and lighting made to last. 

With Todd’s family history in furniture and my background in account management, we’ve built a showroom that’s all about helping people create spaces that feel personal and inspiring. We love working with local designers and giving customers the chance to tweak and tailor pieces to make them their own. 

What are the most popular things that people keep coming back for?

People come to us for beautifully crafted furniture, homeware, and lighting – particularly popular items that come to mind include New York sectional sofas, customisable dining tables and cosy Baya rugs. 

We also love to curate interesting, thoughtful gifts like Rimu Bottle Openers, Felt Ball Coasters and quirky Kiwi-centric Christmas decorations. It’s all about combining style, function, and a bit of fun.

What key things have helped you stand the test of time?

We’re passionate about supporting local designers and manufacturers. 

We focus on handcrafted, proudly Kiwi-designed products, most made right here in New Zealand – no mass production here. Wellingtonians really get behind that, which is lovely to see. Plus, we offer tailor-made options for many of our hardwood and upholstered furniture pieces. 

What do you want people to experience when they visit or remember after they leave?

We understand that choosing décor can be a bit daunting. We want our showroom to feel genuinely comfortable and inviting – it’s designed to spark ideas with pieces you can easily picture in your own home. 

We’re here to help with attentive, sincere service that hopefully makes the experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible for people!

Tell us a little about the business's journey.

Le Marché Français Bistro has been around for 14 years now – I like to think we’re the heart of the building. 

When I started, the vision was to create an authentic French neighbourhood bistro. Over the years, I’ve adapted to my customers, evolving the menu while staying true to my traditional French bourgeois cuisine. My background at the French Embassy taught me to personalise everything, so here, I’ll even take special requests if you call ahead!

What are the most popular things that people keep coming back for?

People love our tarte tatin, crème brûlée, and the seafood chowder we serve every Friday. 

The spinach, goat cheese, and walnut quiche has been a favourite for years – customers even started calling me the “Queen of the Quiche!”

But it’s not just about the food. People come here for the peaceful atmosphere, the sun streaming down through the windows above, and the chance to enjoy a genuine, relaxing experience. 

What key things have helped you stand the test of time?

It’s all about loyalty – both mine and my customers’. Many have become friends over the years, and I always strive to meet their needs, whether it’s gluten-free dishes, vegan options, or simply a warm, genuine welcome. I have a wall height chart around behind the counter with the names and notches of little ones who have been coming here with their parents for years and years. 

I train my staff to say bonjour, kia ora, or hello to every customer, and we always bring a bottle of water to the table right away before they order so they know they are welcome. Relationships are everything, and I believe respecting your customers means they’ll respect you in return.

What do you want people to experience when they visit or remember after they leave?

I want people to feel at home here. Whether they’re popping in for a coffee with coworkers or a full meal with friends, comfort is key. I hope they leave with a little love for France – maybe they’re reminded of a trip or inspired to plan one. 

At the end of the day, it’s all about creating a little piece of my France in the heart of Wellington.

Tell us a little about the business's journey.

We launched back in 2021, specialising in natural fibres and great colours. Stephen has owned the Fabric Warehouse since the early 90s, and we wanted to offer something a bit different with the Fine Cloth Company. It’s small, intimate and curated – and all the stock is hand-picked.

What are the most popular things that people keep coming back for?

Definitely our linens – and, more recently, our prints. They are colourful and fun. People really love them.

What key things have helped you stand the test of time?

An unwavering commitment to quality, customer service, value for money, and a fun experience!   

What do you want people to experience when they visit or remember after they leave?

We want our customers to have had fun, been inspired and leave feeling excited about all their potential new sewing ideas.

Tell us a little about the business's journey.

I opened Luca in 2014 as an already established hairdresser. I was particularly well-known in Wellington for my colour work, and I knew it was time to take the leap and create my own brand and luxury salon space. 

What are the most popular things that people keep coming back for?

We provide all the facets of cutting, colouring and treatment services for creating beautiful hair in a spacious, private and peaceful setting. Beyond that – it’s really quality, consistency and professionalism that’s key. 

We aim to provide a complete wrap-around and aspirational service – from the people we employ and the products we use to the space we work in. I also believe a good sign of hair done well is that when they return, it's not always obvious that the hair needs attention. It has maintained its health, but the client and I know it's time. There’s an important relationship I aim to build in that sense – it’s clear that the clients we see regularly are always looking great and feeling good. 

What key things have helped you stand the test of time?

Core values, I believe. Integrity, trust and enthusiasm for making people look and feel great. Guiding clients with good, clear decision-making and tailored advice. 

I want the client to wear their hair, not for the hair to wear them! 

What do you want people to experience when they visit or remember after they leave?

I want them to look forward to spending time at Luca, taken care of and ready to take on life after they leave the chair with great hair! 

We often play an important role in our clients' wellbeing routines, which is why we work hard to serve our clients beyond just their hair. It’s all part of the overall experience.