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The Salvation Army is one of New Zealand's oldest charities, helping more than 150,000 people each year with budgeting advice, food and clothing assistance, life skills programmes and more.
Kiri Kaiwai, who manages the Palmerston North store, says she's seen a real surge in customers over the past couple of years.
"I started as team leader in January 2024 and have seen a considerable increase in foot traffic since then due to increases in the cost of living. Scavenger hunts, bus tours and younger generations who've inherited the penchant for op-shopping have all contributed to this increase too."
Many customers say they love the shop for its open layout and the huge variety on offer, Kiri says.
"They love searching out the many gems that were kindly donated, which are also very reasonably priced. We have customers that post their finds on social media, too, which contributes to word-of-mouth and helps visitors from out of town find out about the store."
Each year, Arohanui Hospice provides end-of-life care for more than 1,000 people throughout the region, along with vital support for their loved ones. The hospice shop helps support this important work, selling donated clothes and furniture at bargain prices.
Erin Marsden has managed the shop for four years and says thrifting is popular with all parts of the community.
"Op-shopping has increased for lots of different reasons - the economy for sure, but also waste consciousness and social media. Let's be honest, thrifting has become cool. From TikTok hauls to vintage outfit inspo, social media and word out mouth have turned op-shopping into the new normal," Erin says.
"Thanks to community support, we recieve so many unique one-off items you just won't find in department stores. Every visit is a bit of a treasure hunt!"
"Our ability to help financially support the delivery of specialist palliative care in our region is siomething we get to see fist hand through those who come in and share stories of care. We also have a strong sense that opportunity shops like ours help our community in other ways by enabling them to shop affordably."
Tucked into Palmy's trendy George Street, Georgie Girl has been a local favourite for more than a decade, fitting in perfectly with the street's bohemian vibe.
Owner Kylie August curates every piece with care, focusing on timeless style over fast fashion.
"Trends come and go," she says, "but great clothes last."
"I think preloved shopping has always been popular, but with the rise of its profile on social media, people are becoming more aware of the treasures to be found in shops like mine," Kylie says.
"People are being more mindful of waste. Instead of throwing away or donating their clothing, they have the option to sell their mid to high-end pieces to shops like mine."
There is nothing more satisfying than a customer finding the very thing they've been searching for or the treasure they didn't know they needed, she says.
"We take pride in being size inclusive and offer a wide range of designer and vintage items that are ready for the next chapter in their story. Shopping at Georgie Girl is about the experience, fossicking through well-organised racks, feeling the fabrics, trying them on and finding the perfect fit - all things you don't get with a few clicks online."
CEDA
Level 1, 5 Broadway Avenue,
Palmerston North 4410
+64 6 350 1830
[email protected]
CEDA.nz
Palmerston North City i-SITE
The Square, Palmerston North
0800 MANAWATU
(626 292)
[email protected]
ManawatuNZ.co.nz/isite
Feilding and District
Information Centre
Te Āhura Mōwai
64 Stafford Street
+64 6 323 3318
[email protected]
ManawatuNZ.co.nz/feilding
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