Pulse guide to shopping for teens

Malls are great. Air-conditioning, tasty food-court goodies, movies next door, and stacks of shops. But they can be expensive, and at most malls the shops are more or less the same, so it can get boring kinda quickly. So here’s the pulse guide to shopping in places that are a bit different, a bit cheaper and a bit zany!

Op-shops

These are great places to find funky retro clothes, sunglasses and other accessories that you can look good in. Best of all, they specialise in low-cost. You can take your time, find the items you most want, and pay a bargain price. Op shops tend to have a wide range of items, not just clothes. Books, clothes, music all kinds of stuff. Although people use op-shopping as a generic term for second hand shops, true op-shops are run by not-for-profit organisations. Some people call them thrift shops.

The City Mission, the Salvation Army, The Red Cross, St Vincent de Paul and the Salvation Army have stores all over Christchurch and throughout Canterbury.
There’s a big list of opportunity shops on our community directory, CINCH, so there’s bound to be an op-shop near you!

Second-hand clothing shops

Second hand clothing shops take some of the randomness out of the op-shop scene. Some, such as Savemart and Toffs will group clothes by colour, which is a really useful way of finding items that co-ordinate. Some shops specialise in labels and some will also sell on behalf – giving you a way to get some money back. (A commission is charged for this service). Expect to pay slightly more than the true op shops, but less than normal retail.

Check out the pulse feature on second-hand clothes shopping at

See also:

Classy Two Timers – sales on behalf, items under three years old and online gallery of items for sale. Better than retail prices for lots of label gear, men’s and women’s.
Dress for even less – Acheson Ave, Shirley
Gerties Vintage clothing – 162 High Street
Tete a tete – 88 Hereford Street – Shands Emporium building
Mini moocher - 292 Lincoln Road, Addington
Toffs – Gloucester Street, Cranford Street and Settlers Crescent, Ferrymead
Wairakei budget boutique op shop, Springbank Street, Bryndwyr

Second-hand bookshops

If you really like to own books, or are adding to your collection, there are lots of second-hand bookshops and book exchanges in Christchurch. These shops sell low cost books and will buy books off you. They make their money by selling the books for more than they buy them for, but will often sell way below retail. A great way to find new or different books (and sometimes rare books). If you really want to save your cash though, consider going to the library!

If you are moving onto tertiary study, make sure you find out the details of this year’s university textbook sale. For polytechnic students, try the CPSA for second-hand textbooks.

Other bookshops online include:

Fortuna Books
Smith's Bookshop
The Good Books
Comics compulsion - Shop in central Christchurch specializing in comics (new & second hand), wargaming, Games Workshop, role-playing and boardgame products.

Second-hand music

Galaxy Records - Record Specialists
212 Madras St, Christchurch, 379 8852
Email: galaxyrecords@xtra.co.nz

Pennylane Records – Vinyl, vinyl and more vinyl. 463 Colombo St, Sydenham, Christchurch. 366 3278.
Real Groovy – Trades in CDs, DVDs and books.
179 Tuam St, Christchurch Central 366 7410.

Second hand computers and equipment

Computer Broker – sells ex-lease and second hand computer equipment, as well as kitsets to put together yourself. Also has academic priced software.
Molten Media – Wordsworth Street, Sydenham
Chch Computer Centre Ltd – ex-lease machines and other bargains on Colombo Street, city south.

Auctions

Before trademe, the motherlode of all auction sites in New Zealand, there were buildings where real live auctions took place. The basic deal is that you go along with your money and bid against everyone else for the item (you register first). You may pay a buyer’s fee, usually a percentage, and check if GST is included or not.

Several auction houses remain in Christchurch, and it’s quite an experience finding, bidding and winning a live auction. Just like trademe, beware the bidding war (which means have a set maximum in mind) and you will find many a bargain.

Try Smiths Auctions on Montreal Street, with auctions on Wednesdays and Fridays. All kinds of items from fishing rods and sports gear to stereos to furniture, TVs and more. Also good for people watching. Visit a few times to see how the auction process works and get used to the noise, and to see what similar items are selling for. You'll have to register (and be prepared to pay cash) on the day. For over 16s. Buyer's fee and GST are added to prices.

Christchurch Auctions have online catalogues available before auction night (usually Thursday). For instance, they sold off the surplus items from the Scout Jamboree held in Christchurch in January 2008 – everything from the batteries for the torch, to air rifles, skateboards and the tents.

Trademe is the online auction site in NZ. Good deals to be had although sellers pay a percentage fee. Feedback system encourages honest use. Great way to manage your own buying and selling online.

SuperShed

It’s unlike anything else because of the sheer range of materials – sporting gear, camping gear, audio and TV, records and housewares. Bargain prices for items that usually have plenty of life in them. Plus, you’re saving material from the landfill. Like an op-shop on steroids, the Supershed is massive and well worth a visit.

Other shops to check out

Cash Converters – links to their online auctions and store locator. Great range and you can sell your unwanted items. You’ll need photo ID to sell something to check if it’s stolen.
Victoria Ski Sport - second-hand ski sport gear
Mr Pickwicks – mainly furniture and homewares
The Pawnshop, 77 Ferry Road – huge range, lots of playstation and other games and consoles, CDs and DVDs musical instruments, jewellery and more. Sometimes prices approach retail, so do your research to make sure you’re getting a good deal. Has a trademe store.

If you have a favourite store that’s great for teens – tell us about it!!

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