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Colombo StreetSecond-hand shopping in Christchurch

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!

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Op-shops

These are great places to find funky retro clothes, sunglasses and other accessories that you can look good in and all sorts of other items. Best of all, they specialise in low-cost.

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 and St Vincent de Paul have stores all over Christchurch and throughout Canterbury. There’s a big list of opportunity shops on our community directory CINCH.

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

Second-hand bookshops

booksIf 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!

Other bookshops online include:

Second-hand music

Second hand computers and equipment

Auctions

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Before trademe there were buildings where real live auctions took place.

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.

Some auctions require bidders to be over 16, so check all of the terms and conditions of the auction beforehand.

EcoDepot

It’s unlike anything else because of the sheer range of materials — plus, you’re saving material from the landfill. Like an op-shop on steroids, the EcoDepot is massive and well worth a visit.

Other shops to check out