Staples Co-Op is a group of local mums and nanas who have got together to provide a kids' clothing shop for Waihī.
Staples Co-Op is a group of local mums and nanas who have got together to provide a kids' clothing shop for Waihī.
Waihī now has a childrenswear shop that showcases labels created by local mums, who also help staff and run the endeavour.
After seeing a need for a children’s clothing shop in the town, a group of local mums and nanas got together to form a collective known as Staples Co-Opafter the group repurposed a former three-by-three-metre lawyer’s office between Sassy Sadie and Ti Tree Cafe on Seddon Street in Waihī.
Abi Overton said the shop’s genesis was her moving to Waihī from Auckland and noticing a gap in the market.
“Waihī was lacking a kids’ store, and there were so many mums out there who made cool clothes.”
Abi, who also works part-time as a vet nurse, is the owner of the label Cotton Crush. She said she “realised I couldn’t do it on my own” and sought the help of local mums-cum-designers, and even those in her immediate family - “My mum is helping out!”
The high-quality clothing is mostly handmade and features brands including Little Magnolia, Nanna’s Little Pretties, Jack & Fern and Jaga Knits.
Staples Co-Op has opened on Seddon Street in Waihī.
“All the mums have a rack where they display the clothes that they have made. Plus, my rack is a mix of items I have made and wardrobe staples I have imported under my label Cotton Crush,” said Abi.
Little Magnolia, which has its own online shop, will still maintain a web presence, but customers now also have the opportunity to try out the garments in the co-op shop.
