Boxing Day thrifting tips from Northland store owner Helen Smith

Ms. Smith Style Hunter shop owner Helen Smith says people should look for objects to love for their homes. Photo / Brodie Stone

Northland store owner and expert thrifter Helen Smith has some wise words for those out bargain hunting this Boxing Day.

“Anything that you don’t love or need is not a bargain.”

Smith, who owns boutique store Ms. Smith Style Hunter in the picturesque Parua Bay, abides by that rule when carefully curating her shop.

“I want to surround myself with beautiful things,” she said.

After selling well-known cafe Smith & Local, Smith was on the lookout for a new venture, so she opened up the store in March.

Helen Smith, owner of Ms. Smith Style Hunter says people should slow down while bargain hunting. Photo / Brodie Stone

“I love beautiful things and I love collecting, so being able to find them, collect them and then on-sell them made sense.”

Out in Parua Bay, retail was far and few between, “And none of our locals love driving into town to find a gift or something,” she added.

Ms. Smith Style Hunter store owner Helen Smith finds items from online to auction houses and local thrift stores. Photo / Brodie Stone

Her shop is filled to the brim with a carefully curated mixture of new and old items, from antique trinkets, homewares, tapestries and more.

“We need beautiful little shops like this instead of chain stores or big stores, we need beautiful little places that people can come in and enjoy.”

Smith’s store is nothing less than a gallery, with items carefully grouped and exhibited for maximum effect.

Most of it has been hand-picked by her, whether through auction houses, thrift shopping, or online.

“I love reloved items, I love the concept of not buying something that’s just been cheaply made and mass-produced,” she said.

Helen Smith's store in Parua Bay has a mixture of clothing, art, homewares and coffee to meet the needs of both tourists and locals. Photo / Brodie Stone

“I love the thought of beautiful things with history behind them ... I just wanted to share that with people because I thought, surely if I love them, other people are gonna love them too.”

So what are her tips for those looking to bag a bargain this Boxing Day?

• Search far and wide, including online and at auction houses

“If I go on a road trip I’ll be looking through thrift stores and always hunting for the treasures.”

• Never buy anything damaged

“If it’s chipped, its value is gone.”

• Utilise Google Lens to save money and investigate pricing

“If you’re out thrifting and you see something that you’re like ‘That’s a bit expensive, is that worth it?’, use Google Lens on your phone.”

• Use it, love it, or lose it

“Anything that you don’t love or need is not a bargain.”

• Take your time while hunting

“Like anything in life, it’s not the destination, it’s the journey. Just enjoy it, take some time.”

• Get inspired

“You can get some great ideas on the likes of Pinterest, so get inspired. Come into my store and get inspired, and realise that it’s not just individual items that make a vibe, it’s the love that you’ve put into putting them together.”

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.