The shop will sell a curated range of vintage items and clothing, offering handpicked, one-of-a-kind pieces that focus on style and sustainability.
Lewis said she was craving more connection, community, and a slower, more offline life, and she was “blown away” by the CBD’s potential after moving to the city four years ago.
“From an outsider’s perspective, it’s incredible, and I’m excited to be part of bringing that energy to life.”
She said there was a “cautious but growing excitement” within the city centre and she would like to see more local businesses open.
“I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how many people are around during the week. There’s a gentle buzz returning, and I’m feeling really positive about it.”
Lewis said it was a privilege to be part of a “new wave” of creativity in Tauranga, and she hoped her space would bring more “authenticity” to the city centre.
Rachel Lewis is opening Collected Vintage Studio on Spring St.
“It’s not the easiest climate to open a retail space, but I think people are craving more meaningful, mindful purchases,” she said.
“It feels like the city centre is genuinely coming back to life.”
Red Square Books opened in late February, and owner Carey Wright said the city centre was “on the cusp” of taking off again.
Wright said she liked how downtown Tauranga was looking, with plenty of construction activity and beautification projects by the council.
“I feel downtown can offer a different experience to what a shopping mall might offer, perhaps more boutique or artisan-type stores.”
She said the area had been through some tough times and said the biggest challenge was convincing people it was worth a visit.
“Parking is available, and the cost is not too prohibitive; on a Saturday or Sunday, it’s free.
“People need to come downtown, have a coffee and a wander around.”
Wright said she hoped Red Square Books would be part of a “new-look downtown” where independent, boutique stores flourished.
“I hope to see a more vibrant atmosphere.”
Carey Wright hopes her Red Square Books will be part of a “new-look downtown” where independent, boutique stores flourish. Photo / Kaitlyn Morrell
Book Club Tauranga on Devonport Rd opened on January 17.
Owner Vanessa Hamm said the business offered a “boutique experience”.
“We felt that with the departure of the traditional high street shops, our pre-loved bookstore and coffee shop would be a good addition to the city centre.”
Hamm said the city centre was in recovery, brimming with anticipation, and she would like to see Tauranga known as the place to come for boutique shops.
“We hope that our business will be sustainable long term, and that Tauranga will have a vibrant, busy CBD.”
Other stores and services to open in the CBD in the past 12 months include The Sauna Project, Kewpie Cruises, Bay Explorer, Hobby Lords, The Clubhouse Golf, Hola Furniture, Cote Bleu Home and Pentarch, alongside several new hospitality venues.
Downtown Tauranga manager Genevieve Whitson said the city centre was getting some “unique offerings”.
“It’s a really exciting time for the city centre with so many developments underway or near completion, adding to the vibrancy of Downtown Tauranga.”
The council says the city centre is showing early benefits from sustained investment. Photo / Kaitlyn Morrell
Whitson said as the city centre continued to “transform” and be “revitalised”, there had been an increase in the number of businesses choosing to move in.
“The shift is definitely being motivated by the city centre on the rise.”
She said the large-scale developments were drawing more people – and their spending money – to the CBD.
Developments include the new council administration building, waterfront upgrades such as the playground, and Te Manawataki o Te Papa.
The $306 million Tauranga City Council civic precinct project includes a civic whare, exhibition gallery and museum, new library and community hub.
“Businesses are seeing the opportunity to fill vacant spaces.”
The council’s general manager of operations and infrastructure, Reneke van Soest, said the city centre was showing early benefits from sustained investment.
“It’s encouraging to see that reflected in the experience of new businesses choosing to open here.”
Van Soest said about 48% of business units were commercial rather than retail, meaning activity was not always visible at street level.
“As more people return to work in the city centre and new developments are completed, we expect this to continue to support local businesses and increase overall activity.”
She said the combination of new businesses, increasing foot traffic, regular events, and visible progress on major projects pointed to a city centre “building momentum”.
“We expect the sense of energy and activity to continue to build.”
Kaitlyn Morrell is a journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has lived in the region for several years and studied journalism at Massey University.