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.<\/p>\n
Lewis said she was craving more connection, community, and a slower, more offline life, and she was \u201cblown away\u201d by the CBD\u2019s potential after moving to the city four years ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom an outsider\u2019s perspective, it\u2019s incredible, and I\u2019m excited to be part of bringing that energy to life.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said there was a \u201ccautious but growing excitement\u201d within the city centre and she would like to see more local businesses open.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been pleasantly surprised by how many people are around during the week. There\u2019s a gentle buzz returning, and I\u2019m feeling really positive about it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lewis said it was a privilege to be part of a \u201cnew wave\u201d of creativity in Tauranga, and she hoped her space would bring more \u201cauthenticity\u201d to the city centre.<\/p>\n
Rachel Lewis is opening Collected Vintage Studio on Spring St.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not the easiest climate to open a retail space, but I think people are craving more meaningful, mindful purchases,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels like the city centre is genuinely coming back to life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Red Square Books opened in late February, and owner Carey Wright said the city centre was \u201con the cusp\u201d of taking off again.<\/p>\n
Wright said she liked how downtown Tauranga was looking, with plenty of construction activity <\/a>and beautification projects by the council.<\/p>\n \u201cI feel downtown can offer a different experience to what a shopping mall might offer, perhaps more boutique or artisan-type stores.\u201d<\/p>\n She said the area had been through some tough times and said the biggest challenge was convincing people it was worth a visit.<\/p>\n \u201cParking is available, and the cost is not too prohibitive; on a Saturday or Sunday, it\u2019s free.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople need to come downtown, have a coffee and a wander around.\u201d<\/p>\n Wright said she hoped Red Square Books would be part of a \u201cnew-look downtown\u201d where independent, boutique stores flourished.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope to see a more vibrant atmosphere.\u201d<\/p>\n Book Club Tauranga on Devonport Rd opened on January 17.<\/p>\n Owner Vanessa Hamm said the business offered a \u201cboutique experience\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe hope that our business will be sustainable long term, and that Tauranga will have a vibrant, busy CBD.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Downtown Tauranga manager Genevieve Whitson said the city centre was getting some \u201cunique offerings\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a really exciting time for the city centre with so many developments underway or near completion, adding to the vibrancy of Downtown Tauranga.\u201d<\/p>\n Whitson said as the city centre continued to \u201ctransform\u201d and be \u201crevitalised\u201d, there had been an increase in the number of businesses choosing to move in.<\/p>\n \u201cThe shift is definitely being motivated by the city centre on the rise.\u201d<\/p>\n She said the large-scale developments were drawing more people \u2013 and their spending money \u2013 to the CBD. <\/p>\n Developments include the new council administration building, waterfront upgrades such as the playground, and Te Manawataki o Te Papa.<\/p>\nCarey Wright hopes her Red Square Books will be part of a \u201cnew-look downtown\u201d where independent, boutique stores flourish. Photo \/ Kaitlyn Morrell<\/p>\n
The council says the city centre is showing early benefits from sustained investment. Photo \/ Kaitlyn Morrell<\/p>\n