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Power of creativity raises $28,000 for City Mission

High St. Lucky Christmas Shop a hit with CBD shoppers

What started out as a quirky idea has proved a huge success story for High Street retailers and the Auckland City Mission.

In December, the High St. Guild – a group of like-minded retailers, bars, restaurants and hoteliers from Auckland City’s High Street area – banded together to create a unique shopping experience to help bring some festive cheer to the central shopping district.

The result was the High St. Lucky Christmas Shop, an enchanted forest-themed pop-up shop where shoppers could purchase mystery lucky dip gifts from some of New Zealand’s most aspirational retailers, including Kate Sylvester, Zambesi and Workshop. All proceeds from the shop’s sales went to the Auckland City Mission.

The shop raised $28,000 from the sale of gifts that ranged in price from $20 to $300. Each came with a promise that what was inside the box would be worth more than what it was sold for.

Today the Guild handed over a cheque to Auckland City Missioner Diane Robertson who says she is overwhelmed at the success of the project and the support of local retailers.

“When the High St. Guild first approached us regarding the concept, we were overjoyed to hear they’d chosen us as their charity. But to be handed a cheque for $28,000 far exceeds our expectations and we are truly grateful,” she says.

High St. Guild member and Workshop founder Chris Cherry says:

“It was a pretty bold concept but overall we think it has been a huge success. We had a tight timeframe to work in – from concept through to reality – but we couldn’t be happier with the result and it gives us great confidence for future projects.

“The support we received from High Street retailers was astounding, especially considering the tough economic climate. In total more than $50,000 worth of gifts was donated by local retailers. We sold out of gifts three times, but they were more than willing to give more.”

Some of New Zealand’s top fashion houses and retailers from the High Street district donated a wide range of mystery gifts to the store. Retailers taking part included Workshop, Zambesi, Briarwood, Mortimer Hirst, Rakinos, Paris Texas, Unity Books, Hotel DeBrett, Cassette #9 and Pauanesia.

The High St. Lucky Christmas Shop was the first of several activities planned by the High St. Guild to excite Aucklanders’ passion for the High Street District – more will be revealed throughout the year.

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