Our Story

It was in November 2002 when my Dad John, fresh off the back of five years as an accountant at EziBuy, New Zealand’s biggest mail order business, floated the idea of us getting into the rag trade and opening a shop.

I was enjoying my new found freedom from school in my first job as a retail assistant for Cue, at the tender age of 16 (below in the Bee Gees White Suit).

Mum (Sheila) was busy working at the Wellington Central Library as a book buyer but keen for a fresh adventure and to build something for ourselves.

Dad often talked about the potential of the industry, and along with Mum had already had a crack at a mail order business during our three years in Perth, Australia… which proved tougher than first imagined.

Why?

Undeterred, over some Chardonnay (the Ford’s fave) and against the backdrop of 2002’s general election, we knew BoxHill had to exist. There were big faceless chain brands or β€˜old ladies shops’ but nothing that blended age-appropriate-trendy, quality clothes AND great personal service.

BoxHill has, and always will, hand pick beautiful ranges and help customers match them to their style, age, look and shape. We want our customers to not only feel confident and stylish, but to feel like family and friends. BoxHill is the fashion retailer that cares more and knows you better.

How?

With stock to buy, a shop to lease and customers to attract, it was all pretty daunting to get started.

I still remember Mum and I cruising up to Auckland in our β€œexecutive” Hyundai Sonata with beige seats and faux walnut steering wheel to splash out on our first stock.

With the 'Apparel Trade Directory' as our GPS, we power-suited our way through several meetings and eyeballed hundreds of garments. After hand-selecting our stock using the timeless strategy of β€˜choosing-things-we-liked’ we headed back to a paint flecked Dad who was knee deep in saw dust, setting up our first cute wee shop with TradeMe-chic fitting rooms, a counter and racks.

We decided on the name BoxHill, because it’s one of the main roads between the family home in Khandallah and our first location, nestled among the row of cafΓ©s and shops in Ngaio.

After opening the doors late 2002 we awaited the scrambling hoards like a some modern day Black Friday stampede. Of course, it started as a trickle, but slowly, the few turned into many and word spread. We were in business and that first shop ended up being our longest running shop (10 years).

Now...

Over the years we’ve opened twelve different shops, from Paramata to Lambton Quay, Kilbirnie to Aro Valley, some working better than others.

Now, we’re in our newly renovated Thorndon shop and have grown our online store massively, with the same ethos and focus on what we now call Platinum Personal Service.

Also, BoxHill is now being taken care of a growing family: starting from Mum Sheila, Dad John, and Erin together now with Rich and little Holly. 

Although the road has not always been smooth, we’ve managed to stay the course and feel blessed and grateful that our customers, many who are now good friends, keep supporting us and coming back for more.

This is just the start and we’re glad to have you! 

Erinx

Sheila😊

Join us

BoxHill Customer Reviews
4.9 Based on 13,805 Reviews
5 β˜…
95% 
13072
4 β˜…
3% 
475
3 β˜…
1% 
146
2 β˜…
0% 
61
1 β˜…
0% 
51
Customer Photos
Write a Review Ask a Question

Thank you for submitting a review!

Your input is very much appreciated. Share it with your friends so they can enjoy it too!

Filter Reviews:
MH
07/04/2025
Margaret H.
New Zealand

Foxwood Jayne throw on top fleece Coronet Blue

As always pleased with my top great fit and colour as well,love the speedy delivery thanks so much

08/04/2025

BoxHill

Speedy delivery, great fit, and a gorgeous colour? You’re ticking all the boxes, Margaret! Thanks for the lovely review! 😊

D
07/04/2025
Diane SVG verified by SHOP
New Zealand

Excellent product and efficient delivery. Thank you.

HR
06/04/2025
Heather R.
New Zealand

Vassalli Denim Skirt

Very easy, great communication, fast delivery. Skirt fits beautifully and I have worn it on several occasions. I would recommend your products and services. Thank you Boxhill.

08/04/2025

BoxHill

That denim skirt sounds like a total winner, Heather. Thanks for the lovely review! 😊

CC
06/04/2025
Chris C.
New Zealand

Go to dress very easy to wear

As usual BoxHill great to deal with!!

08/04/2025

BoxHill

Chris, appreciate the lovely shoutout! Always a pleasure. 😊

SB
06/04/2025
Sue B.
New Zealand

Home-Lee Apartment Pants

Absolutely love the winter weight pants. Fabulous and quick service 😍

08/04/2025

BoxHill

Fabulous pants and fab service – Sue, that’s how we like it! Stay cosy 😊

GD
06/04/2025
Glynis D.
New Zealand

Fate and Becker blouse

FANTASTIC, very prompt, simple and easy process!!! And I love my purchase ...win win!!

08/04/2025

BoxHill

Love a good win-win! Thanks, Glynis – so glad you’re loving your new blouse. 😊

MM
06/04/2025
Marian M.
New Zealand

Love this colour combo

So excited that this elm maizie has something other than a navy back - living in it!

08/04/2025

BoxHill

Marian, couldn’t agree more – it’s nice to mix it up from navy once in a while! Enjoy living in it πŸ˜„

MM
06/04/2025
Marian M.
New Zealand

The dress was gorgeous

I love the Bramble dress. I went a size up due to the fabric and have not been disappointed - no shrinkage! Shopping with boxhill was easy!

08/04/2025

BoxHill

Smart move on the sizing, Marian! So glad the dress was a hit. 😍

SS
06/04/2025
Serena S.
New Zealand

Crush tonic blue stripe

Great experience, great quality, that’s y I keep coming back.

08/04/2025

BoxHill

Serena, you keep coming back and we love having you! Cheers for the great review. 😊

SW
06/04/2025
Sophie W.
New Zealand

Ralph jeans

Love them. They’re too big for me, but I still love them and wear them. Hoping to buy more in a smaller size if you get some in.

08/04/2025

BoxHill

Too big but still wearing them? Now that’s true jean love, Sophie! Fingers crossed we get more sizes in soon. 😊