Our Story
It was in November 2002 when my Dad John, fresh off the back of five years as an accountant at EziBuy, New Zealandβs 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 Fordβs fave) and against the backdrop of 2002βs general election, we knew BoxHill had to exist. There were big faceless chain brands or βold ladies shopsβ 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 βexecutiveβ 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 βchoosing-things-we-likedβ 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 itβs 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 weβve opened twelve different shops, from Paramata to Lambton Quay, Kilbirnie to Aro Valley, some working better than others.
Now, weβre 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, weβve 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 weβre glad to have you!

Erinx

Sheilaπ
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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
BoxHill
Speedy delivery, great fit, and a gorgeous colour? Youβre ticking all the boxes, Margaret! Thanks for the lovely review! π
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.
BoxHill
That denim skirt sounds like a total winner, Heather. Thanks for the lovely review! π
Go to dress very easy to wear
As usual BoxHill great to deal with!!
BoxHill
Chris, appreciate the lovely shoutout! Always a pleasure. π
Home-Lee Apartment Pants
Absolutely love the winter weight pants. Fabulous and quick service π
BoxHill
Fabulous pants and fab service β Sue, thatβs how we like it! Stay cosy π
Fate and Becker blouse
FANTASTIC, very prompt, simple and easy process!!! And I love my purchase ...win win!!
BoxHill
Love a good win-win! Thanks, Glynis β so glad youβre loving your new blouse. π
Love this colour combo
So excited that this elm maizie has something other than a navy back - living in it!
BoxHill
Marian, couldnβt agree more β itβs nice to mix it up from navy once in a while! Enjoy living in it π
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!
BoxHill
Smart move on the sizing, Marian! So glad the dress was a hit. π
Crush tonic blue stripe
Great experience, great quality, thatβs y I keep coming back.
BoxHill
Serena, you keep coming back and we love having you! Cheers for the great review. π
Ralph jeans
Love them. Theyβre 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.
BoxHill
Too big but still wearing them? Now thatβs true jean love, Sophie! Fingers crossed we get more sizes in soon. π