Saturday, January 7th, 2012
Yesterday I came across a few Christchurch Businesses that are determined to survive, so thought I would share some details about what they offer and where they are located. They include the three businesses at the ‘container’ shops at 121 Papanui Road (Merivale Lane corner) – Petersens Jewellers, De Spa Chocolates and Cafe Metro, as well as a temporary art and giftware shop in Northlands Mall.
Pongo – Northlands Mall
Pongo is located for the remainder of January in the shop where Glassons used to be in Northlands Mall!
I decided to do a Mall Crawl last night, and discovered Glassons had moved (or disappeared! I never did locate them). After a moment of surprise, I decided to go in and have a look at the artwork and furniture on display. I got about half way around, and the owner of Pongo, Andrew Rollings, asked me “What reason did you come into the Mall tonight?”
After my initial internalised reaction of “what business is it of yours?” I ended up sitting down on the very comfortable outdoor chair and had a chat with him. I’m glad I did! We had a very interesting discussion about art and creativity and my book (okay, so I’m now in self-promote mode, lol!).
I put a comment up on Facebook last night about Pongo and a friend of mine responded:
“Got some bits there before xmas…great shop!” Fiona
He’s been there for December, and decided to extend his lease until the end of January. So stop on by and have a look at what he has on offer. Mention I sent you!
Among the stock I can remember he has:
- √ Paintings of New Zealand
- √ Outdoor wooden furniture, some which is very unique with rope detailing
- √ Cards with line drawings of buildings from our lost city, drawn by a very talented 14 year old girl
- √ Signs including “Man Cave Rules”. Perfect gift for problematic men (tee hee hee)
- √ Accessories, including bags and jewellery
- √ Branches of flowers with lights in them (they were really cool!)
- √ And so much more that I can’t remember now!
Items ranged from a few dollars up to about $1,500 dollars for some of the paintings.
Andrew also told me that he’s looking for artists who want to get their work into the public arena. If this is something that interests you give him a call on 022 646 9890.
Petersens Jewellers of New Regent Street
Established 1863 - Yup, Petersens are long stayers!
Looking for some luxury in life? One of the oldest Christchurch Businesses around, Petersens Jewellers of New Regent Street have relocated to the 121 Papanui Road shops (on the corner of Merivale Lane).
I popped in to see my friend, Peter Morrison, and keep up to date with what’s happening in retail jewellery. Okay, so I also tried on a ring or two!
Whilst Petersens have been our competitors for years, it’s always been friendly competition between us. And seeing as we don’t have retail premises at the moment, I offered to put something up on my site to let my readers know he is back in business. He’s got diamond rings, watches, silver and gold jewellery, so pop along and see if there’s something that will chase those quake blues away. You can also phone him on 379 5732.
Don’t forget to mention that I sent you.
De Spa Chocolates
Still on the luxury theme, right next door to Petersens Jewellers are two more well known Christchurch businesses.
De Spa Chocolates have always had a name for quality, and it is so hard for me not to pop in there and treat myself. If your budget doesn’t stretch to diamonds, then I’m sure you can soothe your quake nerves with a chocolate or two. Make sure you follow the steps I outlined in my article on Chocolate Meditation.
Phone De Spa on 356 2203.
Café Metro
Who doesn’t love the Christchurch famous Café Metro? I’m sure we all came close to shedding a tear when we learned their building on the corner of Colombo and Kilmore Streets was demolished. So it’s really good to see them back in business, and from what I’ve heard, they are always buzzing. So, once you’ve brought your diamonds, and a few chocolates to take home and meditate on, stop in and reward yourself with a coffee and a bite to eat!
Their hours are:
- Mon-Wed 7am-9pm;
- Thu-Fri 7am-10pm;
- Sat 8:30am-10pm;
- Sun 8:30am-4:30pm
