New Zealand knitwear label, Standard Issue, has recently opened its first Wellington boutique in Old Bank Arcade.
Located in Lambton Quay, the Old Bank Arcade is one of the city’s most distinguished heritage buildings. Built in 1901 and designed by the prominent architect Thomas Turnbull, the site originally served as the head office of the Bank of New Zealand. In the 1990s, it was restored and renovated into a premium fully-indoors shopping destination.
Standard Issue owner Emma Ensor decided on the building because of its heritage feel and central location. The knitwear label worked with the design studio Wonder Group to establish the boutique so that the unique qualities of Old Bank Arcade, like its ornate plasterwork and high ceilings, were still preserved.
Ensor also wanted the store to represent Standard Issue’s values of sustainability and zero waste. Minimal steel rails were installed on the walls to hang the label’s organic cotton apparel and merino jumpers, making the boutique as spacious and minimal as possible. Blocks of native New Zealand timber were used to encase the counter, enabling the store to feel timeless and durable, like the label's products.
The opening of Standard Issue’s Wellington store was important for supporting the company’s “care for life” promise. Under this policy, customers can bring in their worn Standard Issue garments to be renewed, reused or repurposed. The care for life promise reflects the label’s commitment to product stewardship.
