Salt of Earth: Gisborne's Natural Sense of Style
Updated: Oct 11
Salt • Of Earth, Gisborne
Address: 93 Grey Street, Gisborne 4010
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm; Saturday, 10am to 2pm. Closed Sundays and public holidays.
Phone: 027 244 7742
Website: www.saltofearth.co.nz
Specialities: Handmade ceramics, natural skincare, independent fashion labels, homewares, accessories, children's clothing and gifts.
Appeals to: Lovers of natural materials, independent shops, thoughtful gifts, slow fashion, artisan craftsmanship, sustainable living and relaxed Gisborne style.
A Little More Soul, A Lot Less Mass Production
There's something rather refreshing about a shop that doesn't look as though it was designed by a corporate committee in Auckland, Sydney or somewhere considerably further away.
Welcome to Salt of Earth.
Tucked away at 93 Grey Street, this independently owned Gisborne boutique celebrates natural textures, handmade craftsmanship, considered fashion and the simple pleasure of finding something a little different.
It is the sort of place where you might wander in looking for a birthday present and leave contemplating an entirely new wardrobe, a set of handmade ceramic cups and whether your living room really needs another cushion.
It probably does.
In a world of chain stores, mass production and increasingly identical shopping experiences, Salt of Earth is a welcome reminder that independent retail still has plenty of personality.
And there's a distinctly Gisborne feel to the whole thing.
Two Sisters, One Rather Good Idea
Salt of Earth's story begins not in a boardroom, but on a holiday in Bali.
Sisters Brooke and Ange were enjoying a month away when a conversation about their futures became something considerably bigger.
Brooke brought experience in fashion retail, garment design and pattern making. Ange had worked in hairdressing, run her own salon and developed a passion for pottery and handmade homewares.
Together, they imagined a boutique that combined their interests with a more thoughtful approach to shopping.
Within a week of returning to Gisborne, both had resigned from their jobs. They secured their shop, renovated the premises with help from family and friends, and transformed an empty space into Salt of Earth in just a month.
No national franchise.
No corporate headquarters.
Just two Gisborne women backing their own idea.
That's the kind of entrepreneurial spirit that gives Gisborne its personality.
Surprisingly More Than a Fashion Boutique
One of Salt of Earth's attractions is the breadth of its carefully selected range.
Fashion is certainly part of the story, with relaxed contemporary clothing and independent labels, including Australian brand OTTWAY.
But look a little further and you'll discover natural skincare, accessories, home textiles, beautiful baskets, children's clothing and a changing collection of gifts.
There's a strong emphasis on natural fibres, tactile materials, understated design and products made to last.
The selection feels personal rather than predictable, with smaller collections and distinctive brands taking the place of endless racks of mass-produced merchandise.
It's the kind of shopping experience that rewards curiosity.
And for a city of Gisborne's size, the choice might surprise you.
Handmade in Gisborne, Not Somewhere Anonymous
Perhaps the nicest expression of Salt of Earth's philosophy can be found in its handmade ceramics.
Ange's own Of Earth collection includes ceramic cups shaped by hand in Gisborne, with naturally occurring variations in their form, texture and glaze.
No two are exactly alike.
That's rather the point.
In a world where almost everything is designed to be identical, there's something appealing about owning a piece that carries the subtle individuality of its maker.
The store also brings together thoughtfully selected natural skincare products and homewares, reflecting an appreciation for simple materials, craftsmanship and everyday usefulness.
Not everything is locally made, and the owners don't pretend otherwise. Instead, they select products from New Zealand and overseas brands whose approach fits the store's philosophy.
It's about buying more thoughtfully, not simply buying more.
Independent Shopping, Gisborne Style
Gisborne has always done things a little differently.
There's a relaxed confidence about the city that doesn't feel the need to follow every passing trend.
Salt of Earth captures something of that spirit.
Its mix of coastal-inspired fashion, natural homewares and individual craftsmanship suits a lifestyle built around sunshine, unhurried mornings, comfortable clothes and making the most of everyday moments.
And importantly, it adds something genuinely distinctive to Gisborne's shopping scene.
Independent businesses like this are what stop a city centre becoming just another collection of familiar national brands.
They give visitors something to discover and locals something worth supporting.
Worth a Browse While You're in Gisborne
If you're exploring Gisborne's central shopping area, Salt of Earth deserves a place on your itinerary.
Whether you're looking for a distinctive gift, natural skincare, a beautiful piece of handmade pottery or simply something different to wear, there's plenty to browse.
And even if you're not particularly interested in shopping, the store offers a glimpse into the creative, independent side of modern Gisborne.
The sort of place that reminds you a good shopping experience doesn't necessarily involve an enormous shopping mall.
Sometimes it just needs two sisters, a good idea and a little bit of Gisborne imagination.
Salt of Earth is a small independent boutique with a surprisingly broad outlook.
Natural, thoughtful and refreshingly individual, it's another reason to enjoy shopping in Gisborne.
