Frances Nation Home
Monday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Tuesday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Wednesday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Thursday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Friday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Saturday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Sunday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
An iconic Ōtautahi homewares and gift store showcasing Aoetaroa-made products, Frances Nation is a go-to for both visitors and locals alike. The spacious, light-filled store is located on the ground floor of the refurbished Te Matatiki Toi Ora Arts Centre, which has been its home from the very beginning.
Owner-operator Tessa Peach has a passion for uplifting local makers and celebrating quality craftsmanship. Back in 2017, she travelled across the country in order to discover products that were still being made right here in New Zealand. The knowledge of where products come from, how they are made and who makes them is at the heart of it all. For Frances Nation, to this day, Tessa hand-picks items that are made to the highest level of craftsmanship and, thus, are timeless, beautiful and functional.
From its humble beginnings of occupying a small space upstairs from the store’s current position, Frances Nation has grown into a thriving, small-scale department store. There is everything here from your high-quality pantry needs to skin care products and perfumes; jewellery to hand-thrown everyday ceramics, non-fiction literature to gardening tools; hand-crafted knives to merino and possum beanies. Frances Nation also collaborates with a few of the makers it represents to offer exclusive products only available right here.
Whether you’re after something for yourself, a present for a deserving pal or just in the mood for some eye candy, Frances Nation won’t disappoint. In fact, if you manage to walk out of this stunning store without a purchase, you’ve got more self-control than most of us.
Words by Petra Nyman & Photography by Nancy Zhou
Information not correct? Report an error
Location
The Arts Centre 28 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Nearby Places
Christchurch Art Gallery
Locals and visitors alike have the pleasure of viewing some of the best art in New Zealand and the world here.
Canterbury Museum
It’s exciting times for Canterbury Museum as a major five-year redevelopment is now underway at its Rolleston Avenue site. In the meantime, a pop-up a few blocks away serves as a temporary museum space.
Indigo & Provisions
Indigo & Provisions is a specialised fashion store inspired by traditional work-wear, heritage styles and high quality.
Doubles
Game, set, match! In a sunny spot on Worcester Boulevard, this tennis-themed café with a gram-worthy brunch menu is the new King of...
Similar Places
PERRIAM
Step into Perriam’s Cashel Street store and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the Otago high country.
University Bookshop
Nestled amongst the towering gum trees, manicured gardens and delightful river, the University Bookshop offers a vibrant shopping experience.
Bohemian Bakery Central City
Bohemian Bakery’s second storefront is a cozy enclave filled with the smells and sounds of a traditional bakery, like the ever popular Portuguese tart and crusty loaves.
Stencil
Variety is the spice of life, and you’ll certainly find something to spice up your wardrobe at Stencil.