RUBY SIX

Jenni Dobbie has a soft spot for beautiful things. It's little wonder said soft spot was activated by the sight of a 1920s building in Amberley that once housed a chemist/gift shop. Its historic beauty was reason enough for Jenny, then a schoolteacher, to leave her occupation and try her hand at retail therapy. Today, take a peep through the leadlight windows and find a treasure trove of boutique gifts and homewares that complement the shop's historic exterior. “You can tell people feel as if they've discovered someplace special,” she says.

Jenni stocks her growing collection with something for all budgets — luxe clothing, hand-crafted ceramics, candles, ecofriendly products and quirky gifts are among her favourites. Since opening in 2015, she has built a local following and often knows customers by name. 6 Markham Street, Amberley. (03) 314 8847, rubysix.co.nz