Who doesn’t want to wear impressive outfits? Of course, we all do. That’s why the famous term dress to impress existed (and don’t forget dress to kill).

Admit it, there’s a time in your life when you wanted to leave a striking impression on every person at an occasion. That’s why you carefully plan what you’ll wear to achieve that goal, with some even hiring fashion designers.

But for most of us who can’t afford to hire a fashion designer, the secret weapon is a great costume shop. It’s the go-to place when you need something bold yet creative.

If you’re in Nelson and looking for a shop that can help you nail your next look, you’re in the right place. I’ve rounded up the best costume shops in town—my personal favourites for finding outfits that always steal the spotlight.

1. Spotlight Nelson

Address: 2/4 Hastings Street, Washington Valley
Phone: +64 3 569 3300
Business hours:

• Mon-Sat: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Sun: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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Website 

Spotlight Nelson is my go-to shop when I need a full costume in a pinch. Whether it’s Halloween or my company’s Christmas party, this store always saves the day for me. I love how easy it is to walk in and walk out with a ready-to-wear outfit that actually looks fun and lively. 

What really makes this shop stand out is its vast selection of accessories. They’ve got everything—from masks and hats to quirky sunglasses. I bought masks here twice now, one spooky and one silly, and both were perfect for the occasion. 

The best thing about this shop is that it’s the only store that sells pet costumes on this list. Here, you can buy outfits for your cats and dogs, specifically for small to extra-large-sized dogs. My beagle looks lovely when he sleeps wearing the polka dot pajamas I’ve bought here.

I’m just not a big fan of the checkout station. I hate that there are always too many closed counters every time I visit. It’s a real hassle when there are a lot of shoppers.

Worth my time and money

“I had thought this was a “party store,” so actually refrained from going in. When at last an organization I belong to was having a party to buy for. A colleague suggested we go to Spotlight to pick out some party supplies for the event. It was at this visit I learned the store has much, much more to offer–than just party supplies! Yes there are supplies for parties at reasonable and economical prices. There are all sorts of craft supplies and sewing supplies including a very good selection of yard goods. There’s a section of home furnishings and another one of housewares. Treat yourself to at least a walk-through of this colorful store!” 

-Joan Roberts-Swank, Google Review 

Thank you ladies

“A special shoutout to these ladies in the Sewing Dept, Julie, Alison & Maddie, I’m so sorry it’s taken so long but Thank you ladies so so much for your Wonderful service 😍 I went into the Nelson store a couple of months ago with my daughter to purchase some black material to make kapa haka skirts for a local school and these ladies were absolutely helpful, they went out of thier way to make our visit a pleasant one, coming out Very Happy customers with everything we needed 😊, as we did say they all deserve recognition perhaps payrise, paid Birthdays off, we would definately come back 😉 thanks again ladies, Highly recomended 👍👍👍Keep up the good work 😍😍” 

-Hazel Brown, Google Review 

2. The Warehouse Nelson

Address: 23 Saint Vincent Street
Phone: +64 3 548 1535
Business hours: Mon-Sun: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
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The Warehouse Nelson is the ideal store to visit if you’re looking for a flashy, casual outfit. They have clothes for men and women of all ages, from babies to adults.

What I really love is its selection of discounted items. You can get two pieces of a specific item for a lower price. It’s like getting more for your money, and who doesn’t love that?

Another thing I appreciate about The Warehouse Nelson is how clean and organised the store is. Every item is neatly arranged on the shelves. It’s one of the small details that makes me want to frequent a store aside from the products they can offer me.

However, I noticed that they don’t sell themed outfits. So, if you’re going to a themed party, The Warehouse Nelson is not the shop to visit for a costume.

I love it!

“lolololove it… great range always expanding n changing and to be honest quality has just been on the up n up at warehouses across board. nelsons got a good sized one, yidy n well set up. well staffed with friendly enough staff that seem to stick around whivh is always a good business i dicator in my view. i prefer nelson centesl to richmond even though its older. ud honestly bsrely know” 

-larissa huntley, Google Review 

Amazing customer service 

“The staff were absolutely amazing assisting me, my mother in law and sister in law today when my sister in law fainted outside the doors! We are extremely grateful for all of your fast thinking and providing us with privacy screens while we waited for the ambulance! Thank you so much🩷” 

-Michaela Duncan, Google Review 

3. The Rock Box

Address: 240 Trafalgar Street
Phone: +64 3 539 4314
Business hours:

• Mon-Sat: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sun: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

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Website 

If The Warehouse Nelson offers casual outfits, The Rock Box has a nice range of semi-formal ones. They sell a great selection of stunning cocktail dresses for women and stylish button-down shirts for men. 

Another reason I included this shop on this list is the accessories it offers. You can find accessories here that Spotlight Nelson doesn’t have. They sell hair clips with fancy designs (they have leather ones!). I bought hair clips here solely because of their eye-pleasing designs.

It’s also worth mentioning that they have a very user-friendly website. I can tell that their website designer focused on easy navigation, so visitors can quickly find what they need. It’s helpful that they have this kind of website because sometimes I don’t have the time to visit their store.

The only downside of this shop is that there are times when some of their products are out of stock, especially kids’ outfits.

Excellent experience 

“I have had an excellent experience the two times I’ve been in – most recently yesterday where the man (sorry I didn’t catch your name!) was incredibly helpful, but not in an intrusive way that can happen in retail sometimes… He helped entertain a grizzly toddler, and was great with judging the size and fit of a few things I tried on. Very happy with my purchases, thank you!” 

-Sophie-Lee Mace, Google Review 

Great shop with great team 

“An excellent experience at Rock Box today. The customer service was second to none from Dean and the team. Id go as far as saying the service was probably the best Ive experienced in over a decade. The team were diligent at listening to what my needs were and actively choose colors and styles that suited me. I was presently surprised at the wide range of styles to suit through the ages and stages, colors, fabrics and the quality of the material. It was great to see such a wide Even more so the affordability of the items. Dean the owner also spent time explaining the ethos behind the business and why they have chosen to buy there material ethically. If you are looking for some extra pieces for your wardrobe that come with the best shopping experience I highly recommend hitting up the ROCK BOX!” 

-K Shaw, Google Review 

4. Robyn Reynolds

Address: 12A Church Street
Phone: +64 27 772 7077
Business hours:

• Tue-Fri: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Sat: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

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Website 

If you’re looking for a shop with tons of women’s outfits, visit Robyn Reynolds. This fashion designer-owned emporium houses various kinds of women’s tops and bottoms, mostly with minimalist designs. This is my favourite shop when I’m seeking simple yet stunning shirts.

The good thing about this shop is that they use top-quality fabric. It’s top quality in the sense that it doesn’t wear and tear quickly. The outfits I bought here have maintained their robust quality even after a couple of years.

That said, one of their disadvantages compared to other shops is their short daily operating hours. They only operate for a maximum of six and a half hours.

Thanks for the great service

“I live in Australia and visit Nelson from time to time to see relatives. A visit to Robyn Reynolds is top of the list of things to do after hugs for the rellies. Stylish clothing, gorgeous fabrics, beautifully manufactured, coupled with the potential for individual styling for the perfect fit makes this my favourite clothing shop. Robyn and her team are delightful and it always feels like a reunion when I pop in. I’ve lately been using the online buying option and this is also just great – even across The Ditch. Garments are often sewn when ordered, so the order may take a couple of weeks to arrive – but it’s always well worth the wait. Thanks for best fitting and favourite pieces in my wardrobe, Robyn!” 

-Verna Blewett, Google Review 

Lovely designs 

“Robyn is a true creative and artisan clothes maker. If you love timeless designs, thoughtful and well crafted clothing then please explore Robyn’s beautiful range. I’m so pleased to have found her shop in Nelson. I’ve bought a number of items and will return for more as I adore linen! Online shopping also available if you can’t get to Nelson or the markets that Robyn goes to. I’m unapologetic about being a fan girl as Robyn deserves great acclaim for her clothing line. She’s also a fantastic human to boot. What’s not to love about that!” 

-Susie Schwartfeger, Google Review 

5. Just Costumes

Address: 224 Lud Valley Road, Atawhai, Hira
Business hours: Via appointments only
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Website 

If you don’t want to buy a costume, you can rent one at Just Costumes. This costume rental shop offers vintage, character, and animal outfits for rent at a low price. 

This is where I always get my costume for a party if I still have plenty of time left. I also rent costumes here for my son.

Aside from their wide range of themed outfits, I also admire their helpful staff. They always do their best to give me a great shopping experience by assisting me from the very beginning until I figure out the costume I want to rent (with helpful advice all throughout).

However, I’m not a big fan of the fact that they only operate through appointments. It’s not practical if you need to rent a costume as soon as possible.

Highly recommended

“Tina is a universe of great ideas to secure a great look. We got exactly what we needed for our 60/70 and 80s theme party. Highly recommend to all!” 

-Angela Kirkhouse, Google Review 

Best costume shop in town

“Tina was fabulous at finding the right costumes for the occasion.” 

-Renee Mansfield, Google Review