Plots and Pickles

Tucked away in an office in Gulf Harbour is a treasure trove of collectibles and a business that has taken antique sales into the 21st century.

Grant and Amy Difford wanted to turn their love of mid-century pieces into a business, and the death of someone close to them was the catalyst to take that leap of faith.

“It made us reflect on life, and we figured – let’s just do it,” Grant says.

Plots and Pickles began online in May, selling pieces that Grant sourced from far and wide, and chose for their quality and appeal.

Items such as mid-century furniture, Art Deco, homewares, vintage tins and lights – anything that is well made and original can catch Grant’s experienced eye.

“We live in a new house, but when you add pieces from another era, you bring a story into a space,” Amy says. “It’s also so important to reuse older things and give them new life.”

Careful choice of items and good prices saw the business quickly snowball. Amy uses her skills in operations and customer relations, while Grant sources the pieces and delivers Auckland-wide.

“It’s run like an old-school family business,” Grant says. “It may be online, but personal service is absolutely vital.”

Five months on, and it has grown from a hobby into selling nationwide.

“We now need to work out how to grow, which is a great problem to have,” Grant says.

You can view pieces in the Gulf Harbour office, 69 Gulf Harbour Drive, by appointment, and in the lead-up to Christmas Plots and Pickles is open from 10am-1pm every Saturday.

Business Directory: Plots & Pickles