Avisons is a family-owned home and gift shop at 110 Main Street in Upper Hutt Central, about a 30-minute drive from Wellington. The business began in 2001 with antiques and collectibles and has grown into home décor, fashion accessories and gifts. Gayleen started it, and her daughter Nicole has since joined. The shop stocks tableware, placemats, coasters, glassware and serving dishes, kitchen accessories, candles, room sprays and diffusers, and aprons and tea towels designed locally and made from carbon neutral textiles. It also sells handbags, satchels and overnight bags from Moana Road, Stilen, Troop London and Urban Forest, and sunglasses from Moana Road. Frank Green drink bottles and travel cups are stocked, and personalised gifts are offered for birthdays, weddings and anniversaries.
The business has made changes to reduce its environmental footprint. It sources carbon neutral products, has stopped using plastic packaging, uses efficient lighting and recycles its waste. The shop has also given donations to local schools, organisations and charitable events, and requests for donations are made through a message form on the website. Online orders can be placed through the website, with fast shipping offered. A new Village Tealight House Collection is available to pre-order.