Meet Dorothy Tucker: Growing A Family First Business

Dorothy Tucker began her retail career in 1986, running a children’s store before taking time out to raise her seven children. That early experience shaped her practical understanding of family retail.

While raising her family, Dorothy began selling her own children’s second-hand clothing and items. This hands-on approach gave her clear insight into what families actually need – quality products that work in real life.

In 2001, Dorothy opened Kidstuff, which has now been serving families for nearly 25 years. Over that time, she has grown the store into a trusted CBD favourite, offering everything from baby essentials to toys, clothing, shoes, and accessories. Quality, practicality, and genuine care sit at the heart of the store, reflecting Dorothy’s hands-on approach and strong family values.

Navigating retail hasn’t always been easy. The rise of online marketplaces like Trade Me and big retail chains required creative thinking and adaptability. “We found new products, concentrated on quality New Zealand brands, and made children’s footwear a key part of our offering,” she explains. Her dedication to refining and evolving the store has allowed Kidstuff to continue serving families, even as shopping habits and trends have shifted. A recent expansion to include an accessory shop gave her the space to better display her growing footwear range and respond to changing customer needs.

Choosing the CBD as a home for Kidstuff was a natural decision. “When I started, the CBD was buzzing – busy stores and plenty of shoppers. It was a real hive of activity,” Dorothy recalls. Today, she values the location for its convenience and accessibility, particularly the one-hour free parking that makes visiting easier for parents with little ones. She has also enjoyed working alongside her two daughters – that has made the business a true family venture. Through changing retail trends, Dorothy remains committed to creating a warm, hands-on in-store experience.

Dorothy is an active member of the CBD Experience Group, an arm of the CBD Group, where she advocates on behalf of local retailers with a strong focus on shared success, not just her own. She works collaboratively to help shape promotions and events that bring locals into The Exchange, including much-loved favourites like the Matariki Night Market and Twilight Night Market. Generous with her time and ideas, Dorothy brings a thoughtful, family-focused perspective and shows genuine care for her fellow retailers, the wider community, and the customers they serve.

Her advice for anyone considering starting a business in The Exchange is both practical and heartfelt: “Know your market, have strong cash flow, and invest in a good website. You need both an online presence and a physical location to succeed.” She also follows a simple rule when selecting products: “If in doubt, leave it out,” ensuring Kidstuff only stocks items she truly believes in – maintaining the trust families have come to expect.

Outside of work, Dorothy enjoys staying active and connected to her surroundings. She swims at CBay in the mornings, takes daily walks along the bay or scenic reserve, and unwinds with a good book. For a local sweet treat, she recommends Curbside Toastie, just across the road.

Drawing on decades of experience and a deep commitment to her community, Dorothy continues to ensure Kidstuff remains a beloved part of The Exchange, supporting families not only through her store, but through her ongoing contribution to a vibrant and welcoming CBD.