Our Story
IN THE BEGINNING, 2016
Blank Space was born in 2016 in the hometown of our founder, Ben Dobbs. At just 18 years old, Ben walked away from a bakery apprenticeship at the local Bakehouse to follow a vision: he saw a significant gap in the market for high-quality fashion in the Mackenzie District. The business originally began in a tiny, 20-square-metre room as a gallery for Ben’s photography. The name Blank Space stemmed from his desire to help people fill the empty walls of their homes with art. However, it wasn't long before Ben’s passion for streetwear took centre stage. He realised that while art was beautiful, fashion was a way to connect with people every single day — and it was a lot easier to ship nationwide!
Growing with Our Community, 2018
Our goal from day one has been to pride ourselves on providing top-quality clothing, excellent customer service, and fast shipping. Thanks to a constant flow of loyal customers, we were able to significantly expand our operations in March 2018. We moved to a new, larger location that was double the size of our original space. This move was a game-changer; it allowed us to increase our storage capacity and stock even more exciting brands, offering a wider range of clothing options and a vastly improved shopping experience for our customers.
The Birth of Blank Space Label, 2021
In July 2021, we took our biggest creative leap yet by launching our own in-house label, designed and proudly made in New Zealand. Launched during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this label was our way of supporting local businesses and providing employment opportunities within our own country. Our label is a reflection of our passion for unique, high-quality fashion. We work hand-in-hand with local manufacturers to ensure every piece is made with care, attention to detail, and ethical standards. When you wear Blank Space Label, you aren't just wearing a trend; you’re wearing a piece of New Zealand-made craftsmanship.
The Flagship Era, 2022
In 2022, Blank Space reached its most significant milestone yet: we moved into our stunning 120-square-metre flagship store at 85 Main Street. This move was about more than just a retail floor; it was about professionalizing the dream. We added a nice big warehouse to manage the growing volume of orders and most importantly built a dedicated Photo Studio. This allowed us to shoot every outfit in-house, ensuring that our online customers saw exactly how the clothing looked and felt. This era transformed Blank Space from a local boutique into a high-functioning fashion hub.
Partnerships & Purpose
We believe that a business should give back to the community that builds it, which is why we have woven purpose into the very fabric of Blank Space. Since 2022, we have been a dedicated partner of the Breast Cancer Cure Fashion for a Cure events, collaborating with New Zealand’s top designers to fund life-saving research for the women who have supported us from the beginning. This commitment to local excellence extended to the national sporting stage in 2025 when we became an official partner of the Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse. By dressing the coaches and management for the ANZ Premiership, we ensured the Pulse whānau looked as sharp on the sidelines as they played on the court, proving that fashion and community spirit always go hand-in-hand.
Adapting to a Changing World, 2026
As we move through 2026, the world looks very different than it did when we started. Like many New Zealanders, we have felt the weight of the cost-of-living crisis. The reality of the current economic climate meant that domestic manufacturing became increasingly unsustainable. As a business, we faced a difficult crossroads: we couldn't continue to survive or remain viable under the old model. To ensure the future of Blank Space, we made the strategic decision to revamp the Blank Space Label and move our production to a new offshore factory. This move ensures we can continue to provide the high-quality, unique designs our customers love while remaining a viable business in a tough world. It was a decision made to protect our future, ensuring we can continue to serve you for years to come.
10 Years of Blank Space
To celebrate our resilience and our new direction, we opened our Summer Pop-Up in Queenstown. Located in the heart of the adventure capital, the pop-up brings our revamped apparel to a global audience. It has been a year of massive developments, and as we rapidly approach 10 years in business, we look back at our journey with pride. From a bakery apprentice in a 20-square-metre room to a 120-square-metre flagship and an international supply chain, Blank Space is a testament to the power of adaptation. We are committed to providing a unique and exciting shopping experience for all our customers, whether they visit us in-store or shop with us online. Thank you for choosing Blank Space; we look forward to celebrating a decade of style and growth with you.
