Ashley & Co. partner with Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Dec 18, 2025
Already recognised for sought-after sumptuous products for the home and body, Ashley & Co. is set to stand out beyond the boutique during its milestone 20th year in business, with the arrival of a bright new Volkswagen ID. Buzz on its vehicle fleet.
With an impressive collection of premium products that has grown over the last two decades to encompass aromatic home fragrances, gentle signature body washes, balms and creams for hand and body, and environmentally responsible cleansers for the kitchen, Ashley & Co. is a name known to and trusted by many.
Naturally, sustainability is critical to Ashley & Co., both in terms of the way the company operates and the products it produces.
“It’s a big part of our business,” co-founder Jackie Ashley affirms. “It’s a lens we apply to everything we do and, as a conscious choice, we’re always looking to evolve in this regard. For example, 10 years ago we started doing our Topup refills. That wasn’t just about added convenience for customers – it was a move which reflected our commitment to sustainability and the growth and awareness of the Topup line has been fantastic.”
Jackie says Ashley & Co. works with local suppliers and aims to hero local ingredients wherever possible. The company also recently switched its recognisable box packaging and printing from an offshore supplier to a Wellington-based one.
“That’s a big win for us,” she says. “I think currently it’s very easy for local companies to look to offshore suppliers for production and packaging. But we’re so proud we’ve been able to bring that element of what we do home.”
Another aspect of Ashley & Co.’s operations that speak to its emphasis on treading lightly, is its choice of vehicle fleet. Thanks to rapid advances in electric vehicle technology, Jackie says that a long-time love of the Volkswagen brand has meant she and her team have been able to switch to an EV fleet while retaining the favoured badge they’ve relied on for many years.
“Our first fleet cars were Volkswagen Polos and a Volkswagen Caddy van, which served us well. But the idea of practical Volkswagen vehicles that are fully electric really appealed,” she says.
“We said a few years ago that our next company vehicles would be electric – it felt like a natural progression for us. Volkswagen has been around a long time. Their products feel timeless yet modern and, with the retro style of the ID. Buzz coming along as we celebrate 20 years in business, it just felt very synergistic.”
Jackie says the ID. Buzz ticks the sustainability box, but it offers so much more.
“Yes, it stands out looks-wise, but it’ll be working hard for us as a practical delivery vehicle too. It’s extremely versatile and a great size. We need to be able to transport anything from individual boxes to small, shrink-wrapped pallets, and it fulfils these tasks easily.”
Ashley & Co. also run two Volkswagen ID. 5 electric vehicles as part of its business fleet.
“They’re so uncomplicated to drive – you just hop in and go. They look great too. Our whole team are total EV converts,” says Jackie.
So, what’s on the horizon for this quietly successful Kiwi company? Jackie says a major goal is a managed scaling-up in the American market.
“We have some fantastic independent retailers in the U.S, such as Crate & Barrel and Nordstrom, but – as with the New Zealand market – there are big opportunities in the hospitality and accommodation space. We really want to build on our reputation for creating premium products that people love and return to again and again.
“Here at home, we love the connections we’ve built over the last 20 years. We’re very lucky to have fans of Ashley & Co. products all over the country. And I’m sure our bright and cheerful Volkswagen ID. Buzz will generate waves and smiles over the summer too.”
