I dropped off my laptop at the Auckland CBD shop to be repaired and was assured, explicitly,…read moremultiple times, that since I bought the laptop at another shop in the chain, I wouldn't be charged for an assessment should I choose not to have any work done on it. I received a call later in the week telling me that the necessary repair was going to cost more than I originally paid for the laptop, and decided not to proceed. I was then informed of a $100 assessment fee. When I contested this the staff member said that he would check some things and get back to me. He never did. Today I went to pick up my non-functioning computer and to speak with a manager. During the course of our conversation he constantly interrupted me, talked down to me, and refused to answer when I asked why he thought this was acceptable customer service. He also came across very much as though he was trying to intimidate me. When I stood my ground he changed from telling me that I must have misunderstood/the staff member must have misspoken to telling me that she had never said anything that could be interpreted as me being able to expect not to be charged and that I was lying. Additionally, he told me that having to wait to speak with him was my own fault when I expressed dissatisfaction at how long it had taken. I'm very unimpressed with the lack of consistency and professionalism.

Basic electronics store with frequent sales and bargains. Prices are not as cheap are as at the…read moreWarehouse or JB HiFi. Some of the junior staff can be a bit more confident of their knowledge than deserved. However, the manager on my recent visit was extremely helpful and knew exactly what I needed to do to solve a wifi problem, didn't force me to buy anything and even gave me a bag for the part I had carried into the store. Great service, thanks. I'll be back!

As a keen amateur cook, I adore kitchen shops and this one is pretty good. I go in to worship the…read moreLe Crueset cookware and usually ending up leaving with something much more moderately priced. Tucked away down in Queens Arcade, you wouldn't necessarily come across it unless you were looking, and I'm telling you: look! It's definitely worth a visit. It's at the mid-to-upper price range (think of the kind of kitchen implements they sell at Nosh, only with a zillion more options). They do kitchen applicances, utensils, crockery, and in fact pretty much anything you can imagine needing for your kitchen, minus the kitchen sink of course.

As my kitchen is currently devoid of all useful objects having been plundered by my ex flatmate, I…read moreneeded to go on the hunt for new stuff, so the The Kitchen Shop was a good port of call. I regularly wander through Queens Arcade so I had noticed it on my travels before. It's absolutely jam packed and crammed to bursting point with random kitchen utensils which is pretty helpful for a place called 'The Kitchen Shop'. I managed to find everything I was after with help from the kindly shop assistant and even discovered the most amazing array of specially shaped cake tins ever! So if you're an amateur baker this is the place to come. From love heart shaped ones to fire-trucks and tweety birds, there were cake tins for Africa!

I find it hard to enjoy shopping at this Bond & Bond. It is such a tiny little store and they have…read moreso many sales people on the floor that you actually have to step around them when you are walking through. They quite often have more sales people than customers. I guess they have to prepare for the occasional busy spell, but that doesn't make it any less annoying. Of course each of them is hungry for their precious commission, so they buzz around even after you tell them that you don't need any help. It is actually a bit awkward if you tell a sales guy that you don't need assistance and they just stand their maybe 2m away, so that if you do buy something they can cash in. Not my favourite store.

Southern Hospitality is where restaurants/bar go to get supplies, appliances and utensils. They've…read moregot everything from glassware to knives to barbecue and bar stools. Think of it as the Gilmore's of cooking utensils. Unless you've got an account, I don't think it's too much cheaper than regular stores but it is a one stop shop and the staff know what they're talking about.

Like a moth to a flame, I was drawn into Living Lights. It's a beautiful candle store with a…read moregorgeous assortment of different colours and designs. There are a few things I LOVE about Living Lights. Firstly it's all Kiwi owned and manufactured. There are no 'made in china' stickers to be seen. All the candles are designed and created in Golden Bay. Secondly, the smell! It really is divine. When I mentioned this to the lady in the store she told me that their 'Soy' candle held onto aroma more than usual wax, hence the glorious scents. These candles are big and bright. The bulb shape ones are my favourite and would make a funky centre piece for the table or mantel. For around $40 they also make an excellent gift. Living Lights is really a gorgeous store and I think has given a whole new life to the humble candle.