Hammer Hardware is a very rare type of chain store. By that I mean that it feels like anything but…read morea chain store. It is one of those places that you can guarantee you'll be greeted by amazing staff all over the country. Hammer Hardware's slogan is 'It's your local' and I couldn't agree more. Other than being a staple in even the smallest of towns in NZ, all the guys who work there feel like one of your neighbours who's door you can knock on whenever you need a hand. I love my local HH. Generally I walk in and just stand there looking around until someone comes to my rescue. The place is jam-packed with stuff, with everything, so it can be tricky to find stuff - especially when you describe something as 'that doodacky thing that screws those little bumpy things'. Somehow these guys always know what i'm talking about. Love Hammer Hardware - head in an support these little guys. They need protecting from those massive warehouse places!

I do not know about the 'normal' Briscoes locations, but this outlet store is on and popping! On…read morethe hunt for a quality down duvet under $300.00, I came here on the recommendation of my new housemate. When I first walked in I was not impressed. It resembled a $2.00 store with no style, or quality products visible. Boy do I stand corrected. The first row of bedding not only had exactly what I have been seeking, it also had alternative down, wool comforters as well as other man made materials. All for prices that will blow your mind! There are high thread count sheets for every budget and pillow so fluffy they'd make for an epic pillow fight. Aside from bedding there is nearly everything one needs to set up a bathroom, laundry area and kitchen. Seems to me the only items missing from this place are washer/dryers and bathtubs. It basically has all of the essentials needed to furnish and equip your home for comfort, at prices that will make you smile.

I was under the impression this was an outlet store (as it is so out of the way) but the Briscoes…read morewebsite doesn't have it listed as such, so I must have been wrong. Anyhow last year, when winter struck I needed another blanket for my bed. Off to this Briscoes I went, and I found a Queen sized, coffee coloured, feather down blanket for $80. I think originally it was definitely priced over $100 (maybe even up around $140). This has seen me through winter and looks great on my bed. I'm really pleased with my purchase. If you are in the area and need some new things for your home, I'd recommend you stop and look at this Briscoes.

There's not that many local hardware stores around anymore, they seem to be a thing of the past so…read moreI'm happy to see this one still going strong. Its no Bunnings but to be honest I much prefer it - they have everything you'd need and maybe the selection isn't as big but the service is way more personal and I'm a fan of keeping local businesses running. They have a key-cutting service which is helpful for our household as not everyone remembers to put keys in the key basket (don't get me started) so I quite often have to pop down here to get more made. Their point of difference is probably that they have a really good plant/garden area out the front and are really helpful about tips for vege gardens in particular. They also have a baby-proofing section that is turning out to be much more handy than I ever knew it could be!

This is the best hardware store i have been in. The service is outstanding nothing is too much…read morehassel and the staff all have a huge amount of practical knowledge. Yoj can also buy just 1 screw if that is all you need.

This bunnings branch is definitely my go to DIY store, you may think why would I ever need to go to…read morea DIY store but I often find myself in need of things I can get from here, I admit it's probably not what their intended use is but anyway. I love this bunnings, it's pretty local and they have a good large carpark with exposed and undercover parking. I also find the staff here to be extremely friendly and helpful as well as always willing to share their knowledge if you ask. I think the reason why I love this branch so much is that I always used to come here with my Dad, so I associate it with him and his DIY successes. Here they have a really good selection of chain which I often use as jewellery or in photo shoots. I love the tacky knick knack objects that are always stocked here too, for example in their gifts section they have oversized tennis balls and remote control cars, I also found a beautiful cherry blossom led light which I love and is displayed in my room.

This place is always busy Quick service each time…read more Menu and food always perfect ...busy atmosphere and plenty of parking

I had an excellent experience here in the weekend! Have been looking for a new outdoor table for a…read morewhile and found the perfect one! I got double fly buy points, free delivery AND 17 months interest free...absolute win! The staff were so helpful and had some really great ideas.

I find the the Bunnings Warehouse staff really helpful when you go in with a DIY problem. From…read morepainting to gardening they have guys (mostly) who are willing to give you the time to sort out a solution. I really like their garden section - not just for plants but also a really good range of pots, mixes and things like stones etc.

I love Bunnings. Do you remember, as a kid, that fresh paper smell whenever you got a new…read morestationary order at school? I get that feeling whenever i step into Bunnings. First of all unless you're a die hard expert, you do a cursory exploration of no more than five minutes before asking someone. Yes it's a practically a man cave and asking for directions is against a creed, but in this case it will get you to the goodies faster. The staff are so helpful, you can interrupt anyone and they just smile at you and don't show the levels of frustration associated with constant interruptions. I had to return something recently and it took around 20 seconds to arrange. Bunnings in Glenfield has great parking and is really well located, the place is clean and they almost always have a mass of checkout staff to ensure you can use more of your day. If you're looking for DIY this is the place

I recently visited the Design Store in Wairau Park looking for some stylish pieces to spruce up the…read moreliving area. This fabulous contemporary furniture and accessories store has really top quality furniture and items that make your home look a million dollars. If you can spare a bit of change the items at the Design Store do not come cheap, it's the price you pay for elegance and character. Stunning mirrors, paintings, leather couches, ottomans, coffee tables. You name it; they can spruce up any home or office. Sometimes, like me you're just looking for that signature piece to place on a table and emphasize colour, I found exactly what I was looking for in the form of a lime green bamboo place mat! Just perfect and matched up with the colour theme throughout the house. The staff are very approachable, which is wonderful as sometimes in expensive stores you can feel a bit ignored. They will give you tips and choices if you explain exactly what you're after. If just browsing however, you can do so with leisure.

I very often pop in here for a wander. There is a shitload of stuff to look at and it can take a…read morewhile to make your way around the entire store to take in all the cool stuff in it's entirety. Because of this I'm very thankful that the staff aren't the kind to be breathing down your neck and constantly asking if you need a hand! There's a wide range of home decor things in here. mirrors, candles, kitchen things, furniture. A bit of everything really. If you're buying you mother or your grandmother or your aunt a present pop in here and there will almost certainly be something appropriate. Some things can be a bit pricey but there are other smaller things to take away too. Pretty much something to please whoever I'd say.

Annex is the kind of store I love going into. Everything in there is just beautiful. They stock a…read morerange of different products from clothing, to homeware, to gifts. I absolutely love the clothing range they have in store. Everything edges on the side of being a basic and because of this you know they will be classics in your wardrobe for many days to come. And when you feel the fabrics they are of the best quality. Top cottons, merinos and great patterns. Their products would be a perfect present for your mother-in-law for her birthday. The staff are really nice, lovely women who are helpful when necessary but leave you alone when you just want to be alone. The store definitely edges on the expensive side, they are in Ponsonby after all, but they do have great sale racks that are definitely worth hitting up. Especially around Ponsonby Market Days.

I recently fell over this divine little store on Ponsonby Rd tucked in between Macy Home and Jane…read moreDaniels. It's a hybrid of homewares, including crockery, candles, clothes shoes and French hair accessories, The beautiful items though, are the handmade crystal earrings and gorgeous (also handmade) Italian glass rosary beads. All in various colour variants and combos. All so swoon-worthy I'm not sure whether I'd wear them or find a very stylish way to display them in my home! A treasure trove without being remotely bric a brac! And lovely helpful sales people.