Shopping the way it should be

What a refreshing surprise. A new retail destination in Auckland that isn’t run of the mill. Yes, I’m talking about ‘The Department Store’, the first one of its kind to open in the country for 100 years!


The brainchild of the fashion forward Karen Walker, Dan Gosling and Stephen Marr, this retail experience is hopefully a sign of things to come for Auckland and maybe the rest of NZ. The three level space, consists of guys & girls street wear including Karen Walker, SGC and Sydney labels Ksubi, Bassike and Chronicles of Never which will help your ‘indie’ look for being in the front row for Florence and the Machine at Laneways (can’t wait!). A collection of Scandinavian-esque, minimalist furniture from the likes of  designer from the Simon Brown also get the tick of approval. Upstairs consists of a new Stephen Marr salon, an art gallery which was showcasing some of Derek Hendersons iconic Kiwi photography and a powder room for the ladies. If there is anything they could improve, they should look at getting some more men’s clothing and it’s also a shame they aren’t licensed, a post-shop Peroni or a glass of Sav would go down a treat.


When in London a visit to Selfridges is essential, as is Barney’s in New York, now you can have your own retail experience (a small one albeit in comparison to the other two) in Auckland… Well Takapuna anyway. At least it gives us a chance to get out of Ponsonby (only 7 mins from Herne Bay, as stylist & the store manger Brian pointed out today) on a Saturday arvo.

Someone who will no doubt visit when he is back in the country is Kevin Roberts. The Saatchi & Saatchi boss is an avid believer (as I am) of the importance of creating an experience when creating a retail environment. The sharp black and white branding has a premium feel, yet the simplicity of the design lets the content of the shop do the talking. The thing I love about The Department Store is that it’s a retail experience unlike anywhere else in NZ. Once you arrive, you kind of feel no desire to leave. You could probably spend a morning in there, checking your emails (or updating your status to skite about your epic new kit) on the free Wi-Fi, refuel for the trek back to Ponsonby on A grade coffee, get your haircut and possibly buy your new Rhythm and Vines outfits (three days of unpredictable temperatures, dust, hot hot sun and some vigorous sweating requires some careful thought).


With the hipster-friendly labels, solid coffee, the clean minimalist space and the approachable yet attractive, stylish staff, I think I know where I’ll be doing my Christmas shopping this year. If you’re like me and think shopping should be fun, I will probably see you there.


The Department Store, 10 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland