Oh Cheapskates! What a lifesaver you are to me…read more I was on a mission to buy a gift for a thirteen year old family member and I was racking my mind for what to get. I was in Birkenhead- and from past experiences buying gifts I knew I had a limited option based on my age bracket this time. As I walked past Cheapskates I kind of had to do a double take, it didn't take me long after that to sprint in and check out what was at the front entrance. It took me less than 10 minutes to decide on two beautiful tops and I was happy that I had resolved my present issue. The outlet store, has some really cool clothing for sale, and shoes and accessories including boards to skate, backpacks for school, work or the gym too. Very helpful young guy who knew his style working the counter, was chatty and a good laugh. If you have teens in the family, they will be well impressed with this cool store.

What a strange little store. It opened in October 2012 and was meant to be a pop up store, where…read morecheapskates' old stock could be sold off. But apparently it's now here to stay and I certainly am not complaining. When I stumbled upon it last week the $20 rack right in front of the door was fully stocked with awesome things! I snagged myself two tops from it and rushed into the back room to try them on. The dressing room was pretty much that... a back room with a little stand up mirror propped against a chair. But hey it did the job - and more importantly the clothes looked great. I then spent a good 20 minutes deciding which pair of shoes I was going to buy. They were only $40 each so in hindsight I regret not getting them both. The store also had a ton of dresses at only $50 each, summer shorts, menswear and hats. There was also the odd skateboard lying around and plenty of shoes! I was so happy to stumble upon this place. From outside it doesn't look like much but inside it's a treasure trove.

Cody is perhaps the best high-end fashion store around the Vulcan Lane/ O'Connell St for sharp,…read morediscerning gentlemen. The service, the selection, the quality- it's stunning and just-so. In a stroke of genius, the coat hangers are marked with what sizes are available, instead of chaotic racks and cluttered shelves. Already they are stocked with some great Autumn/ Winter numbers, especially shirts from the Italian Poggianti brand. The staff member was so astute, and yet casual in his demeanor, I couldn't fault him. I forgot we had service like that in menswear stores in Auckland. Well worth the short walk from Queen St to experience the premium fashion of this exceptional little store.

A little store that's been around for a long time. Cody's is an owner run affair that stocks a…read morecolorful range of European fashion for men who like something a little different. Due to its size, only one or two garments are pieces are available in each size. The service is always friendly and as a result it's fun to shop here.

Oh Lordy! Black Box has an outlet store! Why did I not know of this before now, I ask you…read more I originally first fell for the Black Box brand on my first foray into The Department Store in Takapuna. Now that I know they actually have their own store,and things are actually cheaper than where you would buy them originally I am hooked. It helps that they had a babe'n sales assistant on the day when I went in there, all dark hair and tatts and well dressed and oh my god did I tell you I love this store! He was actually very helpful. This isn't your typical outlet store, they actually have stuff that is being sold at other places at the same time, its not end of lines or just stuff that no one bought. It's cheap AND its not last seasons. As well as great clothes, they also do amazing shoes too. Sales assistant guy: call me!

WARNING, WARNING, WARNING. This place is dangerous with a capital D. It's got all the top brands…read moreyour could ever want at cheap prices. It's so good, but oh so bad. Every time I go there they've got something I desperately want and can easily justify to myself why I should have it. The clothes are good looking, good quality and are a good bargain. I'd go there especially if you want jeans because they have heaps of them and jeans can be really expensive. The staff are really helpful and being in such a good location, the shop is really handy for all those wardrobe emergencies. My biggest recommendation is that you go there before you go anywhere else because there's nothing worse than buying something only to see it way cheaper later on! Save yourself the pain and heartbreak by going there today.

It's nice to see NZ owned businesses standing the test of time, and having a loyal customer base…read morefor generations. That's what I like about Yarnton's, it's an established NZ owned company and very consistent for stock, no flouro or animal prints to be seen here! I haven't quite made it into their demographic range yet, which I'm guessing is about 45+, but perhaps when I do I'll be popping in to buy some sensible trousers and a nice long tunic top to go with them. Also of note Yarnton's is in the Highbury Buildings dating back to 1934 and looking very art deco. A small slice of history remaning in Birkenhead.

My husband loves the upmarket Australian label R.M. Williams, so when I found out Yarntons was a…read morestockiest I knew where to head for his birthday present. I don't mind paying premium prices when the quality is this good. They've also got a good range of other mens, and of course women's fashion in the store. I must admit, my first impressions are this is a bit of a sleepy, has been establishment. This myth was completely dispelled when I walked in because they have some really stylish labels like Boo Radley dresses and tunics. They are also the place to come for your North Shore school uniforms, so for locals this store will be much more in the know than me, the out of towner.

Dress like everyone else. But at least you will be on trend. Cool shop for cool kids. Not for the…read moreimaginative.

Area 51 has a nice even mix of both male and female clothing, making it the perfect place to bring…read moreyour stylish comrades, no matter what gender, without either party getting too bored. However this does not mean there are huge distinctions between the mens and womens areas of the shop - there is actually quite an androgynous feel about the clothing on display, from the beanies to duffel coats, bar the odd Lonely Hearts dress or two. This makes for a nice range of casual, easy-to-wear street gear, perfect for days at uni but easily styled up with a pair of heels or some dress shoes. In terms of the service, I was helped today by a friendly girl who sympathised wonderfully with my proportion dilemma with pants and did a great job at trying to help me what I was looking for (unfortunately it was one of those cases where that 'in-between' size does not exist). I will certainly be back though, as Area 51 is a boutique filled with a great range of some of the best NZ and international brands.

I was dreading going shopping with my husband for an outfit to wear to my sons wedding. My husband…read moreis always in shorts and Jandals. I shouldn't have worried. We walked into this shop and the shop assistant took over, I stood back and he gave my husband exactly what I wanted. Without me saying anything. Down to the boots and hat as well. My husband looks so smart. Thank you, I couldn't have done it without you.

This is my favorite place to visit , many people say they love this family run store..style is…read moreeverything, meeting customer requirements, top quality and value for money there are many world class brand s to choose from, suits to casual wear and shoes for that special occasion. BRANDS ; RMWilliams, Breakaway, Back Bay, Berlin, Russell Athletic, Thomas Cook, Cambridge Old fashioned service with a smile!

I didn't actually realise it was called the Neuw Storeroom until now, I thought it was just The…read moreStoreroom. So if you see The Storeroom, that's the one. I used to walk past here everyday on my way to work and was always very impressed by the outfits they had on the mannequins. If this styling was anything to go by then I needed to go visit the people that worked here. I was not disappointed. The place is really cool and is full of really unique and quality stuff. The service is really great. I think as a whole, New Zealand retail service and hospitality service actually, is pretty average. But the people I have encountered here are true fashion lovers and seem like they really do like their jobs. There are plenty of simple staple items from brand like Neuw (obviously) and numerous other Kiwi and international ones. Even if you're just having a browse, it's a nice experience. And get inspired by the mannequins!

What generally draws me into Storeroom are the well styled outfits on the window mannequins (and I…read morehave to admit, I often end up going home with at least one piece I have seen on those said mannequins). However, what I think will bring me back next time is the incredibly good service I received at the shop today. Not over-bearing and in your face, but also not completely ignoring you - the shop dude has his customer service skills down, and I walked away with a top on lay-by because of it. In terms of the stock available, all the clothes at Storeroom are relatively well-priced, and come from brands such as the popular New Zealand label, Huffer, and also the Australian brand, Neuw. The stock is generally well merchandised and the shop is consistently tidy, which makes browsing fairly easy. Storeroom - ya did good.