At the beginning of winter 2012 - you might not remember because there was no summer to help…read moredifferentiate the seasons - I popped along to the icebreaker outlet store for one of my bi-annual shopping sprees. While it does have a good selection of stuff, I'm not sure that it's much cheaper than a regular store. That seems to be the case with most outlet stores these days. Anyways, despite that I did manage to get a few items that kept me insulated through the winter. Icebreaker stuff is pretty hardy so I shouldn't need another trip until 2014 now :) If you're on the North Shore and like a bargain it's worth a visit as there are four or five other outlet stores in this strip of shops.

Dom from Rebel Sport, Wairau Park is a fountain of knowledge where sports shoes are concerned. My…read moredaughter needed a new pair of trainers and Dom was able to help, providing us with much needed advice. My daughter walked away confident in the knowledge that she'd purchased an awesome pair of shoes that fitted perfectly. Thanks Dom for your expertise. We will be back in the future all thanks to you. Cheers, Sue and Sophie

Whenever I need sporting goods or clothing I seem to end up at this particular Rebel Sport in…read moreWairau Park. It's a decent enough size to have everything you need, without being too big to even attempt wading through. The layout of the store seems fairly straightforward and I usually find what I need with little effort. Rebel Sport is similar to Briscoes in many ways in that you'd be silly to pay full price for anything in-store - there is ALWAYS a sale of some sort on so wait until they have 25% off storewide or better! No point paying more for something when it'll likely be half price come the weekend. There is adequate parking and although it gets busy on the weekends it's still worth a visit.

Is one of my favourite stores to shop for anything to do with the outdoor. I love that Kathmandu…read moreTakapuna has everything from clothing, to shoes, tents, and sleeping bags, baby carriers, baby clothes, and so many cool accessories and knick knacks for your outdoor adventures. A visit to Kathmandu for me cannot be complete without spending a good hour roaming the store, looking at the sales items, and fining out the latest gadgets for camping. The cheerful and helpful staff make your shopping experience a memorable one, even though the staff may not know completely everything about every single product in store, they make you feel like they do or want to learn more about it anyway. If you join up as a member for a small fee, you are kept in the loop of the latest sales, and also get sent a catalogue once every few months. I really think Kathmandu staff are a really active and positive bunch and always enjoy my time in store.

I would like to mention the great service which I recieved whilst shopping here. I was preparing…read morefor a backpacking holiday, the kind of thing which Kathmandu caters for beautifully. The lady who was working asked me a few questions about what I planning for, she then walked me around the store showing me what she thought might be helpful. I ended up buying quite a lot stuff, and she managed to negotiate a bit of a bargain. Somehow or another I got my compact windproof unbrella for free, and she signed me up for the Kathmandu club, which actually cost me money, but resulted in an overall saving.

I used to think it was outrageous to spend $125 on yoga pans, but that was before I bought myself a…read morepair of Lululemon's Wunder Under Pants. I know what you're thinking - "I could get 4 (maybe 5) x pair of spankies from Cotton On for that price or even 2 pairs of Nikes" - and you'd be right but the quality of these bad boys is like no other. Firstly the material is incredibly breathable without being see-through. Secondly, they don't fall down when you run or god forbid, your trainer makes you do burpies. Lastly and perhaps, most importantly they're unbelievably comfortable! I am yet to purchase any other items from their range but I've got to say, I finally get what all the fuss is about. One final note - the service is outstanding. They have designated 'pant experts' who man the pant wall and run you through your options. They also put your name on the dressing room so the staff can ask by name if there's anything you need.

This is by far my favorite outdoor gear shop in Auckland. It's independently owned and the people…read morewho work here really care about their business and know their stuff. I bought a tramping backpack here after much hemming and hawing and trying every pack at every shop in Auckland. What I loved about this place was how not pushy they were, how willing to suggest things in every price range (though honestly they don't stock merchandise they don't believe in), and when they could see I was undecided, they were happy to have me go away and come back when I was sure, AND they offered me a small discount, which was enough to woo me away from buying my bag overseas and having it shipped to me. They care about selling you good, sustainable options that will keep you in good gear for a long time. They'll order for you if they don't have something in stock that you want, and they rent gear if you're not quite ready to commit (or you're visiting). Bottom line - good quality stuff, amazing service, get in there and get outdoors!!

A seven day bricks and mortar store. Good service and a good website with a lot of gear. Selling…read moreNRL, sports shoes, orthotic shoe outlet for men and ladies. This place is also a Post Centre for sending stuff local and overseas. handy for gifts. Has its own carpark out front, big and spacious inside with lots of variety.

Easy peasy. Park right outside, don't have to deal with oodles of people and BOOM you're walking…read moreout with the perfect gift for yourself or the men in your life. I love boys tees, jumpers, jackets and hats so even though Arcade predominantly supplies men's clothing (with the exception of the beautiful Sunday Misfits range) I still manage to find something I love every time. I am a self professed Moreporks junkie so love that the beautiful NZ made brand is stocked here. The latest range of Arcade shirts are also made in NZ too as well as Sunday Misfits so there are options for the sustainable shoppers out there. They have also recently started selling second hand Polo gems that you wouldn't be able to find after hours of internet trawling. Other brands are quality labels from a variety of places sure to tempt your wallet. If you head to Mercs for the sushi make sure you take a stroll down Cross St to see what these gentlemen have on offer

Before setting foot in the door of Arcade you'll see traces of skaters. The ramp outside, the…read moreVans-stickered custom table, the groups of guys in baggy tees and caps loitering at its gates. Don't worry though - they look more threatening than they really are. Once you make it inside you'll see this is essentially, a clubhouse. A clubhouse that sells skateboards and street wear to be specific. The place doesn't so much cater to the fairer sex, but if you're anything like me and love men's clothes, you'll be fine. Arcade stocks (amongst others) the likes of ONLY NY, Vic and NZ's upwardly mobile Moreporks brand. Get amongst.

Came in with mum to get her some yoga pants as mums do…read more I was very impressed with their service! Perhaps among the best customer service I've seen in Auckland retail. They write your name on the changing room door to make sure they address you by name which is great. Great range of products, although their guys department was a little lacking, but probably cause they don't have a large male market. The have free in store yoga, after the store closes on Wednesdays.

I love this store. What better way to motivate a girl's health and fitness habit - by looking very…read morecool - as I stride out along the North Shore beaches like a promenading maniac! I have to admit, Lulu L's price point is a little steep, but there's a lot of thought that goes into the design and fabrics. For example, all the cropped walking pants have special pockets just big enough to hold your phone and a credit card. They use FRENCH terry-cloth (four way stretch apparently!) and every item I've purchased is super comfortable. I highly recommend a visit to one of the LL stores. Friendly and knowledgeable staff and great gear to choose from!!

At the gym the other day I was suffering from a terrible case of sneaker envy. This girl had the…read moremost amazing Nike's I may have ever seen. Pink with like little polka dots. I needed them or something similar in my life. So I sauntered casually over and enquired as to where she had gotten these perfectly engineered beauties and she replied the Nike Store at Britomart. So naturally on my way home I had to stop in and check this place out. I was mesmerized by walls of awesome sneakers. Walls of them I tell you!! I was lucky it happened to be payday that day because I totally splashed some cash. The staff are knowledgable and up to date on all the products instore etc, considering they all seem to be sporty type people themselves. The running club thing they have going on is a really awesome idea as a sort of interactive advertising gimmick, as a way of getting people instore and interested in their products. It's pretty fun to head along too, and hitting up a drinking hole after the workout is actively encouraged.

Bryan of Nike Britomart is a rare breed. He is one of those Nike People that walk that extra mile…read morefor the customer . I was that customer. Living in the UK I wanted to arrange a nike gift voucher for a friend as a birthday present, this was 6 years ago. I sent an email to who it may concern at Nike Britomart requesting help. Bryan replied and helped me achieve the impossible . This has happened for the past 6 years. What I can say if Bryan is anything to judge the store by, it must be one of the best Nike stores on this planet. People make a company, and Bryan is certainly a Nike person. He just does it, and reports back Done. Thank you Bryan and Thank you Nike Britomart