Having a hardware store in your neighborhood, albeit a small one, is unbelievably handy. Especially…read moreone like this, which has all manner of knick knacks. I usually head straight to the counter to ask for what I'm after as I'm hopeless at finding things in shops like this.

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.

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!

I love having this local Hammer Hardware to pop down to when ever I need some bits and pieces…read more There is always someone on hand to help you find something or take you to the area you need to browse. Unlike the bigger stores you can't find anyone to help you so you end up walking from aisle to aisle trying to find it. Highly recommend. :)

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 visited the paint shop in Mitre 10 two days ago. The young…read moreblond lady with a smile said" good morning SIR how can I help you. Normally you are addressed as "mate". As a elder person I appreciate the respect and kindness she treated me with. May you prosper in Mitre 10. Good on you young lady.

This is a massive Mitre 10 Mega shop, so it offers an amazing range of products and services. It…read morehas a bit of an awkward entrance at the moment, though I think this might be temporary becouse it is undergoing construction or something like that. At this mega store you can get absolutely everything that you need for your home. If you are wanting to build, repair, restore or create something for the home or even garden then you can get everything you need here. And becouse this store is fairly new it means that their product range is very current, and that they are offering the newest of everything that Mitre 10 has available. The staff are very friendly and efficient, they will let you be on your way but are always on your case to see if you are all sorted for what you came in for, not in a pushy way though which is nice.

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.