For 12 years I was happy to buy American food and things like toothpaste with peroxide and baking…read moresoda not otherwise available in NZ from Martha's. During those 12 years one of the owners frequently went to America to buy the stock. And for many years they got special orders for me. But ever since the pandemic they have lost the plot. They refused to accept special orders and their shelves rarely offer me what I want. I have repeatedly asked them to figure out a new method of getting their supplies which they refuse to do. How they stay in business is a mystery without desirable stuff to buy. They're old and no longer seem to give a damn. I find it remarkable that they stay in business. Not worth the trip.

Ever have the feeling of giddiness as an adult, that makes you say 'get ahold of yourself now?' But…read moreyou can't and your smile is ear to ear. Well that's what Martha's Backyard did to me. I was instantly hit with Americana as the doors spread open for me. No need to trouble yourself with pushing a door American, here let me automatically open for you. Star! Since the owner was clearly using her consumer... ahem marketing skills, the first sight upon entering was a stock pile of Stars & Stripes regalia. All that was needed was the Star Spangled Banner playing in the background. Independence Day is only a few days away, so stock up. Martha's Backyard which of course is a play on words, (think Martha's Vineyard) has many American culinary favorites from candies, seasonings, sauces, cereals, beverages and snacks. I walked out with Cholula, Louisiana Hot Sauce, Lawry's Seasoned Salt, a pack of Lawry's Taco seasoning, mini Butterfingers and 2 boxes of Cap'N Crunch cereal for under $40.00. Not a bad price for imported happiness.

There's this bright pink sign catching your attention on Cascades Road, which immediately signals…read morethis is no mechanic shop along a busy industrial district. What a Girl Wants is a second hand store, but packed with top quality bits and pieces. There are bags, clothes, shoes, books, furniture and ornaments, all geared towards the classy women of East Auckland. I thoroughly enjoyed having a browse, and picked up a nice singlet for a whopping $2! It's next to a coffee place and also an antique store, so your vintage tastes can be quenched, along with a nice spot of coffee afterwards. You can just park on the gravel outside, which is really handy. The shop assistant was friendly enough, and the way things are set out is really eye catching. It's awesome to see some creative thought going into the layout of a thrift store, considering most of the time, you have to rummage to find anything particularly useful. Here, it's all on display, in order of size and product. Good stuff.

What a Girl Wants would be a solid four star shop if it weren't for the staff…read more The two times I've been in I've wanted to stay longer, they have some amazing bargains and a very well organised shop, and overall the quality of their stock is excellent. The problem is, the two ladies who work there were very, very loudly talking politics both times I went in. As there's a dance school directly above them, it's fair enough that they need to raise their voices a little to be heard. But maybe don't stand on opposite sides of the shop? Or don't go on loudly about how much you dislike beneficiary bludgers who just sit around all day doing nothing. I mean, you're running a second hand shop, people...perhaps put two and two together and come up with four?

I dig the clothes at Decjuba. It's one of those stores I could go to with my mum and we could both…read morefind something we'd like to wear, without one of us getting crazy stares. A Decjuba store in Sylvia Park was way overdue- before it opened, the closest store to me was in Newmarket. The store itself is pretty bare- white walls, minimal fixtures. Usually I wouldn't be into that but because I adore the clothes, I give them a pass. The clothes here aren't particularly cheap, but the quality is great. I'm not usually into print dresses (unless its floral), but they do some very cool prints here from tiger stripes to psychedelic, other-worldly patterns. For the semi-conservative girl like me, they do pretty lace dresses, peplums and great sweaters to get you through winter. The mannequins at Decjuba always looks awesome and definitely do their job at trying to coerce you into a big purchase!

I was a bit hesitant about this line of clothing however now I love this line. Like all women we…read morelove clothes, well this shop has it all and caters for all. Fabrics are great love the winter collection. Summer collection just released and the colours are very refreshing not your normal run of the mill. The staff at Sylvia Park are wonderful very helpful and no pressure always going the extra mile to assist us customers. Product knowledge is very important and knowing what works for each customer or what could work is great. Your friendly smiles definitely make our day when we walk out feeling confident with our purchases. Would definitely check out whats next in store....... M Burns

Seeking a decent purse that won't break in a jiffy can be a hard feat when you don't have the…read moredollars. What I appreciate about Strandbags, as they not only do sales on a regular basis, but they have a variety of different purses, bags and suitcases that suit anyone's pocket book. I bought a purse here at the Sylvia Park branch quite a number of years ago, and it's still in really good condition. (under $25) I always pop in to check out their sales when I'm buying for someone's birthday, and the shop assistants are generally very chirpy and helpful.

As a blogger I come across different blogs from around the world. On twitter I have met fellow…read morebloggers and the majority of them are in Australia. I always saw cute pieces from Colette by Colette Hayman and after doing some googling I learnt that there wasn't a store in Auckland or New Zealand. No surprise there. So when I went to Sylvia Park with my friend to look for his mum's present and saw the Colette by Colette Hayman store I started screaming. I said oh heeelll naaw walked back and walked again to show that it was real. I walked in and it felt good. It got better that the prices were so affordable. Rings were around $8-14 and earrings starting from $4. I walked around, tried half the rings in the shop and left with two big rings and two pairs of earrings.

My girlfriend bought a travel bag from here, the zip broke about the third time she used it, before…read moreshe had had a chance to travel with it. I went with her to get a refund or replacement. What an ordeal! I must of heard the phrase "But our store policy is {insert policy that fails to meet the consumer guarantees act}" at least five times. After 20 minutes of haggling and the apparent violation of every clause in their "store Policy" they finally complied with the CGA and gave the refund. What a joke. It's a wonder sellers can still get away with having "store policies" that openly flout the CGA. I hate to imagine how many less assertive customers they've swindled out of meeting their CGA legal obligations with.

Love this design store. Every time I visit, I receive a warm and super friendly reception. Coko…read morestocks stunning lines of clothing, shoes, accessories, decor, wall art etc. I am a big MINK fan - great stylish shoes & NZ brand. Recently purchased a cool animal print 'Fate & Becker' top just over $100 - very well priced. Also product appears to be hand-picked, great price point, good selection and amazing service! Other brands are Betty Basics, Blacklist, Brave & True, Creed, Homelee etc... Yelped, delighted I found this gem

From the owner: We are a Fantastic small Gift Shop with Gifts for all occasions, along with exquisite Jewellery to…read moreaccompany the awesome Handbags and Scarves. We pride ourselves with giving you that warm fuzzy feeling when you step in here we love Ellerslie and we love people. Come on in for a chat or a shop it is a great place to meet a new friend and leave with something amazing at the same time. @Coko we offer Ladies Fashion our own design along with other brands to tempt .. Check us out on Facebook we are on daily always a new product or just something funny we have found that day to share with you .

It's a pleasure to wear Kookai clothes - so comfortable and great quality! If you think the prices…read moreare outlandish, you may think differently after wearing one for several years and finding it still looks brand new. Though the patterns are not always the most interesting, it's great, simple, sophisticated fashion. Some for cocktail evenings, others for an ordinary day lounging around the house. I'm always keen to get a good deal, but I'm happy with the times I paid full price as well, because it is always worth it. The staff are friendly, and don't force you to spend any money on things that don't suit you. I found them to be honest and helpful - Really great service!

I have bought heaps of things from here - I really love all the basics and single colour items that…read moreare fairly standard but have something a bit special about them. Their shop is spacious and I like how things are sorted by colour. Then I can just go to the area that appeals to me! What I do find odd though is the sizing. Things are sized 1,2,3 etc and it is not easy to tell what that really means unless you try things on. And unlike other stores, I can't buy things here without trying on - a size 2 isn't necessarily the same fit for all garments. Great quality fabrics though - some items that I've had for years are still going strong.

This is one of my go to stores if I visit Sylvia Park. Great for work, or casual clothes. The…read moreclothes are quality on the whole too.

I didn't like the way the sales assistant spoke with me. Very rude and unpleasant…read more The worst is when the message is said in the intercom reminding customers the store will be closed!!! I hated the experience in store it is so hard to find things as all over the place !!!! Disorganised and the assistant know nothing not helpful!!!! Not coming back to this store!!!