It’s not often that I get overwhelmed shopping - lets face it they don’t call me the Shopping Queen for nothing and yes all the stories are mostly true - but today was definitely a first for me, even if it was only temporary.

We decided, in our infinite wisdom whilst on holiday in Auckland, visiting Dress Smart at Onehunga Mall on the middle weekend and when it was really raining outside, was a good idea.  Well it seemed like such a good way to spend an afternoon, until we got there.  Why should we assume that half of Auckland didn’t have the same idea, come on, really, they can go anytime.   Why today?

Our first experience of ‘How to go shopping in the most stressful way’ was entering the car park.  You see there seems to be no rules at peak times, it appears you can park anywhere, you don’t have to give way to your right and even if you see a car park first it doesn’t automatically guarantee it’s yours.  Note to self, need to swat up on car park rules at peak times.

So once that was out of the way we proceeded to wait politely at the elevator and arrived on the top floor, as the doors opened I don’t think I could believe my eyes.  Everybody was there and they seemed to have brought their friends too.  I was paralysed, couldn’t work out which direction was best to go in as there didn’t seem to be much room anywhere.

The walkway between the rows of stores isn’t very wide so three people and a couple of their friends can make it look busy, the shape of the Mall is the most confusing I have ever seen and there is a huge degree of what’s a bargain and what’s not.  I mean the Max store  had everything under $50.00, yet the Cue store apart from the rack down the back could have been in Newmarket, the prices weren’t low at all.

All this aside, if you block all the people out and focus which I did there are some really good bargains to be found.  We bought a Wetsuit from the Ripcurl shop which I have been looking for, a fantastic Puma jacket below half price and my husband actually bought a new suit.  Wow I know, didn’t we do well and we came away very pleased with our purchases saying yes we would definitely go again.

www.dress-smart.co.nz  has all the information you need, there is a free bus service from the city Monday to Friday and the timetable and locations are on the website.

151 Arthur Street, Onehunga, Auckland.
PHONE 09 622 2400

Directions

From Southern Motorway
Take Greenlane East exit. Turn into Greenlane Rd. Left into Great
South Rd. Right into Campbell Rd for approx 2Km. Left into
Onehunga Mall Rd. Left at roundabout into Arthur St.

Public Transport Guide
Phone Maxx 09 366 6400
www.maxx.co.nz

With Christmas fast approaching, this would be a great time time to make this one of your stops on Thursday.  It’s a perfect opportunity to grab a couple of bargains for Christmas presents.

This is a good place to shop for basics, like glassware, dinner sets, cookware, a great collection of outdoor plastics, etc.

Remember One Day Only Nationwide Thursday 1 October.

Who doesn’t love a bargain?  We all do and especially this year when we are all trying to make our dollars stretch that little bit further, it’s great to find a place where you know you are getting a good deal.

Well I have found this really cool site called 1 day sale where everyday you get an email telling you what the special for the day is and you do have to be in quick as it really is for one day only. 

These really are good deals, for example today’s special is Sarah Jessica Parker Perfume TODAY ONLY $34.99 normally $79.95 saving $44.00. 

Also today only an 8 piece container set $15.99 normally $33.99 saving $17.00.  Everyday there is a different products on special and it is a huge range.  There has been sleeping bags, all sorts of clothing, mens’ boxer underpants, Canterbury shirts, a 12Inch LCD TV, oh and one of my favourites was the Leapfrog Tag Reading system.

So the list is endless and you never know what you are going to get each day, the discounts are huge.  With Xmas coming up it’s well worth keeping your eye out for a great gift idea, at a fraction of the normal cost.

www.1-day.co.nz   to sign up now for your daily emails.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once again if you live in Auckland this could be your lucky day, I have no idea what is going to be there in terms of stock but if you find yourself at a loose end and in need of something to do, maybe you could check this out.

For those of you who have spent anytime in the UK you will be familiar with the name Habitat, but you may also know that it is a brand Nest here in New Zealand has stocked for sometime.  If it is your thing then Wednesday is going to be your lucky day, the decision has been made that Nest will no longer stock Habitat and therefore need to clear what stock they have left.

Starting at 8.30am on Wednesday Nest has the first ever  Wellington warehouse clearance,  with wholesale prices.

 

Be in quick at wholesale prices the stock will defiantly go, oh and while you are there you may find something fantastic in their new Nest range out for Summer.  Good luck.

Location:  93 Woodward Street,  off Lambton Quay  Ph: 04 499 0572

www.nest.co.nz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is one of those not to miss Sales.  For once everything really is on Sale at Briscoes tomorrow,      ONE DAY ONLY.               30-50% off everything,  Thursday 3 September.

As always the Farmers Cardholders Sale day is not one to be missed.

Thursday 20th August

9am – 10pm    Nationwide.

There is 20% off just about everything in store and in some cases there is 30%.  A great opportunity to pick up a bargain or stock up on some birthday presents.

ONE DAY ONLY CARD HOLDERS SALE   So remember you have to have a Farmers Card but as I have discovered in the past you can one apply for this on the day at a counter and two you can pay for it on your Farmers Card to get the discount and then immediately pay it off with your normal card if you want to.

For more information on the discounts click on the link below:

http://catalogues.farmers.co.nz/Cardholder_One_Day_Only_Sale/1806/

Ok so I have have a birthday coming up soon, so anyone who should feel so inclined to buy a little something special for me, don’t say I never tell you what’s on my list.  This really does look like a Sale not to be missed, 20-50% is a really good deal.  Go on you deserve it treat yourself.

Mon 3 August  -   6 September                          Nationwide

 

It’s always a happy day when Trelsie has one of her sales and if you have ever coveted a piece of Treilse Cooper and couldn’t get past the price tag, now is your chance. Don’t take too long to think about it, because at 50% off it makes for great “investment piece” buying and it will definitely be “if you snooze, you lose”.

50% off both Women and Kids clothes, at all of her Auckland Stores.  Once again, you are the lucky ones if you live in Auckland.

Note to self, must email Trelise and ask her when she’s going to open a store in Wellington.  We can always live in hope.

It has to be said that while a recession isn’t a great time for most, it certainly gives us the opportunity to pick up a bargain or two.    Bendon’s latest sale is buy one bra and get 50% off your second bra. That is effectively 25% off when you buy 2 bras. It’s a good deal and gives you a chance to pick up your favourite bras at a reduced price. 

Remember, when you buy a new bra, it is a good idea to take the opportunity to get professional help with the fitting.  70% of New Zealand women are wearing the wrong bra size or style.  Getting it wrong can affect posture, cause back pain and lead to sagging breasts.

The sales only lasts for 2 weeks so make sure you don’t miss out.