[Lynn & Ian]

Hi there,

Just wondering what the shopping is like in NZ, the supermarkets, clothes shops etc. Would be interested in everyones experiences.

LYNN :nice1

[Biddy]

Hi there,

Just wondering what the shopping is like in NZ, the supermarkets, clothes shops etc. Would be interested in everyones experiences.

LYNN :nice1
Being a bloke I'm afraid I can't comment on clothes shopping etc! However I've found food shopping to be brilliant. Within 10 mins drive I have access to 4 supermarkets and probably 10 dairies and assorted fast food outlets, bakeries etc etc.
The local Pak n Save at Paraparaumu is pretty big with excellent meat, veg and fish sections. There's little I would need that I can't get there or find a substitute. Half the fun is trying something new - hoping you'll find a new gem. There's as much choice as your average supermarket back home. And the breads to choose from - wow! Prices are fine - we're doing weekly shops for a family of 5 for about £250 - $300 which fits into our budget OK.
New World is also a pretty good supermarket but does tend to be more expensive.
Everything for the house for us comes from The Warehouse (cheap n cheerful) Newbolds (electrical) Big Save (furniture) Briscoes (Housewaresytuff) Mitre 10 (DIY etc) and some others that I cn't remeber now.

There is plenty of choice. I don't find it that expensive.

I bought a top of the range food processor thingy in Briscoes recently down ro $150 which I thought was a flippin bargain.

[Monzie]

I've been having fun "pretend shopping" at the Woolworth's grocery website:

https://www.woolworths.co.nz/HomeShopping/Default.aspx

Just scroll through and try to put together your usual weekly shopping cart (ahem, I mean *trolley*) to see how the costs measure up. I've found many things to be comparable to home and others to be surprisingly expensive (what's the deal with the price on shampoo??). But the selection seems to be decent...and I'm sure the store has much more than you'll find on offer at the website.

I still haven't figured out how I'm going to live without Morningstar Farms veggie sausage and Gardenburgers, though. *sigh*

[tigerlily]

Thanks Monzie. After reading that site, I've decided to stock up on razor blades and pads before I leave. Maybe a little case of deodorant too!

[kiwidebs]

what's the deal with the price on shampoo??

I don't remember shampoo being especially expensive when I lived there - 9 years ago. But I didn't have anything to compare it to then. I guess it's because most of that kind of stuff is imported:confused: .

Debs

[jo b]

Hey as for fashions

think wellies

Jo

[Smiler]

Lynn

I was completely overwhelmed at first especially food shopping, but with help from some lovely peeps on here, I'm now shopping like a professional :D Trying new flavours and products.

I prefer the farm shops and markets for veggies and fruit, they are much cheaper and you can still pick out the best quality. New World is dearer and clean but I just can't stand Pak $ Save, our local one seems filthy. Woolworths/Countdown is ok too. As a veggie it is difficult to buy ready made stuff here.

Moore Wilsons in welly is a bit like a cash and carry, has a huge range of wines and spirits ;) and a fresh deli produce place too. Cheaper for bulk items. Oh and they have housewares too but I've been going to Briscoes for that stuff as they seem to have a permanent sale on towels linen etc. (which for some reason they call manchester here????)

There seem to be as many January sales here as in the UK.

If you have time to shop around for bargains they are still out there to be had.
I've also figured out if I use my BNZ in certain places I get double flybuys (like nectar points)

And what Jo b says about fashion is correct.

Deborah

[Lynn & Ian]

Thanks for all your replies, has given me something to think about!

LYNN :raebanana