First Impressions - Shopping

richsadams · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 5:44 pm Post subject: First Impressions - Shopping

Hi All

In an ongoing effort to relate what it’s like to move from the U.S. to New Zealand, this is one in a series of “first impressions” from my wife and I. We've been here about a month-and-a-half now. Nice One

You can find our first report and learn more about us here…

http://emigratenz.org/community/viewtopic.php?t=801&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Got your sandwich and tea? (Better yet some chocolate and red wine?) Wink

Put your feet up and enjoy…

Shopping is a lot the same and a bit different here. The town we’re currently living in, Rotorua, has a population of about 70,000. For a town that size it has a surprising variety of stores; grocery, home repair, etc. That’s the good news. The not-so-good news is that they all carry about the same things. And they all share the same dilemma…not too many choices. Having travelled a bit I realize that we Americans are spoiled in many ways. Embarassed

One in particular is the variety of things we have to spend our money on. With stiff competition that means we can be pretty choosey. Not so much here. There are some U.S. products on store shelves, more than I had actually expected. Some U.S. manufacturers own Aussie/Kiwi brands such as Watties which is owned by Heinz. Watties doesn’t mirror Heinz though as it has its own food products and flavours. (You CAN get Heinz Ketchup here! Yes

) The biggest difference is that in the U.S. a store might sell one brand’s product in five varieties, there are usually only two or three brands offered here with perhaps one or two different varieties. Of course, the smaller the store, the smaller the selection.

That being said, all is not doom and gloom as most of your favourite things are probably to be found here. They may be made by another company and not in the particular size/flavour/style you’re accustomed to, but you will get by. Some items Americans have come to expect in supermarkets are only to be found elsewhere (most OTC drugs, etc. for example). So you may have to visit three or four stores to find what you want…more on that later.

Grocery shopping is much the same as in the U.S. There are small convenience stores almost everywhere. They are called “dairies” here and they are independently owned (as in the U.S., often by migrants trying to get a foothold). You won’t find any 7-11’s here. The next step up is a franchise chain called Four Square. Almost every town of any size has one. They are about the size of two good-sized U.S. convenience stores put together. Be prepared to pay top dollar for anything you buy…they haven’t heard of the marketing impact of “insult pricing” here yet! Eek

Both dairies and Four Square stores are good for some quick fill-in shopping.

Then there are several major supermarket brands. Three; Food Town, Countdown and Woolworth’s (no relation to the American brand that I can find) are owned by one company. There is also Pack ‘N Save and New World. Woolworths, New World and Food Town most reflect the generic U.S. supermarket with wide isles, bright lighting and nice displays. They are also the higher priced of all of the majors. Countdown is a larger store and one of the few open 24/7. Their pricing is very competitive with Pack ‘N Save and unlike P&S they actually bag your groceries for you. Pack ‘N Save is a poor man’s Costco. They are in large warehouse buildings with mile-high shelves stocked to the brink with economy-sized products. Just like Costco or Sam’s Club, they are a bit of a madhouse to shop in. I prefer Countdown over all of the others here. I’ve shopped in several and they appear to be pretty consistent in merchandise, pricing and customer service. Unfortunately you won’t find many upscale or speciality stores like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, etc. There are plenty of organics and health foods to be had but you’ll have to track them down.

Prices for grocery items are about on par with the U.S. with a few exceptions on either end. As you’d imagine, lamb is very reasonable for example. (Sheep outnumber humans 12 to 1...thank God they're as dumb as a box of rocks!) Laughing

Again, it’s the selection I miss.

So the grocery shopping experience is a bit different, but not too much. You get your trundler (shopping cart) and wander up and down the isles filling it up with your day-to-day needs. I have noticed something while shopping here that struck me as a bit unusual. Since I’ve noticed it repeatedly and in various stores, it must be a “Kiwi thing”. Similar to what I’ve seen senior folks in the U.S. do, shoppers here tend to talk to themselves. Hmmm

It’s a little unnerving at first. I kept looking around to see who they were talking to…me?...their kids? But there was no one in sight. Many times I’ve seen/heard people, young and old, walking up and down the isles mumbling about things…apparently things they needed to buy. Sometimes they’ll stop and pick up an item and carry on a conversation about it with themselves. They are not speaking loudly mind you, just kind of talking to themselves…out loud. Interesting. I’ve learned to ignore it, and now and then find myself doing it! Rolling Eyes

Weird.

Most of the supermarkets carry meat products; however the traditional butcher is where you go to find top-quality beef, lamb, chicken, etc. Similarly, if you want good vegetables and fruits, you go to the produce stores. And if you’re looking for pain killers or other OTC drugs, you’ll probably need to visit a pharmacy. (The good news is that the pharmacies sell some products you can’t get over the counter in the U.S. like Excedrin with Codeine!)

I did run into one brick wall when I went out looking for some common rubbing alcohol…you know the kind you can find in almost any store for a couple of bucks...good for cleaning wounds and making kids scream? I couldn’t find it in any grocery store. When I asked a clerk I’d get a blank stare. One actually escorted me to the beer and wine section! Nutcase

I hit three pharmacies before I found some and they had it hidden in the back! The price? $15! Ouch! So they must put something else on their little cotton swabs before they give you a shot here! I’ll have to ask around.

There are plenty of other stores to fill your shopping needs, but again, you may have to drive around to find everything. Mitre 10 is the NZ equivalent of Lowes or Home Depot, but in miniature. There are a number of other DIY centres as well. I’m sure I’ll get to know them all when we move into our new house in a month or so.

A “general merchandise” store called The Warehouse is the main discount retailer here. Every town of any size has one. It's a K-Mart knock-off and is about as consumer-friendly and clean if you get my drift.

(There are a few K-Marts here as well). They are open “early”…8:00 A.M. and “late”…until 8:30 P.M. Seven days a week! Woo hoo! It's the place to go to find cheap clothing, auto accessories, furniture, etc. After visiting several I found them to be poorly merchandised, (many items have no prices…not even on the shelf…if you find it on the shelf where it was supposed to be that is), generally a mess and not much fun, particularly at the checkout where they seemed to be terminally understaffed. Most of the clerks, are friendly (as are most Kiwis) but very poorly trained, underpaid and overworked. Sound familiar (as in Wal-Mart)? Rolling Eyes

Most other things are found at specialty stores…clothing, shoes, furniture, etc. It’s much like shopping in an old downtown in the U.S. thirty or forty years ago. Kind of nice, but not quite as convenient. There is one semi-upscale chain called “Farmers”. Unlike the name implies they sell clothing, small appliances, cosmetics, etc. They are kind of a cross between Macy’s and Sears. Their prices are okay and the quality is usually quite good.

The larger cities have malls. They are not generally as big as those in the U.S., but they are laid out about the same and feature many of the same types of stores. Here’s a link to a live video cam at the one we go to in Tauranga.

http://www.citynews.co.nz/webcams/bayfair.php

Whenever we walk in front of K-Mart we look up and wave! cool

There are a number of “electronics” stores as well. Many just sell home electronics such as TV’s, stereos, etc. Others sell everything they can get their hands on like refrigerators, washing machines and that new-fangled invention, the clothes dryer! Rolling Eyes

(Clothes lines are still the rule here but things are changing.) More on appliances in another posting. A store called “Dick Smith” is NZ’s version of Radio Shack. I’ve spent more than a couple of Kiwi Dollars on various things there such as telephones, adapters, replacement plugs for the computer, etc. Other speciality electronics retailers include Noel Leeming, Bond & Bond, etc. Most are priced about the same. Expect to pay anywhere from 10% to 25% more for things like stereos and TV’s. Home theatre is just taking off here. Big screen TV’s are VERY expensive still. (I miss my 55” wide screen!) Most home stereos are large boom-box style, space-age looking plastic monstrosities because component equipment is pretty pricey. Glad we brought our stereo! On the plus side, TV pictures look very good here because of the PAL broadcast standards (more lines of resolution). The downside is TV programming is pretty lousy even with satellite. Again, more in another posting (read: rant!).

Some decent TV is to be found though. We’re busting to tell the locals the end of this year’s 24 where Keifer Sutherland…well…we won’t spoil it for them!

If you want to avoid the local TV programming (or lack thereof) you can rent movies. Blockbuster is here along with a couple of other chains like Video EZ. Their selection is okay but mostly on VHS. The DVD revolution has yet to take off here. (VCR’s are still big sellers …I couldn’t give mine away when we moved!) Nutcase

So all-in-all you’ll find what you need. You’ll most likely pay a little more for it. On the other hand, some other things cost less...housing for example. There's also lower taxes and insurance costs too.

Again, it all goes back to things being “smaller” here. Less is more, yadda, yadda. The trade off is that you don’t have to stay inside and avoid the heat/cold/crowds/crime/pollution/traffic or whatever! It’s a beautiful and clean place full of friendly people with a LOT to do. So I’ll take it! Nice One

We always look forward to hearing about other’s experiences and hope that our little stories give you a better feel for Godzone.

abesrve · I'll Hang Around A Little Joined: 27 Jun 2004 Posts: 41

Thanks for the info (again). I was interested to hear about the slow takeup on DVD and also the lack of Hi-Fi equipment. I am a big movie fan and would loathe a return to "small screen" viewing. Why did you not take your television across (obviously a large item but was this the reason?). Given the price of a big screen in NZ would you now say that it would probably be worthwhile shipping one across?

Being from the UK, the supermarket thing will probably be much the same for me. I think we have significantly less choice than our Stateside cousins anyway so I think I'll survive. Would anyone from the UK across there care to comment?

captainxmas · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 8:31 pm Post subject:

"The Warehouse, The Warehouse, where everybody gets a bargain..." Clapping

michelle · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 8:49 pm Post subject:

"........and a money back guarantee" Please tell me they dont still show the terible adverts for the warehouse

Michelle

karltsmith · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 10:06 pm Post subject:

Sorry to disappoint Michelle but they do..... Uhoh

Not only that but a superhero character in a red leotard Eek

with no muscles

, a pathetic grin Razz

and the acting ability of a pork sausage Shy

complete this dire advertising campaign Hmmm

michelle · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 10:21 pm Post subject:

OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

So not only do I have Holmes to look forward to but the adverts are still as bad. You will tell me they still show Maggies garden show next, no wonder I am stocking up on DVD's. Still I don't intend to spend much time watching TV, far better things to do in NZ.

Michelle

karltsmith · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 10:32 pm Post subject:

ITS WORSE

THEY HAVE AN AUSSIE SHOPPING CHANNEL, TVSN, SELLING SOME OF THE MOST DIRE RUBBISH YOU HAVE EVER SEEN......AND THE PRESENTERS ARE SO ENTHUSIASTIC.......PICTURE BIDGET JONES DIARY....THE ORANGE MAN....NOW DO YOU GET IT! RIGHT NOW MULTIPLY IT BY A FACTOR OF 10! Nutcase

karltsmith · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 10:34 pm Post subject:

PS Holmes is as bad as he ever was....infact I'd say he's worse. I have to change chanel when the ar**h**e appears Sad

Timbo · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 10:46 pm Post subject:

Not even Holmes is as bad as the dreaded QVC.

bexxx · Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 12:07 am Post subject:

Thanks very much for the info!

I didn't realise that dvd's hadn't taken off over there yet. I'd better stock up! Is digital tv easily available there?

As said in an earlier post, it would be interesting to see any comments from a UK person to compare NZ shops etc with the UK.

Raeven · Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 1:09 am Post subject:

Hi, Rich,

Fantastic post, as always!! As one of your disciples, I look forward to your missives a great deal. And I didn't even finish my sandwich!!

I was especially interested in this one, because culture shock associated with shopping is probably the worst. Your giving us the skinny on how to navigate our way through purchasing the day-to-day necessaries is a huge leg up! Based on what you say, I will definitely stock up on rubbing alcohol (can I bring you any?), DVDs, clothes dryer fabric softener sheets, and we will definitely bring the stereo equipment. I am relieved to learn Heinz ketchup is readily available. I don't use it much, but when ketchup is called for, nothing else will do!

Sounds like all in all, you are settling in well. Any regrets? How's the homesickness? I discerned a whiff of frustration at the television offerings.. I'm sure that will be an entertaining and enlightening post for us!

Thanks again so much for generously giving of your time and impressions.

All the best, Rae

SoCal Gal · Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 8:24 am Post subject: First Impressions - Shopping

Great stuff again, Rich, give us more, give us more!!
I am wondering, is that K-mart inside the mall? Hard to tell, and you know we are used to the free standing big boxes here in the land of mega!
Also, were those trampolines for sale, or to jump on? It's always the little things that get me! More soon, please!!! cool

richsadams · Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 11:21 am Post subject: First Impressions - Shopping

Hi Gang

Thanks for all of the kind words. As I've said, I know what it's like to wonder what it really will be like to live in NZ when you're far, far away. And although I've spent time in sunny England Wink

and other countries, mine is still an American perspective. I'd love to hear what people from other places think as well.

Last questions first...hellloooo Rae and SoCal Gal! Fabric softener sheets...to tell the truth I haven't seen any! Good call! Nice One

Some other Heinz things are available as well...need to support John's wife you know! Laughing

All set with rubbing alcohol, thanks!

Yes the K-Mart is inside the mall. Not much improvement over the U.S. model, but better than the Warehouse...and those awful commercials! Razz

The trampolines are temporary during the school holidays here. (They have year-round school and the kids have had the last couple of weeks off.) You pay to get strapped in with these bungee-type rubber bands and then you can jump to your hearts content without the fear of launching yourself into house wares or something. It's pretty funny to watch...free entertainment! Laughing

No regrets so far other than we really miss friends and family...my wife moreso than me I think. She calls her folks, brothers and assorted girlfriends about once a week so it's not too bad. We just got set up with an internet telephone calling plan that allows us to "phone home" via our laptop for about 3 cents a minute (as opposed to Telecom's peak-time of 45 cents/min! Eek

). Haven't tried it yet, but I'll let you know if it works or if two tin cans and a bit of string would be better. Nutcase

Of course e-mails fly back-and-forth constantly.

As mentioned, TV is pretty bad. You can get digital satellite (SKY TV) fairly easily...for a price (even on special it cost us about US$200 to get it installed, etc.). The problem is the lack of good shows. There's a lot of U.S. garbage, mostly old. You can get one of the Discovery channels, National Geographic and Animal Planet. But you can only watch dogs chasing their tails for so long you know? Nutcase

The Simpsons seems to run 24 hours a day and you can take a stroll down memory lane with the Brady Bunch! Yuck! It's not all bad, but the choices are slim and the programming erratic. They do show South Park! Woo hoo! And the after ten programming is quite a bit more, um, adult than in the states. Prepare to see some "bits" you wouldn't normally see there. Eek

A great little show called "Is Harry on the Boat" about some Club-Med type employees is pretty funny. My wife just rolls her eyes when it's on. My TiVo is on the way with our other things. There's no service here, but at least I can program it (by using a NZ VCR tuner) to record decent shows when they are on! You can stay in touch with the world with CNN World News, BBC News and Sky News. Plus Sky also runs the ABC and CBS nightly news broadcasts. So things feel a little bit more normal when Dan Rather is on. Yes

We didn't bring our big-screen 2001 monolith TV because NZ uses PAL-B broadcast signals and the U.S. is on NTSC. (See my electronics post for more details...)

http://emigratenz.org/community/viewtopic.php?t=249

The UK is on PAL-G but I understand some sets can switch to PAL-B as well, so check the owner's manual or with some UK electronics guru...you might be able to bring yours! But I DO miss it so! Wah

If it would have worked here we could have had all kinds of new friends when we watched the All Blacks play!

BTW, rugby rules!! Nice One

It is soooooo much better than any American sport! It's non-stop action and a great way to down a six pack of Steinlager! Apparently the U.S. rugby team is pretty good, but the All Blacks are now our adopted heros...go Rocket Man! Clapping

Bexx & Abserve...DVD's are certainly available, don't get me wrong...they just haven't exploded here as in the U.S. But bring all you want. They sell quite a few "region free" DVD players which will allow you to play DVD's from most any country and they're quite cheap.

Okay, gotta go move some papers around on my desk so my wife thinks I'm working! Laughing

SoCal Gal · Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 11:22 am Post subject: Shopping - First Impressions

Oh, Rae, I think I saw a big sale on the alcohol wipes towelettes at Rite-Aid, we'll have to stock up! No messy bottles to fool with!!! LOL cool

sesame · Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 3:46 pm Post subject:

Hi, Rich,

thank you sooooo much again and again for your wonderful newsy posts!! you rock!!! cool

you know - it all sounds great and weird and familiarly strange... it's just everything at once to me .... and really just 'stuff' !!! main thing (to me) is- you guys are safe and doing well, taken care of on sooo many levels ..... what i mean is .... right now here in the states we're hearing (at least those listening to short wave radio) about possible bio terror attacks in various cities during the next 3 months of pre-election time .... on and on and on .....i refuse to buy into that fear ...... but still, ..... there is talk, there are rumors and i'd give anything to BE OUT OF HERE ... even though it's a terrific country in sooooo many ways ... it's headed for trouble, no doubt.

so i'm HAPPY for you - that you are safe and healthy and in a good solid place ..... now i know that the homesickness part is tough ...... how to deal with that? we're off to vienna austria in september it looks like - for a 'pit stop' to see family and friends .... then hopefully onward to nz .... Yes

your posts are really amazing - you're bringing it home!! and even though the shopping sounds 'weird' - cause yes, we're sooo spoiled here in the states!! - i'll be fine with it ..... i remember when i lived in ireland for 12 months a few years back ... i had to drive all across the country to hunt down my organic food - it was fun though !!!

stay well - keep those spirits high - you guys are amazing!!!

sesame~ Shy