Appliances, Electronics and Hardware stores guide
Electronics and appliances are similar to other goods sold in New Zealand. They are almost exclusively sold in stores – both major chain stores and smaller neighbourhood shops. They are also a bit more expensive than similar items in larger countries because of the cost of importing them from overseas and/or the smaller numbers of locally-manufactured products made. However, there are options at nearly every price point, so cost should not be a prohibitive factor for most expats.
You can search the current prices for electronic and computer goods, ordered by retailer, at PriceSpy.co.nz.
APPLIANCE/ELECTRONICS STORES
Noel Leeming — http://www.noelleeming.co.nz/
14 locations in Auckland and online shopping
TVs, stereos, computers and games, cameras, phones and communication equipment, heating and cooling, kitchen and laundry appliances. Standard NZ pricing. Also offer Flybuys points on purchases.
Bond & Bond — http://www.bondandbond.co.nz/
12 locations in Auckland
TVs, stereos, computers and games, cameras, phones and communication equipment, heating and cooling, kitchen and laundry appliances. Standard NZ pricing.
100% Stores — http://www.100percent.co.nz/
6 locations in Auckland
TVs, stereos, computers and games, cameras, phones and communication equipment, heating and cooling, kitchen and laundry appliances. Standard NZ pricing.
Harvey Norman — http://www.harveynorman.co.nz/
6 locations in Auckland
TVs, stereos, computers and games, cameras, phones and communication equipment, heating and cooling, kitchen and laundry appliances, plus furniture and bedding. Standard NZ pricing.
ELECTRONICS STORES
Dick Smith Electronics — http://www.dse.co.nz
22 locations in Auckland
TVs, stereos, computers and games, cameras, phones and communication equipment, heating and cooling, small appliances. Standard pricing on brand names, store brand electronics for less.
HARDWARE STORES
Mitre 10 — http://www.mitre10.co.nz/
18 locations in Auckland
A mix of traditional stores and “Mega” warehouse style do-it-yourself stores stocking an extensive range of home improvement products. Categories including automotive and garage, bathroom and plumbing, building supplies, camping equipment, flooring and carpet, gardening supplies, hand tools, hardware, heating and cooling, home safety and security, housewares, kitchens and appliances, laundry and cleaning, lighting and electrical, outdoor living, paint and decorating, power tools and accessories, storage and shelving, timber and landscaping. Offers FlyBuys rewards points. Standard NZ pricing.
Hammer Hardware — http://www.hammerhardware.co.nz/
22 locations in Auckland
Smaller, more traditional hardware store supplying power and hand tools, plants and gardening supplies, paint and decorating, outdoor furniture, heating and cooling, electrical, kitchenware and some appliances. Key cutting service. Standard NZ pricing.
Bunnings Warehouse – http://www.bunnings.co.nz
11 locations in Auckland
Large warehouse type store offering bathroom and kitchen fixtures, flooring, garden supplies, outdoor living supplies, paint, tools and hardware, storage and shelving and window covers. Free DIY workshops offered. Slightly lower prices.
Placemakers – http://www.placemakers.co.nz
13 locations in Auckland
Massive DIY warehouse catering to tradesman as well as homeowners – good for serious builders and big projects. Categories including wallboard, roofing and cladding, concrete and aggregates, insulation, masonry and spouting along with bathroom and plumbing, building supplies, flooring and carpet, landscaping, hand tools, hardware, heating and cooling, home safety and security, housewares and storage, kitchens, appliances, lighting and electrical, outdoor living, paint, power tools and accessories. Offers “Know How” rewards card for frequent buyers. Standard NZ pricing, lower with rewards card.
SHOPPING ALTERNATIVES
An ideal place for newcomers to buy appliances and electronics – as well as custom-designed furniture and other items needed to set up a house – is Cherry Tree (http://www.cherrytree.co.nz). Cherry Tree is a membership shopping club that sells thousands of brand-name items for just over the wholesale price. There is a substantial joining fee and you must sit through a sales presentation to join, but for anyone who needs to buy a lot of items, it is well worth it. Highly recommended for expats.
Discount appliances and closeouts can be found online at http://www.thedeal.co.nz. This is a discount website that also stocks clothing, sporting goods, wine and spirits and more.
