It's no understatement to say that right now, we are in the midst of uncertain times. With new updates and guidelines taking affect all the time, city centre businesses are taking each day as it comes and reacting and adapting wherever possible. We've compiled a list of the places leading the way in these changing times - so you can continue to support them, and other businesses can be inspired and take learnings from them too.
Fashion retailers
Private in-store shopping sessions | Kate Sylvester, 58 Tyler Street
To adhere with new social distancing guidelines, you can now book a closed door shopping session in store. Online purchasing is also available as always, with free worldwide shipping and fast delivery. Customers can even phone or email your store to make a purchase. Returns and exchanges are also available at no extra cost.
Closed door policy | Tatty's, 47 High Street
Tattys has implemented a closed door policy from 10-11am every morning, starting Friday 20th March, ongoing. This is in a bid to reduce business at peak times in the day, with no more than 10 people (including the 3 staff) in Tatty's during this time. This will allow customers to shop and drop off stock in a relaxed and safe environment. Their online store is fully stocked too, with free nationwide delivery.
Free shopping and easy returns | Ingrid Starnes, soon to be Commercial Bay
Whether you prefer to shop in one of our stores, or online, we will do all we can to take the best care possible of you at this time. We offer Free Shipping for our NZ & AU customers and Easy Returns making it as seamless as possible for you to shop with us from where ever you are.
Safe areas in store, increased sterilisation | Crane Brothers, 2-4 High Street
Store opening times have changed to allow staff to commute at times that avoid added congestion and contact. Alternatives arrangements to public transport for their frontline staff. Increased personal hygiene including regular cleaning of all store surfaces and contact points. Sterilisation of all common area surfaces throughout the day (eftpos, cabinets, doors and racks). Safe areas created within the store to allow min distances are observed. Limiting people and staff in-store to 8 people. By appointment allows for personal contact with no interruption. Delivery and collection available.
Homewares, bookstores and other retail
Taking phone recommendations | Unity Books, 19 High Street
If you're stuck at home but want some expert advice on the latest and greatest reads from 2020's Gardners International Bookstore of the Year, give Unity Books a call! The helpful team will chat you to you around your book preferences and give you some great recommendations. There's also free delivery on purchases over $50.
Non-touch environment | Smith and Caughey's, 253-261 Queen Street
Smith and Caughey's have increased their cleaning and hand sanitisers available at all counters. Suspending all beauty treatments, implementing a non-touch environment. Staff can assist customers in applying test products on themselves using disposable applicators.
Reduced minimum spend for free shopping | Iko Iko, 26 High Street
Iko Iko has implemented a reduced minimum spend to qualify for free shipping online - it's now $20, down from $75 previously. More hygiene precautions have been actioned too.
Health, wellness and beauty services
Increased distance between treatment tables | East Day Spa, ground floor of SKYCITY Grand Hotel
Besides routine disinfection of shared surfaces over and above usual cleaning practices, you can also ask for staff to wear face masks or request one for your own use while being treated.
High grade disinfectants | Off and On, 56 Galway Street
Disposable gloves and increased cleaning has been implemented at the wax, laser and brows clinic, with the use of high grade disinfectant also in place.