The TAWAs: Best Shop
Wellington has too many places waiting to part you from your money, the worst part is that a lot of them make you feel good about doing it. And of those fine places we have narrowed the field to five shops where there is no such thing as “buyer’s remorse”.
Here are the nominees for Best Shop
Eyeball Kicks (225 Cuba St)
Reach up and touch your hair. Is it slicked back with grease, or nicely formed into a bouffant? Do you own a switchblade? Are the front wheels of your hotrod smaller than the back wheels? Do you like to drink from mugs that look like carved heads? Yeah, you need to get to Eyeball Kicks. It’s the essential store for tiki-freaks, greasers, loungeheads, Rat Finks and hot-rodders. Also we love their support of local a
rtists.
Unity Books (57 Willis St)
Back by popular demand. Unity Books has won this award for the last two years running (see picture) and people still ask for it, so Unity must be doing something right. Let’s see - it’s a bookshop that is a pleasure to browse, and with knowledgeable staff who are more than happy to guide you in the direction of a book you’ll love. Hmm, it might be something to do with that.
The Fromagerie at Kirkcaldie and Stains (Harbour City Shopping Centre on the corner of Lambton Quay and Brandon Street)
In these days of soaring cheese prices, it makes sense to choose quality over quantity. For some of us, this is the best thing about the Kirk’s empire, and there are samples and knowledgeable cheesemeisters to help you choose your daintily wrapped selections of exquisite stinkiness.
Slow Boat Records (183 Cuba St)
In this modern digital age, where the local record shop is a dying breed, Slow Boat is still around and still thriving with their bins full of lovely lovely vinyl. Whether you’re after something specific or just wanting to browse for inspiration, Slow Boat is a jewel of Cuba Street.
Wineseeker (86 Victoria St)
Wellington is blessed with several independent boozeries run by fantastically dedicated people, but Wineseeker is a definite favourite. The convenient location helps, as it’s between the CBD and the entertainment district, making it great for BYO. Daily tastings, discounts, a quirky selection and super-friendly staff make all the difference… and did I mention the singles’ nights?
Yep, Unity is the best book store ever. You've just gotta love it
Powell's Books in Portland, Oregon easily tops any book store I've ever been in. It's three stories tall and takes up an entire city block. They also have off-shoot stores that specialise in cooking and technical books.
but that wouldn't qualify for an wellingtonista award, now would it?
That's true, but book freak said that Unity was the best book store ever. It's good, but to be honest I've been to several that are better and Powells tops every one I've ever been to. I'm not saying that it's the best ever though, as I'm sure there's millions of places I've never been and it's all a matter of opinion anyhow.
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