WELCOME TO THE VILLAGE SHOP

Malls. Megastores. Global chains and brands. Every suburb has them - and if they don't, it's only a matter of time and money. Is there still a place for the local shops that open all hours, where everyone knows your name? Yes. They're thriving. We sent The Aucklander reporters to work in village shops across the region - jewellers, toy stores, menswear, bakeries - to talk to the folk who own them and the customers who use them every day.
The Ribbon Rose Haberdashery Ellerslie Village SHOP ASSISTANT: HELEN LAURENT
``A more relaxed, non-threatening atmosphere. We are a destination shop that attracts people who love craft. We've had customers from as far away as Hamilton.'
The Ribbon Rose bursts at the seams with ribbons, wool, buttons, jewellery, fabrics, quilts, porcelain figures, pillows, beads and perfumes. Customers' heels clack on the wooden floor, jarring with the relaxing music playing quietly in the historic two-storey building.
It's an olde-world, feminine atmosphere, created by Stephen and Heather Forlong. Husband and wife took over the business in March 2006 from Robyn and Hugh Murdoch, who originally ran the Ellerslie haberdashery across the road in 2000.
The Forlongs slept in the shop's attic for the first few months while they increased the range of stock, establishing online purchasing and reinstating night classes in jewellery-making and embroidery for locals and regulars. They also inherited Anna Washer, who has been The Ribbon Rose's shop assistant since Day One.
Anna describes the place as having a relaxed, non-threatening atmosphere. ``We are a destination shop that attracts people who love craft. We've had customers from as far away as Hamilton.'
Susan McErlain and daughter Tara are regulars. Passionate jewellery-makers, they call in from Mt Wellington up to four times a week to buy beads and accessories.
Susan is keen to get Heather's advice on a necklace she's working on. I like the mall but I prefer it here because they have more stock and better prices. I also ask Heather and Anna for ideas and they are very encouraging.
``Between answering the phone, taking orders, making items for sale and dealing with product reps,
Heather and Anna make an effort to build a rapport with customers. ``I've come in to ask about beading,' says Arti Naicker, who lives only 10 minutes' walk away.
``I like shopping here over a mall because of the ambience. It gets me in the mood for doing craft.' So, with the country's largest shopping mall at nearby Sylvia Park, could The Ribbon Rose be feeling the pinch?
``Honestly? No,' says Anna. Heather agrees. ``People will always be interested in crafts. Now we are seeing a lot of younger people coming in, as well as those in the nearby office blocks on their lunch breaks. We are expecting business to grow with more population in this area.
``Ellerslie shops have changed over the years. It's become a lot nicer, with more shops and cafes. Everything you could want is here now.'
Ross's Super Meats Organic butchery Mt Eden Village SHOP ASSISTANT: CANDICE REED
``I tell the kids I used to give Cheerios to their mums, but they don't believe me. In some cases it's true.' When you go to Ross's Super Meats you aren't a customer. You're a mate.
If Ron Ross, a third-generation butcher, doesn't know your name, he'll ask. Then he'll ask about your family, dog, health and work.
Some of Ron's friends have been buying their meat here since his father opened the Mt Eden Village shop in 1952. Others, like Wendy, have been coming for 21 years, and others are even newer friends.
``I come in nearly every day. I love the life of the village. The service and quality of meat here is great,' Wendy chirps while being served. Ron laughs.
``My customers become my friends. I tell them my problems and they tell me theirs. When I'm setting up the window in the morning _ and window-dressing is still an art here _ the joggers and walkers all give me a wave.'
His father became a butcher in Wellington in the 1930s. When the family moved to Auckland dad opened Ross's Super Meats. Ron and his older brother, Graeme, took over the family business when their father retired. When Graeme retired Ron took over the knives.
Nearing 63, Ron is also approaching retirement. What will happen then? Ron is uncharacteristically quiet.
``I suppose I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.' Yes, he still gives those little red Cheerios to kids and their faces still light up. Chains and supermarkets just don't do that.
Ron smiles. ``I tell the kids I used to give Cheerios to their mums, but they don't believe me. In some cases it's true.'
His father's rule was to move with the times and Ron has kept up the family tradition. ``I believe that's why we've survived.'
It's probably true. The butchery was the first in Auckland to do away with sawdust floors and the first to take on a female apprentice, in the 80s. It's one of the few certified to sell organic lamb and beef, and frozen organic chickens - although Ron thinks it's a fad.
Another rule: nothing is too hard. If Ross's doesn't have it, they'll get it or invent it. There've been good and bad times, but it's the relationship with his friends that keeps Ron going. ``Supermarket butchers are just a counter service. If you want good service, good meat or something special you come to us,' he grins.
And they do. Some from Kumeu, an elderly couple from West Auckland. I reckon it's for the laughs as much as good meat.
``My husband loves to have a joke with Ron and the boys. I suppose I don't mind it either,' says the wife.
The Finished Room Interiors Remuera Rd SHOP ASSISTANT: ALICE HUDSON
``It's nice to be in a local shopping area. It's different to being in a mall.'
Opulent and elegant, The Finished Room has the perfect home in Remuera. Nestled among plush boutiques and high-end homeware stores, just a few doors down from a decadent patisserie, it feels as though Monique Lacey's retail darling has always been here.
It hasn't. It's a relatively new kid on this classy block. Monique moved from Ponsonby Rd at the beginning of last year, wanting to be closer to her customers.
``We had found most people were coming all the way from the eastern suburbs to see us in Ponsonby,' she explains.
``It made sense to be here.'
While her regulars don't spend their dosh every visit, they pop in, some almost daily, for a look and a chat. Monique likes the village atmosphere.
``I'm not sure you would get that at Two Double Seven,' she says of the Newmarket mall five minutes down the hill.
``There's more of a sense of community here.'
It's pouring rain sideways outside, but inside is a safe haven for the senses. Luxurious cushions for all tastes, just not cheap. Ornate, oversized lamps. Swathes of indulgent fabrics, statement furniture, one-off designs.
Monique selects each piece, from Dubai, Paris, London, Italy. She buys locally, too.
``I'm the world's best shopper,' she announces. Her right-hand woman, Kathy Brown, laughs. ``She's not exaggerating.'
There's a lot of good-natured banter. Despite its refinement, this shop is not in the least intimidating. Mums stop in with toddlers in tow to admire, browse, chat.
Monique discusses the merits of Tibetan lamb-skin fabric with a customer while Kathy sums up the shop's style: ``Quirky, interesting, different.'
Fiona Wharfe, a regular, says Monique is always ahead of the pack. ``She's really forward-thinking. And extremely pleasant and likeable.'
Fiona wouldn't go anywhere else for her design needs and loves that the store is just down the road. ``When you walk in, there's a sense of calm. And Monique and Kathy are very knowledgeable.'
``It's nice to be in a local shopping area. It's different from being in a mall,' adds Monique.
It's just gone 11am, a lull between customers. ``Ok, we need to make a decision on the window,' announces Monique.
When the moving guys arrive to pick up a chair for customer Sarah-Jane, they're easily talked into becoming window-dressers. A red-and-black Chinese lacquered armoire soon sits in a prime spot, swapped with Monique's current fave, an unusual teak cabinet from India.
Monique quips that if she gave up interior design and retail, she could always be a mover. ``I reckon I'd be quite good at it by now. We manage to do about 90 per cent of the lifting ourselves.'
Not that she expects to be out of business any time soon. While Remuera has several interior design and homewares shops, Monique appreciates that makes the village a destination for home decorators Auckland-wide.
``Each has its own style,' she notes, and at The Finished Room it's baroque at the moment.
She points out another favourite piece, a clock. It's 1.5m in diameter, made of iron, decorated in gold leaf. It's huge, and you can bet you won't find it elsewhere. ``I don't think there is a shop like this in any mall,' says Monique.
To read the full series of The Village Shop, stretching from the North Shore to Pukekohe, click on News.