Lifestyle store opens in Napier

Tim Edwards.

Hawke's Bay is the new home to one of only three Noel Leeming Lifestyle Appliances stores in New Zealand.

The Napier store was officially opened on Friday night, with guests treated to an in-store cooking demonstration by top New Zealand chef Josh Emett, wine tasting from Elephant Hill and canapes.

Mr Emett is the nation-wide brand ambassador for Lifestyle Appliances.

Noel Leeming chief executive Tim Edwards said they chose him because he was quintessentially a Kiwi: "He is strong, but not arrogant and just a good bloke."

Mr Edwards said Napier was chosen as the destination for the first premium kitchen and laundry appliance destination in the area for two reasons.

"Firstly, it is in the top 10 of our more than 70 stores nationwide and next door was Godfreys which closed its doors, providing the space we needed.

"We cut a hole through the wall and created a store that offers our customers something unique. First and foremost, it's about the cooking experience; we want to interact with the customer. We want the store to feel inviting, we want you to feel comfortable when you come in.

"Our staff are 'passionate experts'. They are passionate about what they do, they are experts at what they do and they are there to help you."

The store looks impressive with sleek appliances, shiny surfaces and gadgets galore. They even have a can compressor if you need one.