Retail Therapy: Sitting pretty

Freedom Furniture. Photo / Supplied

Freedom Furniture is opening its new flagship store in Albany today - the first new concept store the company has opened in New Zealand in 10 years. The store promises to inspire as it is divided into four "worlds": Coastal Country (pictured), Contemporary, Classic Traditional and Global. So, whatever your style is, the Freedom team has sorted it for you. Freedom Furniture, Albany Gateway Centre, 260 Oteha Valley Rd. Mon-Sun 9am-5.30pm. Ph: (09) 448 5780.

Winning ways

Dr Hauschka Regenerating Serum has won the 2009 Sales Hit of the Year People's Choice Award, announced at the world's leading trade fair for organic products and the Vivaness Natural Trade Fair in Germany. The serum, plant-based and designed to add moisture while refining and firming mature skin, costs $145 and is available from Dr Hauschka stockists.

Test Kathmandu

Want to be a product tester for Kathmandu's new winter range? The brand is giving someone the chance to take away $5000 worth of travel and adventure gear to put to the test. As well as winning the product, you'll get the unique opportunity to tell the Kathmandu design and production team what you liked about the products. Enter via the website. Simply sign up to Kathmandu's Summit Club, and pick four products you'd like to test. Entries close May 31 2009.

Do good, buy shoes

Ponsonby Rd boutique Hepburn have received a new range of Toms shoes. The cult footwear brand, started three years ago by former Amazing Race contestant Blake Mycoskie, reproduces the traditional Argentinian alpargata shoe in a range of colours and fabrics. And for each shoe sold, Blake donates another pair to children living in poverty around the world, including South America and Africa. The casual shoes have famous fans too, including the Obamas, Scarlett Johansson and Sienna Miller. Ph (09) 361 5387.

Fashion swap

We like this: designer re-sale store Double Exposure is offering customers the chance to do a "style swap". It's simple - take in items of your own and swap them for something else in store. A great way to get something new and glam when times are tough. The store sells high-end designer pieces from the likes of Louis Vuitton, Prada, Chloe, Dior, Comme des Garcons and more, all at discounted prices. Visit the store at 96a Carlton Gore Rd, Newmarket, Auckland, ph (09) 520 2649 or see the website.