Retail Therapy

Sunglass Hut launched Australia's first floating pop-up store on Sydney Harbour. Photo / Ken Butti

Float my boat

Retail keeps getting more and more innovative, with Christmas pop-up stores proving popular this year - but Sunglass Hut have taken the idea one step further, launching Australia's first "floating pop-up store" on Sydney Harbour last week. The store, which floated to various locations around Sydney over the weekend, featured a transparent fit-out showcasing 360 degree views of the harbour surrounds, and offered a worldwide range of Sunglass Hut best-sellers and an exclusive 150-piece collection of never-seen-before sunglasses not available for purchase anywhere else in the world until next year.

In the real world

Two online stores have opened physical stores, in time for Christmas.

Online footwear store Papershoes.com has opened a store within a store inside Miss Crabb's boutique, for five days only. A range of shoes will be available to buy, including Swedish Hasbeens clogs, Bass loafers, raffia flats, and summer espadrilles. Open until Sunday November 27, Miss Crabb, 41 Ponsonby Rd.

Meanwhile just down the road is another physical store from online homewares store Everyday-Needs.com, bringing their simple, pared-back aesthetic to life. The store also sees the return of the Hasta Kala pop-up, featuring a selection of hand-picked global decor (like this beach bag $10), plus a range of Mamasita Acapulco chairs. 65-67 Ponsonby Rd. Open until December 12, Monday to Saturday 10am-6pm; Sunday 11am-4pm.

Gift list

Glassons have released some cute and summery Christmas gifts, including campfire radios, a ping pong set, printed citronella candles, snowman-shaped cake and cupcake moulds, and festival survival kits. We love the daisy print laptop cover, $19.99.

Goodbye, hello

Auckland boutique Little Black Crown has closed its doors, but the space won't be empty for long: this Friday, pop-up sale store The Darkroom will open for the weekend. A collaboration between boutique Children of Vision, fashion label Jimmy D, online store General Cucumber and now-closed vintage store Fast & Loose, the store will feature discounted pieces from the likes of Nom*D, Lonely Hearts, Deadly Ponies, Bernhard Willhelm, Romance was Born and Ann-Sofie Back, plus a selection of quality vintage clothing and accessories. Shop 18, St. Kevin's Arcade, 179-183 K Rd. Friday 10am-7pm; Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 11am-4pm.

For the men

Menswear store 3 Wise Men has launched its first range of footwear, featuring nine limited edition handmade leather shoes including the classic oxford and the brogue boot.The full footwear collection is available from 3 Wise Men New Zealand stores and online. $180 a pair or two pairs for $300.

Pop up for two

Speaking of pop ups, now the Langham has extended the idea to hair services, with the launch of a pre-Christmas in-hotel blow-dry bar in conjunction with Mod's Hair. Perfect for those using the Chuan Spa or wanting to get swept up before an evening function. The blowdry and updo bar is open from 2pm-8pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until December 10 with a 45-minute wash and do costing $75. Bookings through Mod's Ponsonby, ph (09) 378 8998.

All sizes in store

The Carpenter's Daughter has moved in with Pearl, sharing premises in Newmarket. The boutique opened last week, offering Auckland women different New Zealand-made garments in one store - including The Carpenter's Daughter's 12-plus sizes. Visit and shop now at 25 Teed St, Newmarket.

After dark

Good news, this Friday sees the launch of High Street's new monthly Black Friday Late Night Shopping. Yay, no more rushing around at lunchtime or on busy Saturdays. Stores will be open until 9pm.