A High Court judge says carpet maker Cavalier Bremworth breached the Fair Trading Act and found the firm made misleading statements about warranties for a new range.

When I bought a USB charger, the shop said if there were any problems they would replace it, but not refund my money. I thought this was odd. And it broke the first time I used it. What are my rights here?

The debate over GST on international purchases is raging in retail. Ask any cycle shop owner and you'll get an impassioned speech on the subject.

New research shows 45% of Generation Y gym-goers did not read the terms and conditions before they signed up for their gym contracts.

At least one retailer in Devonport is blaming the downturn in her business on British immigrants.

What do racing and retail sales have in common? Both industries are suffering unfair competition from offshore websites.

Home delivery of fruit and vegetable boxes is a booming industry. Chances are, several companies deliver in your area.

Offers of low interest rates on credit cards are tempting but consumers may end up paying more than they realise.

Bad eyesight can prove to be expensive. A friend just spent $1,500 on a pair of glasses.

Fake "scratch and win" tickets are still circulating.

Soft drink ice can contain more bacteria than toilet water, according to reports from the UK and US. But Kiwis are more likely to pick up bacteria from unwashed fruit than from ice in drinks.

Retailers in revamped Victoria Park Market say they are feeling the pinch as renovation at the historic site drags on.

Auckland has been credited with "leading the way" in the fight against sunbeds after passing a bylaw that requires all commercial sunbed businesses to be licensed.

The average age of a car in New Zealand is almost 14 years, but motor groups say people are putting themselves at risk.

The British Food Standards Agency has sparked new debate, advising English consumers that it is safe to eat eggs two days after their best-before expiry date. They are hoping to reduce food waste.

People should not buy low-wattage heaters expecting to save money on heating, experts say.

Kiwis spend $1.6 billion on their pets annually. We pamper our pooches more than our grandparents ever could have imagined.

Once upon a time headphones were boring. Now they're to die for. Any self-respecting gamer or music-lover probably owns several sets.

More Kiwis are shopping online than ever before, with more than half of New Zealand adults contributing to $3.7 billion of internet sales last year.

New Zealanders spent a staggering $60.4 million on bottled water at petrol stations and supermarkets last year.

Some of the most expensive places in which to build in New Zealand are not the big cities with highest demand and dearest house prices.

Booking a last-minute taxi is impossible for Aucklanders confined to wheelchairs, a Herald on Sunday survey has revealed. And when they do get a taxi, they are charged extra.

Last year, we bought an Equinox Tent from FCO in New Plymouth for $899. We used the tent for six nights. This year, we camped again and on about the sixth night a storm came through the campsite and ours was the only tent that was felled.

Gourmet supermarkets are becoming more popular in the Auckland region. Shoppers looking for quality produce, artisan products, and obscure ingredients are flocking to Nosh Food Market, Farro Fresh and smaller delis.

Charles Blower knows better than anyone how quickly body-corporate levies can skyrocket.

Apartment purchasers are being caught out by legislation that requires developments to have a maintenance plan - but not the funds to implement it.

Developers are worried Auckland Council will bow to public protest over its unitary plan and housing projects will continue to struggle to get going.

Have you ever bid "too much" for something on Trade Me? You're not alone.