I fell in love with a brand of shoes called TOMS when in LA a couple of years ago, and am thrilled to see them now sold in Sitka (a store in Newmarket, Auckland).  Having been called Imelda Marcos (due to my love or should I say obsession with shoes) it has made me (in my mind something of an expert) on this subject.There is much to like about these shoes – comfort being a key ingredient, followed by their durability and the materials used.  I also like the fact they are very much under-stated in their appearance and that with “every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need.  One for One.”   There is a strong sense of giving to a good cause and the ethos behind what TOMS stand for has been with me since that first purchase.

The Sitka store is definitely worth checking out located in the shopping precinct of Newmarket, Auckland.  Not only do they sell clothes and shoes, but they are also heavily involved in surfing – should you be in the need for a new board!  The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and obviously enjoy what they do.  On entering the store, you have this immediate feeling of being in a log cabin located in the rugged outback.  Could this be something to do with the name Sitka (being a tree that grows along the shoreline of Western Canada) where the company was founded?.

For me visiting this store was one of those rare retail experiences that makes you want to come back for more.

Yellow Tulip