World Vision set to offer Kiwis a Christmas shopping experience like no other, with NZ-first pop-up shop

This November, just ahead of Black Friday, World Vision will open the doors to New Zealand’s first-ever store where shoppers can buy something and leave with nothing but the special feeling of helping others.

Located at 240 Broadway, Newmarket in Auckland, the World Vision Smiles Pop-Up Shop will provide a Christmas shopping experience like no other, selling items for children and families living in desperate need, in places like Uganda, India and Afghanistan.

From school supplies to a sewing machine, emergency food and the chance to help revive a forest, every item represented in the store reflects the need in the communities World Vision serves, and gives Kiwis the chance to purchase both meaningfully and sustainably this festive season. Shoppers will walk away only with a card featuring their chosen gift, which they can then pass on to a loved one this Christmas.

The store fitout has been specially designed by architects Tom and Anna Webster of Webster Harding Architects – Tom is also the host of Grand Designs New Zealand – and will be both a destination and experience in one.

“The World Vision Smiles Pop-up Shop isn’t your traditional shop, so this led us to design interior installations that will inspire and delight, giving Kiwi families and shoppers a new attraction to visit this festive season,” says Anna.

“Using cardboard tubing – made from 99% recycled paper – we have transformed what was an empty building space into something more magical; a Christmas grotto-inspired store, with sustainability at its heart,” adds Tom.

“Beyond showcasing the incredible Smiles gifts on offer, we wanted to give Kiwis the chance to elevate their usual Christmas shopping outing into a special experience that will leave a lasting memory,” Tom says, adding that he and Anna are really excited to have somewhere new to take their own kids and parents this festive season.

World Vision New Zealand’s national director, Grant Bayldon, adds that the charity is thrilled to bring its Smiles gifts to life, and give Kiwis the chance to the change the world with their shopping this Christmas.

“The past few years have been incredibly tough on the communities and families we serve, and so we felt called to bring our Smiles gifts to life, in the hope this will encourage more Kiwis to give in a more meaningful and sustainable way this Christmas.

“Our Smiles gifts start from as little as $10, and yet the impact they make for children and families in some of the world’s toughest places is truly life-changing,” he says.

Bayldon adds that Smiles is a great way to do something good in the world and have fun at the same time.

“Smiles gives shoppers a chance to say to a loved one: ‘I’ve bought you a present, but I’ve given it to someone who needs it more than you’.”

The World Vision Smiles Pop-up Shop is open from Thursday 24 November to Saturday 24 December. For full store opening hours, please visit wvnz.org.nz/smiles-popup

Those that can’t visit the store in-person can purchase a Smiles gift online at www.worldvision.org.nz/smiles