Maman — Local services in Ōrākei

I had a bit of an unfortunate experience purchasing a pair of sale trousers online. The trousers on the model looked a nice tailored fit, not a baggy one requiring a belt to pull it in. I bought the size 8 (I always wear a size 8) and when they arrived I held them up and they looked like a size 18. I dashed to the shop in my break and the lovely sales staff explained that the sizing is French and how an 8 is actually a NZ 12 (the trousers could fit two of me in to them so I am sticking with my 18) but they kindly said I could swap them for a 4 (apparently, a French 4 is a NZ 8). Unlike the trousers the model is wearing on the website the trousers do not have the same tailored fit and the 4's are more a size 12 than a NZ 8. I had viewed their sizing guide, which isn't particularly helpful as the comparative French sizes are 36, 38 etc. Anyway, it was nice of them to exchange a sales item and the friendly staff were helpful. Maybe it could be mentioned on the website that for the particular trousers that I purchased the sizing runs large (huge). I myself acknowledge the importance of being aware of overseas sizings and that an 8 is a 12 (in this case an 18 actually) and a 4 is an 8 (in this case a 12). Off to get them taken in as, apart from the sizing, they are a beautiful pair...

I want to have a minor gripe about Maman. I ordered a t-shirt through the online store and when it turned up it was not quite the colour I was expecting. I thought, as I only live 20 minutes away I would make the trip over to change the t-shirt and make sure I could see the colours in person. Admittedly, I probably should have phoned first to check but I was surprised to be told on my arrival in store that I couldn't change my t-shirt here that it had to go back to their internet office. Maman have two stores as far as I can tell. This is the first time I have taken goods back to any store when they haven't been able to change it there. Frankly, I don't get it, or the slightly superior attitude of the staff....

To give Maman two stars is being generous! I spent an awkward 10 minutes looking at their homeware items, Ralph Loren towels, Versace ashtray etc with their shop assistant hovering 15cm from my face looking annoyed that I was touching anything &that I was browsing in a hi-viz vest. There seemed to be x4-6 shop assistants but none were actually working, just waiting to appear at the elbows of a shopper (who has a Versace leather jacket), and make me feel like a shoplifter or poor person not worthy of shopping at Maman!! It was a VERY unpleasant & awkward experience. Don't put yourself...