Canterbury Playcentre Shop — Local services in Christchurch

We have never written a review before, but felt compelled to do so after our recent experience — we have never been treated so poorly by a salesperson.

After finding a beautiful hand puppet on your website that we knew our little boy would love, we decided to support a local business and made the 40-minute drive to your store the next morning. We had every intention of purchasing additional items as well.

From the moment we entered the store, we were ignored. Unable to find the puppet, we approached a staff member for assistance. Rather than offering to help, she remained seated, looked at us as though we were a nuisance, and curtly stated that the item was not in stock.

When I mentioned that I had seen the puppet listed as in stock online just the night before, she scoffed and dismissed it, saying, “That was a couple of days ago.” I reiterated that I had checked it only the night prior, but she responded in a slow, condescending tone, explaining that “0 stock means no stock.”

I politely asked if she could check the website and update it to reflect that the item was out of stock. She claimed it already was. Not wanting to escalate the situation, we left — only to notice her standing by the door, on the phone, watching to make sure we had exited.

We walked away feeling confused and genuinely hurt by the treatment we received. After returning to our car, I checked the website again — and sure enough, the puppet was still listed as available and could be added to the cart.

We make an effort to shop locally and support small businesses, but this experience left us feeling incredibly disappointed. Sadly, you’ve lost what could have been a loyal,...

Such a warm service and knowledgeable for each developmental stage of what would be a good idea for individual children. Helped me with making sure I knew all the functions of the toy I had purchased before I left the store. There is so many affordable gifts for children of all ages and great tools for the teachers on the family. We always look forward to...

Great deal with The Canterbury Playcentre Shop. Purchased on line a product for our grandson which arrived superquick & fabulously packaged so no damage. Will look forward to dealing this way again in the future. Thanks all those at T C P shop. Kind...