Shopping Guide: PlaceMakers Ahuriri
Tumu ITM: Your Shopping Guide
Why You Should Visit
Based on my experience, Tumu ITM offers several advantages for both casual and trade shoppers.
- Exceptional Service: You'll find consistently helpful and friendly staff. Many reviewers highlight the outstanding service and willingness of staff to assist. The team often goes above and beyond.
- Knowledgeable Staff: The staff is often very knowledgeable about their products. You might find staff members, like Glen in the timber department, who possess specialized expertise (Glen is a carpenter).
- Competitive Pricing: Shoppers can expect competitive and even the best prices in Napier. Several reviews explicitly state lower prices than competitors.
- Convenient Experience: The location offers a convenient drive-through select & pick-up service. There is also lots of parking and a trailer service available.
- Good Product Selection: You'll find a big product range, particularly for timber. The store is organized with a good and easy-to-view layout.
- Trade-Friendly Environment: The store is trade oriented, and is set up for ease of shopping for the trades, with staff ready to help.
- Positive Interactions: You can expect a helpful and friendly experience from staff that is now many people's "go-to" store.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
While generally positive, my experiences show that there are also potential drawbacks to consider.
- Potential for Delays: Be aware that the counter service can sometimes be slow. You may need to allow extra time, especially during peak hours. Waiting times of up to 45 minutes have been reported.
- Inconsistent Service Experiences: While most interactions are positive, experiences can vary. Some reviewers encountered instances where staff were unhelpful or prioritizing other customers.
- Negative Interactions for Smaller Purchases: If you are not buying industrial amounts of timber, you might experience being "spoken down to".
