A Grand Design for World Vision pop-up shop

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Tom and Anna Webster of Webster Harding Architects used recycled cardboard columns to create interest and undulating volumes. Image: Supplied

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The World Vision pop-up store promotes meaningful and sustainable gifting through its pay-it-forward gifting options. Image: Supplied

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The World Vision pop-up store will be open until 24 December 2022 at 240 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland. Image: Supplied

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In the lead-up to Christmas, World Vision have opened the doors to New Zealand’s first-ever store, designed by husband and wife Tom and Anna Webster of Webster-Harding Architects. The pop-up aims to encourage Kiwis to give to those in need — giving a gift of 'smiles' — and purchasing both meaningfully and sustainably this festive season.

Located at 240 Broadway, Newmarket in Auckland, the World Vision Smiles Pop-Up Shop will be selling items for children and families living in desperate need, in places like Uganda, India, and Afghanistan.

Smiles gifts for loved ones can be given in the form of a card (pictured here).

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. 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 current 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 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.

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