FAQs
About Junior
What is Junior Kids Store?
Junior Kids Store is an independently owned New Zealand boutique for babies and children, from newborn to age 8. We stock beautifully curated gifts, clothing, footwear, toys and everyday essentials from trusted New Zealand and international brands. You'll find us in Palmerston North and Napier, and online at juniorkidsstore.co.nz.
Who owns Junior Kids Store?
Junior was founded by Jo in 2003 and is still owned and run by her today. It's a family business at heart — Jo calls Junior her "middle child."
How long has Junior been open?
We opened in 2003, so we've been part of our community for more than 22 years. Some of our very first customers now come in with their own children and grandchildren.
How did Junior start?
Jo started Junior as a new mum with a one-year-old, freshly home in New Zealand after nine years living overseas. She wanted to bring beautiful New Zealand and international baby and children's brands to families in Palmerston North, back before online shopping was what it is today. She had never worked in retail before, and built Junior by listening to customers and sourcing more of what they loved.
Is Junior Kids Store a New Zealand business?
Yes. Junior is 100% New Zealand owned and operated, and we've proudly supported New Zealand brands and makers for over two decades.
Visiting our stores
Where are Junior's stores?
We have two stores:
- Palmerston North — 56 George Street, in the Hello George boutique quarter just off The Square
- Napier — 34 Tennyson Street, on the corner of Tennyson and Market Streets
Opening hours and contact details for both stores are on our Contact page.
Is there a baby and children's boutique in Palmerston North?
Yes — Junior Kids Store at 56 George Street has been Palmerston North's go-to baby and kids boutique since 2003. George Street is home to a lovely mix of independent shops and cafés, so it's easy to make a morning of it. Our George Street store is also featured in the Neat Places guide to Palmerston North
Is there a children's gift shop in Napier?
Yes — Junior's Napier store is at 34 Tennyson Street in the heart of the city. We opened in Napier because so many Hawke's Bay families were making the trip to our Palmerston North store, so we came to you.
What's the difference between the Palmerston North and Napier stores?
Palmerston North is our larger store and holds the widest range, as it also packs our online orders. Napier is a smaller, beautifully edited store with a taste of our new arrivals. If you're after something specific, give either store a call and we'll check stock or have it sent across.
Why visit Junior in person?
Because shopping for little ones should be a joy, not a task. In store you can touch the fabrics, try shoes on for fit, and chat with a real person who knows the products inside out. We remember your children's names and the sizes you bought last time, and we'll happily help you choose without any pressure.
Can you help me choose a gift if I don't know what to buy?
Absolutely — it's one of our favourite things to do. We'll ask a few simple questions, like what makes the child smile or what they play with again and again, and point you to something you'll feel good about giving.
What we stock
What does Junior Kids Store sell?
Everything for babies and children from newborn to age 8, including:
- Clothing
- Footwear
- Toys, including wooden toys and open-ended play
- Baby and nursery — blankets, linen and newborn essentials
- Everyday essentials — lunchboxes, backpacks, bibs, dummies, drink bottles, cups and cutlery
- Children's books
- Gifts and gift vouchers
What brands does Junior stock?
Our much-loved brands include Nature Baby, Cry Wolf, Jamie Kay, Bobux, Maileg, Connetix, b.box and Country Road, alongside a carefully chosen mix of other New Zealand and international labels. We've stocked Nature Baby for 17 consecutive seasons and Melissa & Doug for around 18 years.
Where can I buy Connetix magnetic tiles in Palmerston North or Napier?
Junior stocks Connetix magnetic tiles in both our Palmerston North and Napier stores, and online. It's one of our most-loved toy brands — open-ended, beautifully made, and played with for years.
What are Junior's most popular products?
The ones our customers recommend to each other again and again: Teething Tamer, Connetix magnetic tiles, Toshi sun hats, waterproof overalls, b.box lunchboxes, lambskin booties, Lamington merino socks, Bobux shoes, and Melissa & Doug Water Wow and sound puzzles.
How does Junior choose what to stock?
Every product is chosen deliberately. We look for things that are beautiful, well made and genuinely useful — pieces that will be loved, played with and passed on, rather than fads that end up in landfill. We'd rather stock fewer, better things.
Do you sell Country Road kids clothing online?
You can browse our Country Road range on our website, but it's available to purchase in store only.
What price range are Junior's products?
Most gifts sit between $20 and $200, and most clothing between $25 and $100. Whatever your budget, we'll help you find something special.
Gifting
Does Junior offer gift wrapping?
Yes — gift wrapping is free, both in store and online. Your gift arrives beautifully wrapped and ready to give, with no rewrapping needed.
What's a good gift for a new baby?
The best newborn gifts are beautiful and genuinely useful. Our customers love soft natural-fibre clothing from brands like Nature Baby & Bebe, lambskin booties, merino socks, or a keepsake toy. If you're not sure, tell us a little about the family and we'll help you choose.
Can Junior help with a baby shower gift at the last minute?
Yes. Pop in and we'll help you choose and wrap something lovely on the spot, or shop online and we'll wrap it for free before it's sent.
I'm a grandparent — can you help me choose something modern parents will love?
We'd love to. Many of our customers are grandparents, and we're always happy to share what today's mums are loving and what will actually get used. You'll leave feeling confident about your choice.
Do you offer gift registries?
Yes, we can set up a gift registry by request. Get in touch with either store to arrange one.
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Yes. Junior gift vouchers are available in store and online — a lovely option when you'd like the family to choose for themselves.
Shopping online and services
Can I shop Junior online?
Yes — visit juniorkidsstore.co.nz. Most of what we stock in store is available online, and online orders are usually packed with care by our Palmerston North team. A few small novelty items are in store only.
Does Junior ship throughout New Zealand?
Yes, we send orders all around New Zealand. See our shipping page for current delivery options and costs.
Can I use Afterpay at Junior?
Yes, Afterpay is available both in store and online.
Can I talk to a real person if I have a question?
Always. When you phone or email Junior, you'll talk to a real member of our team — someone who knows the products and is happy to help with sizing, gift ideas or stock questions.
Does Junior do corporate gifting?
Yes. We put together thoughtful baby and children's gifts for businesses — for staff welcoming a new baby, client gifts and more. Get in touch and we'll take care of it.
Do you supply childcare centres and toy libraries?
Yes, we supply quality, long-lasting toys and resources to early childhood centres and toy libraries. Contact us to talk about what you need.
Why families choose Junior
Why shop at Junior instead of a big-box store?
Because every product has been chosen with care, and every customer is looked after by a real person. We don't do fads, constant sales cycles or pressure. Instead you get quality things that last, honest advice, and a team who genuinely cares how your purchase works out for your family.
What makes Junior different from other baby stores?
After more than 22 years, we know our families. We remember your children's names, their last sizes and the people you buy for. Customers often help each other in store too, sharing what has worked for them. It feels less like a shop and more like being part of a community.
Is Junior a good place to find long-lasting, quality toys?
Yes. We favour open-ended, well-made toys that children return to again and again — wooden toys, Connetix magnetic tiles, Maileg and Melissa & Doug among them. These are the kind of toys that become keepsakes, or a special part of every visit to Nana's house.
Does shopping at Junior support local?
Yes. Junior is independently owned, employs local people in Palmerston North and Napier, and has supported New Zealand brands since 2003. We're proud to be part of the George Street community in Palmerston North and the Napier city centre.
What does Junior believe in?
That childhood is short, and the little things really do mean the most. We believe childhood should be magical and carefree, that shopping should be a joy, and that it's a privilege to share in the milestones of the families we serve.