European bed linen, sleepwear, and Le Creuset kitchenware sit alongside fine homewares and tea towels at Essence Of Style on Devon Street East in New Plymouth Central. It is the sort of curated gift and homeware boutique where quality brands anchor the shelves, offering everything from practical kitchen pieces to luxury gifts for the home.
Shoppers praise the lovely product range and the quality of the gifts, though experiences in-store can vary. While visitors admire the selection, some have found the service overly eager and hovering while browsing, and there have been frustrations with fragile kitchenware when a coffee pot handle cracked under everyday use. Weekend shoppers also note that its trading hours can feel tight if you are heading into town on a Saturday afternoon or looking for Sunday retail. One of three gift shops within a kilometre, it sits between Willo and Cherry in central New Plymouth.