Paige Parnell
A Passion for People, Retail, and New Challenges
Paige is a self-proclaimed ball of energy and a natural conversationalist (or, in her words, "just loves a good yap"), traits that make her a perfect fit for the fast-paced world of retail. She credits being a middle child for shaping her personality of wanting to stand out and be heard.
Her passion shines through in her role at LSKD, where she leads a team of 17 with enthusiasm and expertise. With the brand’s newest location now open on High Street, she’s bringing her signature energy to the forefront, ensuring both her team and customers have an exceptional experience.
Paige’s retail journey began in Tauranga at just 13 years old, and her passion for the industry has never wavered. For her, the reason is simple: being a natural conversationalist, she thrives on meeting incredible people and embracing each day's unique experiences. She also highlights one of retail’s biggest perks - rapid career progression in the right company for those ready to step up. Taking that challenge head-on, Paige became a store manager early in her career and has since held diverse roles in customer service, online sales, and regional management at brands like Esprit, Storm, Sunglass Style, and more.
With a love for learning about different brands, she enjoys bringing her own flair to every place she works, and these roles have taken her from Tauranga to Auckland to Canada and now to Christchurch.
When asked what took her to Canada, she shared that her partner, who was in the Navy, was transferred there to repair and bring New Zealand warships back home. True to her adventurous spirit, Paige also embraced a new challenge while living in Auckland, signing up with a talent agency. Before she knew it, she was on the set of Shortland Street, making appearances in a couple of episodes just weeks later.
Beyond her passion for retail, Paige has a big heart for those in need. She fondly recalls her time at Flo & Frankie, where she helped a homeless man named Wiremu, who often sat outside her store. Noticing his sign, she offered him some honest advice: “You’re asking for money to feed your dog, but your dog looks well-fed.” She then rewrote his sign to say, “My dog is well-fed, but I am not.” Within minutes, a customer handed him a $100 bill - an act of generosity that left him a bit overwhelmed. But Paige didn’t stop there, using the other money he had collected (about $40) set up a pay-it-forward tab at Fulla Bean, a café across the street and personally topping it up to ensure Wiremu had access to warm meals and coffee. Even after the tab ran out, the café continued the kindness, proving that small gestures can create lasting change.
Paige is an avid reader, finishing over 120 books last year, and loves a good hike - one of the many reasons she enjoys living in Christchurch. With its abundance of scenic trails, it’s the perfect place for her to embrace the outdoors. She also finds the people here friendlier, attributing it to the city’s slower pace compared to Auckland.
Recently, Paige and her partner achieved a major milestone—buying their first home, which felt out of reach in Auckland due to soaring house prices. When asked what brought her to Christchurch, she shared that while she was managing the Flo & Frankie flagship store in Newmarket, Auckland, they were opening a store in Christchurch city centre and insisted she take the lead. With little time to spare, she packed up her car and moved everything down in just two days. Good thing she’s got endless energy! Her partner now out of the navy followed a couple of weeks later and managed to get a transfer with the nationwide company he worked for.
As for the future? Paige has her sights set on becoming a Regional Manager for LSKD, a brand she admires for its commitment to giving back and genuinely supporting its staff. She brings her own unique style to management at LSKD, believing that work should be fun. Her approach? Every store team member must learn three things about each customer who walks through the door, which she believes creates a welcoming atmosphere without any pressure to buy.
Step into the store, and you’ll immediately feel the infectious energy. And with that winning mindset, it’s only a matter of time before she reaches her goal!
Parking
With over 10,000 car parks in the city centre, find one where you need it.
Central City
Classics
From the Cathedral Square markets to the Margaret Mahy playground, these beloved central city experiences always draw us back to the CBD.
Riverside Mural
This mural provides a new perspective on street art and demonstrates the rich heritage of a time past, remembering the...
Transitional Cathedral
The Cardboard Cathedral, formally called the Transitional Cathedral, in Christchurch, New Zealand, is the transitional...
Captain James Cook Statue
The Cook Statue in Victoria Square, Christchurch, commemorates the three journeys of James Cook to New Zealand.
Kate Sheppard Memorial
The Kate Sheppard National Memorial, located in the city of Christchurch, is New Zealand's first memorial to the...
Central City Classics
From the Cathedral Square markets to the Margaret Mahy playground, these beloved central city experiences always draw us back to the CBD.
Captain James Cook Statue
The Cook Statue in Victoria Square, Christchurch, commemorates the three journeys of James Cook to New Zealand.
Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings
The Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings were the buildings of the Canterbury Provincial Council.
Dahlias Artwork
Seven oversized dahlias bloom in the central city.
