Shops (436-444 Glenfield Road)

The first block of shops is relatively new. Speedy Estate Agents and Land Developers built the second block in 1957. It currently hosts Cooper & Company (Harcourts) and a medical clinic. In the older block, Ted Gruebner opened an IGA (Independent Groceries Alliance) store in 1960. For years, he offered free home delivery and credit. In later years, the store became a dairy and video rental store and is now a restaurant and Liquorland. Next door is a beauty salon. This location has been some form of barbershop since the building first opened. The final three stores are a fast food, bakery, and dairy, with more businesses in back.

Percy Allison ran the barbershop from 1972 to 1987 and remembers his first ever visit to Glenfield in 1950:

I crossed from Auckland on the vehicular ferry to Birkenhead. Just beyond Onewa Road, the residential area ended and from then on to Orewa it was countryside all the way.

Continue north along Glenfield Road and then take a slight left onto Mayfield Road.