Molteni&C flagship store to open in Auckland as Dawson & Co expands

Auckland-based luxury furniture retailer Dawson & Co. Is significantly expanding its presence in the city’s design district, Parnell, with a $3.5 million investment in a new showroom. This move comes on the heels of a recent merger with Australian furniture business Cosh Living and a strategic consolidation of its retail footprint.

Expansion and Investment

The new gallery is being constructed in a building at 99 The Strand, formerly occupied by competitor Matisse. The space will showcase the full range of Molteni&C products, including kitchens, wardrobes, and living and bedroom furniture. The upstairs portion of the building will be converted into office space for the business.

Did You Know? The refurbishment of the new showroom is being undertaken by B3 Construction, in partnership with Bureaux Architects and Italian Stone and Surface NZ.

Strategic Shift Following Merger

Dawson & Co.’s expansion is directly linked to its merger with Cosh Living six months ago. According to Scott Fisk, director of Dawson & Co., the partnership has enabled the company to “reshape what it could do for New Zealand customers.” A key benefit of the collaboration is improved supply chain efficiency, leveraging shared warehousing and stock programmes across the Tasman Sea.

This allows Dawson & Co. To offer in-stock luxury outdoor furniture with significantly reduced lead times, a departure from the traditionally long international freight cycles in the furniture industry. Currently, Molteni&C wardrobe pieces can take up to six months to arrive in New Zealand, highlighting the potential impact of the new logistical arrangements.

Expert Insight: The consolidation of Dawson & Co.’s operations and the investment in a flagship showroom demonstrate a clear bet on the growing demand for high-end design in Auckland, and a willingness to address longstanding supply chain challenges within the luxury furniture market.

North Shore Store Closure

Concurrently with the Parnell expansion, Dawson & Co. Is closing its North Shore location. While the store performed adequately, the company determined that focusing on Auckland’s central business district and its burgeoning luxury scene was a more strategic use of resources than renewing the lease.

Fisk emphasized the maturation of the New Zealand residential market, driven by investment and the quality of local architects, interior designers, and tradespeople. He noted projects in areas like Te Arai, Jack’s Point, Ayrburn, and Auckland demonstrate a high level of design ambition. The company believes Auckland is becoming a significant design destination in the South Pacific.

The space vacated in the main showroom will be occupied by Australian design studio Kett, headed by Melbourne designer Justin Hutchinson, and exclusive to Dawson & Co. And Cosh Living.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total cost of the new showroom refurbishment?

The cost to fit out the new showroom space is “in the vicinity of $3.5m.”

What is the primary benefit of the merger with Cosh Living?

The partnership with Cosh Living has enabled Dawson & Co. To leverage shared warehousing and consolidated stock programmes, reducing lead times for customers.

Why is Dawson & Co. Closing its North Shore location?

The decision to close the North Shore store was made to consolidate operations and focus on growth within Auckland’s central business district and luxury design scene.

As Dawson & Co. Invests in its future, will this shift in strategy reshape the landscape of luxury furniture retail in New Zealand?