Christchurch customers can enjoy an elevated shopping experience in our newly reimagined Merivale store.
Following a recent expansion that doubled our floorspace, we partnered with award-winning studio Designwell to create a light-filled showroom that feels distinctly Città.
Soft hues, bespoke fixtures, and an expanded layout create a warm, refined environment, while a dedicated consultation space allows customers to customise pieces with the support of our knowledgeable team.
The fit-out was brought to life by Alexander Wastney of Designwell and Città designer David Moreland, who previously collaborated on Hamilton’s MADE store. We chatted with Alexander and David to learn more about the transformation.
What was the brief for the Merivale store? What did you hope to achieve through the design?
David: Moving into a larger-format store is always an opportunity to showcase our ever-growing collection of textiles, accessories, furniture, and lighting in the best possible light. We want our locations to function as both a retail store and a showroom, and with the Merivale expansion we doubled the footprint—meaning the space is now beautifully fit for purpose.
Can you tell us about the building itself—any unique features that shaped the space?
David: The main goal was to open up the space and create a stronger street presence. We also wanted to soften the overall look and feel, so one of the key upgrades I was adamant about was painting the galvanised ceiling white. It may not sound like a major change, but I think it proved to be one of the most impactful improvements to the interior.
You previously collaborated on Hamilton’s MADE store. How did that existing creative relationship influence this project?
Alexander: David has a deep understanding of the Città brand, products, and customers, and has an excellent intuition for form, proportion, and detail. Having worked together previously made this project a lot of fun. We were both conscious of creating an environment that feels on-brand and a space that allows for constant change as new products are released.
The striking counter is a real focal point within the space. What was the thinking behind its materiality and sculptural form?
Alexander: The Merivale store had the staple showroom finishes of polished concrete, crisp walls, and floor-to-ceiling glass. The idea behind the counters was to introduce something warmer and textural to anchor both ends of the space. We were also looking for a material that wouldn't compete with Città's product finishes, and the natural limestone slips worked well for this.
David, a version of the Craft Cabinet runs the length of the store, providing both storage and display. Can you tell us more about this feature?
David: The Craft collection has been a really successful product for us ever since its release in 2022, so introducing a modular version was a natural extension. We also intentionally use the in-store environment to showcase how functional our products are, helping our clients visualise and understand how they could work in their own homes.
What aspect of the finished store are you most proud of?
Alexander: I love how clean and light-filled the space is. A big part of the design process was simply editing the existing finishes within the building and carefully layering in display platforms, allowing Città to be its confident, considered, yet understated self.