Retail Reimagined: International Brands Reshape NZ’s Shopping Scene

From homewares and jewellery, to fitness, and food, New Zealand is attracting forward-thinking retail brands eager to make the country their next chapter for growth.  

LSKD 

Born from an Australian legacy of motocross, BMX, and water sports, LSKD began with a deep-rooted passion for extreme adventure and community. The brand has successfully tapped into the global surge in activewear popularity—blending performance and style to meet the demands of a movement-driven lifestyle. In just six months since opening its first New Zealand store in Takapuna, LSKD has expanded to Christchurch and Bayfair, with Ponsonby set to open soon. This rapid growth signals a brand on the rise—one that’s not just selling fitness apparel but reshaping the retail landscape by building a movement.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds 

One of the world’s largest jewellery retailers, Malabar boasts over 400 showrooms across 14 countries and a global reputation for craftsmanship, quality, and ethical business practices. With a strong focus on sustainability and community impact, the brand is making a bold entrance into the New Zealand market with its flagship showroom opening at Botany Town Centre in East Auckland, marking the beginning of a broader national rollout. Malabar’s blend of tradition, innovation, and luxury is set to be a showstopping addition to New Zealand’s retail scene.

Skin Kandy 

Operating largely in malls, Skin Kandy is redefining body piercing and jewellery retail with a fresh, inclusive approach that resonates with today’s youth. The brand blends professional service with trend-driven aesthetics and with a strong emphasis on hygiene, style, and accessibility. Skin Kandy has carved out a distinctive presence in a niche yet vibrant market, recognisable by its bold pink and black branding. They are quickly becoming a standout retailer, with eye-catching stores soon to be popping up across the country. 

HOKA 

Celebrated for its signature maximalist cushioning and bold design aesthetic, HOKA has quickly gained traction among New Zealand’s vibrant community of runners and fitness enthusiasts. Hoka’s growing popularity reflects a strong appetite for premium sportswear that blends high performance with standout style, its brand recognition cemented in NZ by the opening of flagship stores in Auckland CBD and Manawa Bay. What makes HOKA’s arrival to New Zealand so interesting, is it is actually a return to NZ, given the brand was conceived in New Zealand with HOKA being the Māori word to fly.

Cinnabon 

The iconic American bakery chain made its much-anticipated debut recently, with sweet-toothed Kiwis flocking to try its signature cinnamon rolls. Its opening in Newmarket has sparked nostalgic excitement and highlighted the potential for indulgent food concepts in retail settings.

Lindt Chocolate 

Lindt has joined the fray with the launch of its first specialty store in New Zealand, bringing a premium chocolate experience to Manawa Bay. From seasonal gift boxes and self-serve pick-and-mix stations to its iconic hot chocolate, Lindt’s retail offering caters to an increasingly discerning crowd of experience-seeking shoppers.

IKEA 

IKEA’s long-awaited arrival is finally taking shape, with its iconic blue and yellow branding now visible on the horizon behind Sylvia Park. The countdown is officially on, with the megastore expected to open in late 2025. The PCNZ committee team is buzzing with anticipation—this is set to be a game-changer for New Zealand’s retail landscape and come Christmas, we wouldn’t be surprised to see flatpacks wrapped under trees across Auckland and beyond!