TAKING STOCK
Inside the new David Jones
When Kirkcaldie & Stains closed its doors, shoppers spoke of loyalty – but Wellingtonians have traded in an old love for a hot new thing in a heartbeat.
Yesterday morning, the capital’s new David Jones department store opened to the public – and rapidly became so swamped with curious shoppers that at lunchtime the door staff had to enforce a ‘‘one in, one out’’ policy.
The opening day reviews glowed, and shoppers agreed: Kirks has been replaced with a younger, sassier model.
But she doesn’t come cheap. Tantalising Chanel, Valentino, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen handbags brought the average price-point up a notch – perhaps one of the reasons for the anti-shoplifting alarm gates at every bathroom door.
The makeover of the Lambton Quay store also impressed yesterday’s customers, who called it cheerful, clean and modern.
The old tea-rooms, a watering hole for Kirks customers since 1863, has been transformed into a contemporary cafe serving gourmet brioche-bun burgers and chips.
The Kirks staircase, now replaced by escalators, offers a multi-level vista. ’’I think it’s a step-up. Lots of names,’’ shopper Michelle Bryson said.
‘‘More expensive, yes, but you’ve got a lot of overseas brands here as well ... the shoes are outrageous, but fun for girls – young girls,’’ Jane Richards added.
Fresh new entrants to Wellington – cosmetics brand Benefit, Australian fashion houses Bec and Bridge, Camilla and Marc, and Saba – appear to pitch the ambience at a different market from Kirks.
Yasmin Nouri, who bought a MAC lipstick, thought DJs appealed to a ‘‘younger demographic’’, and she might be tempted beyond the makeup floor.
‘‘I think this appeals more to, like, my age group. Like, this whole store ... whereas Kirks, I wouldn’t go to the rest of it.’’
Nancy Sandilands was thrilled to finally experience the new offering: ’’The biggest difference is, of course, in the stock. It’s real luxury stuff,’’ she said.
‘‘I just think it’s lovely. I’m so thrilled it’s finally open. I’ve been looking through the black curtains for so long.’’