All the world’s a stage for Changing Rooms

AHOME STAGING business that’s quintupled its gross income in three years is for sale for the first time since its inception.

Changing Rooms, at 5 Epiha St, stages houses and apartments for sale around greater Wellington.

‘‘With its focus on premium furnishings and accessories, and exceptional service and delivery, this business has gained a reputation for excellence and experienced substantial growth over the past 18 months,’’ business broker Belinda Wotton, of ABC Business Sales, says.

‘‘Many of the top agents from Tommy’s, Harcourts, Lowe and Co, Ray White, Just Paterson, Sotheby’s, Tall Poppies and Bayleys use its services.’’

She says the company is well placed for the future, with more than $300,000 in new stock having been bought since 2016.

‘‘It now has enough furniture, bedding, and accessories to style up to 30 house lots.’’

The sale includes not only the stock but also three vehicles to transport it.

There’s also the option to lease from the owner, or buy with the business, the large Paraparaumu warehouse, which includes a mezzanine for bulk furniture and separate rooms for soft furnishings and accessories.

Two outside containers store outdoor furniture and there’s space for two more, Wotton says.

‘‘A separate lockable garage at the rear of the building houses additional outdoor furniture.’’

The warehouse is alarmed with a full kitchen/staff room area, packing area and bathroom.

‘‘Its proximity to the motorway means the furniture can be transported easily into Wellington city and the surrounding suburbs,’’ Wotton says.

The owner, who’s relocating to Hawke’s Bay, works as a consultant, visiting the properties and scoping the staging required.

‘‘Because clients pay in full 48 hours before the staging, the business doesn’t carry any bad debts,’’ Wotton says.

The owner employs a full-time stylist and three casual contractors who assist with the packing and unpacking of the staging accessories and furniture.

‘‘She has deliberately kept the staff on as contractors to accommodate the seasonal fluctuations in the business,’’ Wotton says.

‘‘The quiet months are typically June to August. In any other month, she would book three-tofour house lots a week.’’

Wotton says this would make Changing Rooms one of the market leaders in Wellington.

‘‘The business has grown entirely through word of mouth and updating its website and Facebook page with photos of homes that have been recently staged.

‘‘It would be an ideal venture for someone with an interior design background or creative flair and a strong business acumen.

‘‘The stock is in excellent condition, as are the vehicles, which were bought new or near new.’’

Changing Rooms has an asking price of $425,000 (including stock and vehicles).

For more information, contact Belinda Wotton on 027 276 9029 or at belindaw@abcbusiness.co.nz.