CIAL Retail
Stores
Hierarchy Group were the Lead Designers for the expansion of Christchurch Airport's retail and hospitality offerings in International Departures, which features the new Aelia Duty Free including Whittaker’s, Naturally NZ, Tiki Tour, and Relay.
The design of the Aelia Store drew inspiration from iconic features of Christchurch and the South Island to create a strong sense of place within the store.
For example, an angular timber mountain-scape ceiling was designed to represent the Southern Alps and connect different zones together. A graffiti wall featuring South Island flora and fauna served as the backdrop for the NZ Gifts area. A bespoke floral wallpaper highlighted the fragrance area and referenced Christchurch's reputation as the "Garden City," while other tourist attractions such as the Christchurch Tram, New Regent Street, and the Antigua Boat Sheds were also represented.
To ensure passengers flowed naturally through the space, a neutral palette of timeless and elegant materials was used as a background to the more themed elements. The project was delivered over a seven-month build period that was split into three stages. One of the challenges was to ensure the existing Duty Free store could operate throughout the build, with minimal noise disruption to passengers and airport staff. The success of the project was due to thorough planning during the early design stages and clear and open communication with all parties involved throughout the project.
While each store has its unique identity, they have been designed to complement each other seamlessly.
The design of the Whittaker’s store makes use of the brand's strong identity and existing material palette, with a luxurious golden glow emanating from the chocolate shop window that serves as a focal point along the airside store frontages.
The new store concept for Naturally NZ by Discover showcases New Zealand Merino products and features a contemporary interpretation of a woolshed, with a patchwork plywood shopfront, minimal materials, and New Zealand landscape imagery. The Tiki Tour store's design takes inspiration from the New Zealand outdoors, specifically a South Island bushwalk, with the forest canopy projected onto the ceiling to create a natural and inviting space. The Relay store has a more contemporary and uncluttered design, with angled linear lighting to create interest while still maintaining a strong brand presence.
