Auckland’s luxury furniture scene is poised for a significant expansion with the arrival of Italian design house Molteni&C, set to open a flagship gallery in Parnell. The showroom, currently under construction at 99 The Strand, represents a substantial investment by Dawson & Co, a Recent Zealand retailer that recently merged with Australian firm Cosh Living. The move signals a growing confidence in the New Zealand market for high-end design and a shift towards faster delivery times for premium goods.
The project, estimated to cost around $3.5 million NZD, will transform the space—formerly occupied by competitor Matisse—into a fully furnished showroom showcasing Molteni&C’s complete range, from kitchens and wardrobes to living and bedroom furniture. Dawson & Co director Scott Fisk said the upstairs of the building will be converted into office space for the business. This expansion comes as Auckland increasingly positions itself as a design destination within the South Pacific, according to Fisk.
The expansion is part of a broader strategic shift for Dawson & Co following its merger with Cosh Living six months ago. The partnership has enabled the company to streamline its supply chain and offer New Zealand customers quicker access to in-stock luxury furniture, particularly outdoor pieces. Traditionally, importing high-end furniture has involved lengthy international freight cycles, sometimes resulting in wait times of up to six months for items like Molteni&C wardrobes. The collaboration with Cosh Living aims to significantly reduce those lead times.
Consolidation and a New Retail Partnership
Alongside the Parnell expansion, Dawson & Co is consolidating its retail footprint by closing its North Shore location. Fisk explained that even as the store performed adequately, the company believes focusing on its presence in Auckland’s central business district—a growing hub for luxury retail—is a more strategic move. “More broadly, the residential market here has matured in a meaningful way,” Fisk said. “That’s being driven not just by investment, but by the calibre of New Zealand architects, interior and landscape designers, and the exceptional trades and material suppliers supporting them.”
The space vacated by Dawson & Co on the North Shore will be filled by Australian design studio Kett, headed by Melbourne designer Justin Hutchinson. Kett’s offerings will be exclusive to Dawson & Co and Cosh Living in New Zealand. This addition further strengthens the partnership and expands the range of high-end design options available to New Zealand consumers.
Auckland’s Rising Profile in Design
Fisk highlighted the increasing sophistication of the New Zealand design market, pointing to projects in areas like Te Arai, Jack’s Point, and Ayrburn as evidence of a growing appetite for international-standard design. “Projects in places like Te Arai, Jack’s Point, Ayrburn and across Auckland’s most established neighbourhoods demonstrate a level of design ambition that stands comfortably on the international stage,” he stated. “We see Auckland increasingly positioning itself as a serious design destination within the South Pacific. This investment reflects our belief in that future – and in the continued growth of a market that values considered, enduring luxury.”
The refurbishment of the Parnell showroom is being undertaken by B3 Construction, in collaboration with Bureaux Architects, Italian Stone and Surface NZ, and others. B3 Construction, founded in 2006, specializes in site work for commercial projects, offering services including concrete work, fencing, and dirt work, as well as metal buildings and welding. More information about B3 Construction’s services can be found on their website.
The building itself retains historical features, including original beams and remnants of old machinery, which will be incorporated into the new design. This blend of historical character and contemporary design is intended to create a unique and inviting space for showcasing Molteni&C’s products.
Dawson & Co’s investment in the Parnell showroom and its partnership with Cosh Living represent a significant commitment to the New Zealand market. The company is betting on the continued growth of demand for luxury design and a willingness among New Zealand consumers to invest in high-quality, enduring pieces. The opening of the Molteni&C flagship store is expected to further elevate Auckland’s profile as a destination for design enthusiasts.
The next step for Dawson & Co is the completion of the showroom fit-out, with an anticipated opening date to be announced in the coming months. Consumers interested in learning more about Molteni&C and Dawson & Co can follow the company’s updates online.
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