As Swedish furniture giant Ikea opens a pop-up in Cathedral Square to showcase its stock ahead of the Auckland store opening on December 4 in Sylvia Park, many new stores have or are set to open in Christchurch, except for an Ikea.
The fresh burst of commercial energy comes after a slow few years for retail. New food ventures, national chains, and niche boutiques are filling empty sites across the city, signalling renewed confidence.
Duck Island Ice Cream
Hamilton-based ice cream favourite Duck Island has expanded into the South Island. The new Christchurch store brings its small-batch, inventive flavours to local dessert fans.
Known for combinations like toasted marshmallow, fairy bread and blackcurrant elderflower, the shop is already pulling queues and adding a sweet new drawcard to the city’s hospitality scene.
The Christchurch location features up to 24 flavours on rotation, including vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly choices.
Duck Island Ice Cream is at the corner of Tuam Street and High Street in the Christchurch CBD.
North Beach, Tower Junction
North Beach has opened a new store at Tower Junction, reinforcing its status as one of Canterbury’s most recognisable lifestyle and surf retailers.
The new site offers expanded apparel lines, accessories and summer gear, positioning Tower Junction as a stronger destination for casual fashion and outdoor shopping in the lead-up to Christmas.
Founded in New Zealand in 1994, North Beach began as a surf shop and expanded into a nationwide chain. Its product mix includes clothing, footwear, and accessories from major international labels such as Billabong, Rip Curl, Nike SB, and Adidas Originals, as well as emerging local designers.
The Tower Junction shopping centre is at 4/4 Troup Place, Addington.
Rook Café
Rook Café has joined Christchurch’s growing speciality coffee scene, opening a sleek new space that focuses on quality brews and simple, well-executed food.
With minimalist interiors and an emphasis on local roasters, it’s quickly becoming a favourite.
It’s set in the redeveloped NZR Co Building, a heritage structure known for its mid-century modernist design.
The address places Rook Cafe near key civic and retail landmarks, including the Riverside Market and Ōtākaro Avon River Precinct.
Its building, originally built in the 1960s, is being redeveloped to offer mixed-use office and retail spaces while preserving its historic character.
Rook Café is at 159 Hereford Street.
Toastie Lords
Toastie Lords has landed in Christchurch with its unapologetically indulgent line-up of gourmet toasted sandwiches.
From slow-cooked meats to vegan-friendly fillings, the brand’s signature thick-cut toasties are designed for maximum comfort and flavour.
Its arrival brings another fun, fast-service option to the city’s evolving casual dining market.
Each sandwich is served with a golden crust that exemplifies its slogan, “Always Blow on the Toastie.”
The Christchurch location, at 3/181 High Street in the Central City, expands the brand’s reach from its original base in Picton to the heart of Ōtautahi’s dining scene.
Costco…eventually?
Speculation continues around whether Christchurch will secure a Costco of its own, with Rolleston often floated as the most likely site. While the retail giant has confirmed interest in the South Island, no official announcement has been made.
Even so, like the impact of the Ikea pop-up museum, the rumour mill has sparked debate over how a bulk-buy warehouse model might reshape local shopping habits and draw new foot traffic south of the city.
Lunana’s by Le Bakermen
Lunana’s by Le Bakermen is a boutique bakery café located in Christchurch’s central business district, within the Five Lanes at the BNZ Centre.
It offers a fusion of French pastry craftsmanship and Asian-inspired creativity, bringing a contemporary edge to Christchurch’s café scene.
Classic items like almond croissants, pain au chocolat, and cinnamon buns share counter space with unconventional creations such as hot-dog croissants, pistachio tiramisu, and onigiri onion-dip pastries.
The venue is part of the Le Bakermen Café & Bakery family, renowned locally for inventive croissants and artful presentation.
Hugo
Hugo positions itself as “a little corner of France” in Christchurch. Its kitchen focuses on classic French preparations, executed with precision and minimal fuss, showcasing staples such as rich sauces, seasonal produce, and artisan breads.
The bistro aims to capture the ritual of “mise en place,” creating a dining rhythm where detail and hospitality set the tone.
The restaurant is part of The Terrace riverside complex, home to several notable eateries, including Botanic, Amazonita, and The Craft Embassy.
The newly-opened French bistro is located on the first floor of The Terrace development at 126 Oxford Terrace in central Christchurch, New Zealand.
Chemist Warehouse, High Street
Chemist Warehouse is set to strengthen its Christchurch presence with a new large-format store on High Street, bringing its trademark mix of discounted pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fragrances, and everyday essentials to the heart of the CBD.
The bright, expansive layout will cater to both quick-stop shoppers and those browsing premium beauty brands, boosting foot traffic in one of the central city’s busiest pedestrian corridors.
Chemist Warehouse High Street is at 95 High Street, Christchurch Central City.
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