{"id":150735,"date":"2025-11-24T06:12:08","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T06:12:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/150735\/"},"modified":"2025-11-24T06:12:08","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T06:12:08","slug":"mocka-confirms-search-for-first-physical-store-despite-ikeas-pending-arrival","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/150735\/","title":{"rendered":"Mocka confirms search for first physical store despite Ikea\u2019s pending arrival"},"content":{"rendered":"
Since its acquisition, Mocka has slowly begun entering the physical market, bringing its furniture ranges to Adairs stores in Auckland\u2019s Sylvia Park and Christchurch\u2019s Tower Junction and to Adairs stores in Hamilton and Botany through its shop-in-shop initiatives.<\/p>\n
Mocka chief executive Cat Williamson is confident that the business can compete once Ikea opens on December 4.<\/p>\n
Now, Williamson has confirmed the business is \u201copen and actively looking\u201d for a location for its first physical store, with the business aiming for it to begin operation in the second half of the 2026 financial year.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we work toward securing the right site, we\u2019re focused on identifying a space that aligns closely with our customers\u2019 needs \u2013 a location that naturally fits within the communities we serve, offers ease of accessibility and a great space to showcase our range. Our search across the market is ongoing,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the meantime, our shop-in-shop partnership with Adairs provides valuable insights into different regions and customer behaviours throughout New Zealand, helping us refine what an exceptional in-store experience should look like for Mocka. We invite customers to share their views on where they\u2019d like to see our first standalone store open.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blue hue on the horizon<\/p>\n
The move comes as global flat-pack furniture retailer Ikea is due to open on December 4.<\/p>\n
Williamson said she was excited about what a global company like Ikea could bring to the visibility of design and the joy and love of flat-pack.<\/p>\n
She said the arrival will only help grow awareness of flat-pack furniture and the category in New Zealand, and said the fact Ikea decided to come to New Zealand was a sign that Kiwis are taking a keen interest in creating homes and spaces they love.<\/p>\n
On how the business can maintain its presence against such a big rival, Williamson pointed to Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve experienced strong growth in Australia, a market where Ikea is well established and has been in operation for 50 years.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis gives us confidence that if our focus remains on designing for Kiwi homes, offering great value and affordability and supporting our customers with a localised customer service team and lens, we will continue to resonate with shoppers in the New Zealand market.\u201d<\/p>\n
In Mocka\u2019s last full-year financial result, total sales rose 14.7% year-on-year to A$57.9m, with Australian sales growing by 31.0% to a record A$34.6m.<\/p>\n
Gross margin for the business also improved by 100 basis points to 59.4%, supported by product innovation, higher average selling prices and reduced promotional activity in Australia, despite elevated container rates and the weaker currency.<\/p>\n
However, the company\u2019s growth has a caveat: its performance in New Zealand, where it reported a modest 3% year-on-year decline.<\/p>\n
But Williamson said the business\u2019 momentum had shifted in the final quarter with a return to positive growth, noting that trajectory had continued with the eight weeks following June 30 delivering a strong 22% uplift in New Zealand sales and a 52% rise in Australia.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, Williamson said the business would continue to expand and refine its store-in-store trials across larger Adairs locations in New Zealand, while accelerating product innovation tailored specifically to local preferences through targeted, localised marketing.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver two decades, we\u2019ve built strong awareness and brand love in market, and we expect this to continue.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tom Raynel is a multimedia business journalist for the Herald, covering small business, retail and tourism.<\/p>\n