Beauty news: Kiehl’s opens in Westfield Riccarton, Christchurch

Since the opening of its original apothecary in New York City in 1851, Kiehl’s has become a globally renowned name in the skincare industry for serving its customers the finest formulations made with the most advanced skincare science and uniquely efficacious, natural ingredients. The customer has always been central to Kiehl’s, inspiring each and every company decision from development to sampling to service philosophy - and even the design of Kiehl’s store. 

Today, Kiehl’s opened the doors to its newest New Zealand location - a Westfield Riccarton boutique. The store is located on Level 1 next to Cotton On Kids, and a shot of the fit out can be seen above. 

Kiehl’s retail stores are inspired by the company’s 165 year heritage and a desire to offer an experiential customer journey. Each store around the world transports the customer to the original pharmacy while simultaneously offering the opportunity for customer discovery and learning. Their flagship Auckland store in the Britomart Precinct is one of my favourite local beauty destinations, and it is super busy with good reason. Kiehl’s is all about its loyal customer base, and I swear in just one visit you’ll be hooked too.

“Quality is a defining characteristic of our company, but so is discovery,” says Cheryl Vitali, Kiehl’s General Manager, Worldwide. “It is our goal to put Kiehl’s New York apothecary heritage, history of innovation, highly personalized customer service and generosity in the hands of our customers across the globe. The Kiehl’s retail store brings these company values to our customers in an immersive, inviting environment.”  

To translate the original Kiehl’s apothecary into new markets around the world, each material, design element and artefact has been meticulously chosen for a total immersion in the beautiful heritage brand. Traditional textures like warm wood, marble accents and vintage brass meet modern lab elements including glass and stainless steel. Beakers, test tubes and mortar & pestles celebrate Kiehl’s pharmacy traditions and original hand-made formulations. And true to its East Village roots, a New York attitude permeates every store, through eclectic design elements like neon lighting, wall murals, graffiti, and exposed brick walls. 

“From the minute a customer enters the store we want them to feel welcomed, in an unexpected way. It’s common to see new customers exploring the store, opening our books, inspecting Mr. Bones, perusing our vintage photographs, all before ever looking for a skincare product,” shares Maria Gustafson, Kiehl’s Senior Vice President of Global Creative and Retail Store Design. “Our stores tell a story about our history and our formulas all while creating an environment for customers to comfortably focus on their own distinct skincare needs. This is very unique to Kiehl’s.” 

Personalised skincare consultations, delivered by highly trained Kiehl’s Customer Service Representatives (KCRs) are a hallmark of the company’s commitment to service, and the new store will be no different. As they have since the 1970s, KCRs wear a white lab coat – a continued celebration of the Kiehl’s authentic pharmacy heritage and their skincare expertise. 

So what are you waiting for? If you’re in the ‘hood make haste to Kiehl’s new Westfield Riccarton boutique - you won't be disappointed!