One of Auckland's biggest retail developments is closing in on an opening date, with luxury retailer Faradays expecting to launch its $30 million flagship store on either Saturday, September 19 or Saturday, September 26.
The three-level department store was originally expected to open in the former Milne & Choyce building on Queen Street mid-year.
However, work on the store is continuing.
The opening comes amid speculation about whether Kim Kardashian could be in New Zealand, following reports of a SKIMS shoot in Queenstown.
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A Faradays spokesperson told OneRoof they were not aware of Kardashian or any SKIMS representatives planning to travel to New Zealand for the opening.
But Faradays is keeping its wider plans firmly under wraps, saying it has an “extensive roster of events and activations planned over the next months”, but was unable to reveal details.
Skims, co-founded by Kardashian and Jens Grede in 2019, will be available for the first time in New Zealand at the new Faradays department store. Photo / New Zealand Herald
Asked whether a Kardashian could make an appearance at the store, one source said: “You never know.”
The speculation comes as A Little Bit Extra host Sharyn Casey posted about a possible SKIMS shoot in Queenstown, asking whether anyone had heard or seen anything, and if Kardashian could be in New Zealand.
OneRoof understands a SKIMS shoot is happening in Queenstown and that Kim Kardashian was expected to be involved. However, there have been no confirmed sightings of her there.
Meanwhile, a Queenstown local, who asked not to be named, said: "It's revolting weather down here, so no one is going to be swanning around town. I can't even see Coronet Peak."
OneRoof has sought comment from SKIMS about the Queenstown shoot and Kardashian’s possible involvement.
Another social-media post referenced claims Kardashian and Kate Hudson may have been at Snow Farm near Wānaka. Snow Farm has told OneRoof Kardashian has not been there.
SKIMS, the brand co-founded by Kim Kardashian, was the first Faradays revealed for the new complex.
The 3000sqm Faradays store is taking shape, with the elaborate fit-out including a sculptural marble staircase running from the ground floor to Level One.
Another staircase will contain 33 tonnes of concrete and will be floating so it won't touch the ground.
The store is expected to employ 80 people and have 130 brands. It's headed by Faradays chief executive Edward von Dadelszen, alongside developer Andrew Krukziener and property investor Mark Francis.
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