The Cosmetic Store was a start-up concept targeting the Asian market based in Auckland’s CBD. They directly import cosmetics from Japan, China and Korea to cater for a growing market of Asian women looking for cosmetics to suit their particular skin tones, as well as Kiwi women looking for an alternative range of well-priced cosmetics.

The clients wanted a central location but their budget for rental was very limited so after looking at a number of sites in and around Auckland’s Queen St they settled on a first floor site in Victoria Street. The premises has some windows facing onto Victoria Street but these are at a high level above another shop and so are not very visible. The only access is the steep staircase, which provides only limited visibility into the shop.