Nood stores in expansion mode

Furniture on display at a nood homewares store in Auckland. Photo / Martin Sykes

Kathmandu founder Jan Cameron is to expand her Nood retail chain starting with the opening of a new flagship store in Newmarket tomorrow.

Nood (new objects of desire) now has seven stores but by the end of next year will add five more.

The homeware, giftware and furniture chain was launched three years ago into a tough retail market and the company asys it has deliberately remained low-key.

Cameron is thought to be New Zealand's wealthiest woman with an estimated personal fortune of $400 million.

A second new-look Nood store would open in Christchurch later this week and a further store in Tauranga will open later this month with three more to follow in other centres in the next 12 months.

Nood chief executive Heidi Barlow said the company had purposely maintained a low profile during the past three years to "refine its philosophy," build its team and streamline its operations.

"We were also mindful of the economic conditions that have prevailed for much of this time, but we are excited by what we will be unveiling in Auckland, Christchurch and Tauranga this month, and in other centres throughout next year," Barlow said.

There were plans to have more than one outlet in some cities, but they were being designed in such a way to complement each other rather than being a competitor, she said.

Cameron this week pledged $2 million to fight animal cruelty - and will give cash to anyone who dobs in farmers' cruel practices.