Ponsonby store is an object of desire

An interior view of The Object Room at 61 Mackelvie St, Ponsonby

Located at street level the leased shop area is 117sq m and comes with 21sq m of courtyard area and one carpark. The lease commenced in November 2012 on a four year term with two rights of renewal of four years taking its potential final expiry to 2024 if both rights of renewal are taken up.

"This owner-operated business opened in 2011, with the vision to create a distinct retail experience by selling everyday objects that have both functionality and style," La Hood says. "The owners, Luke McCarthy and Timond Chu,are Ponsonby identities who hand pick the brands - selecting products based on their uniqueness, design and craftsmanship.

"They have introduced an eclectic and stylish mix of items to the New Zealand market including aromatic products, bags, wallets, jewellery, stationery, gadgets, office accessories and much loved designer-pet products."

La Hood says the merchandise is often found and sourced directly from designers and manufacturers that Luke and Timond have met on their overseas travels.

"As a result, the store reflects global ideas and trends, with items chosen for their originality and aesthetics. Because many of the brands are exclusive to The Object Room and shipped from all over the world, overseas travel has been a lifestyle feature of this business in order to maintain the well-stocked shelves.

"As a turn-key opportunity, the new owner will inherit the stylish fit-out and established suppliers of the dedicated product lines - along with the space to add their own personality to the business concept."

La Hood says the store currently operates with one full time staff member, and one part time member of staff currently working 20 hours per week.

"Employing social media has also helped to showcase the product range, with the development of a well-performing online store reaching a much wider audience. This has helped to establish a second tier business to complement the Ponsonby retail shop."

La Hood says the retail space features concrete floors, 'industrial look' exposed ceilings and a floor-to-ceiling glass frontage. A perforated pattern on the shop facade is reminiscent of the Victorian or Edwardian shop frontages of a bygone age.

The entrance to The Object Room in Ponsonby.

"While Luke and Timond have flourished as part of the Ponsonby business community and are proud of the brand concept that they have created, they are now ready to pass the baton to a new owner to further develop what they started," says La Hood. "They have also offered to assist new owners with the business handover for a period of time to ensure a smooth transition."

The Object Room is part of the Mackelvie Street Retail Precinct designed by RTA Studio. The precinct was the winner of the Commercial Architecture category in the 2015 New Zealand Institute of Architects' awards.

"With its quality retail outlets, this street has become 'the place to be' as a design and fashion hub," says La Hood.

Viv Rosenberg, general manager of the Ponsonby Business Association, says The Object Room has become a "point of difference" in the suburb's retail mix.

Leah La Hood, ABC business broker

"The business would suit someone seeking a lifestyle change who wishes to become part of a strong retail community," says La Hood. "It would appeal to a career person seeking a new challenge, or a couple wishing to work together or, alternatively, a similar business wishing to expand into Ponsonby," she says.

"This sale represents an opportunity to take this business to new heights while enjoying the lifestyle it offers and also taking advantage of the prospect of international travel to source new products for the store. It's a chance for someone to become part of a vibrant established business community and make their mark".