Beauty retailer Mecca has opened its newest cross-concept store, combining its Mecca Cosmetica and Mecca Maxima offerings, in the heart of Christchurch’s CBD.

The new 224sqm store houses more than 75 of the world’s most sought-after brands of makeup, fragrance and skincare products.

It also features a Perfumeria, housing brands such as Le Labo and Frederic Malle, and three ‘Play Bars’ which will provide customers with space to experiment with the latest beauty buys and learn new techniques.

Eight additional makeup stations have been made available for applications, consultations and beauty treatments.

According to the retailer, the Garden City store is the first of its kind on the South Island.

Carly Emery, Mecca’s New Zealand country manager, said it was a natural next step to bring a bigger, brighter Mecca to Cantabrians, following the success of its Auckland and Wellington stores.

“Our Mecca Auckland and Mecca Wellington stores have been so well received and given the great development happening in Christchurch lately, we didn’t think twice about bringing our latest concept to the city,” Emery said.

The brand made its initial foray into Christchurch in 2009 with the launch of Mecca Cosmetica Ballantynes, just weeks before the devastating earthquake. Mecca supported its staff throughout the extensive rebuild period, including providing alternative employment opportunities within other regions where possible.

The retailer said it had to close its Mecca Maxima ANZ Centre, which opened its doors in 2016 and was the first of its kind in the country, to make way for the concept store. Its 17 employees carried over into the new store and an additional five staff members have been added to the team.