New-look showroom opens

Archibalds has celebrated the official opening of its revamped Range Rover Defender showroom in Christchurch after an 11-month building project and a multimillion-dollar investment.

The extended showroom at 38 Tuam Street adds 388sqm and space for seven display vehicles. 

Sales, service, parts and accessories have also been brought together under one roof as part of the redevelopment. 

New spaces at the site include a configuration studio, a private client consultation room and lounge, a dedicated handover bay, multiple client lounges, an accessories wall and a barista bar.

The changes have created new roles at the business, with a new host, technician and salesperson taking the Range Rover Defender at Archibalds team to 27.

Archibalds notes the redevelopment project involved a large team of consultants and subcontractors, led by engineer and architect Engenium and head contractor Hanham & Philp. 

Mark Milligan, general manager, says: “Archibalds has been part of the Jaguar Land Rover story for decades, and this is our most significant investment in that relationship yet. 

“We’ve built a space around the way our clients want to experience Range Rover, Defender and Discovery today, from configuring their vehicle to the moment they take the keys.

“It’s a big step towards our ambition of being the South Island’s leading premium vehicle destination, and we’re proud to open the doors.”

The showroom was officially opened with an evening event for about 80 guests, including members of the JLR Owners Club and senior JLR leadership, on September 24. On display was the limited-edition Defender Trophy Edition, pictured below.