A New Chapter for A&C

To our lovely A&C community.

As we welcome the new year and all the shiny opportunities it brings, it is with pleasure and much excitement (and perhaps a touch of sadness) that we share with you some news about our A&C family. 

After seven years at the helm of this (big) little business, Alex and Corban Walls are setting off in search of new adventures. And by setting off, we mean probably remaining right at home in Beach Haven and by new adventures, we mean, well, maybe a crab hunt at their local Island Bay Beach, because what’s next on the Walls’ agenda is spending more time with their kids and creating space for a new chapter.

Having launched A&C Homestore in 2015, pre-babies and with a hopeful yet very humble vision for the business, the pair never expected their journey would lead them to run a national retail brand encompassing four stores, one warehouse, and a mighty team of twenty-eight. 

As the Walls family grew by two children, their A&C family multiplied in factors of ten. And while Alex’s unmistakable style may have been felt in each store set-up and new collection, the reality is the wider A&C team and its talented members have been helping to run the show for some time.

From seasonal range building, shoot styling and marketing to merchandising, stock management and customer service, there are many hands working to create the brand and retail experience you love (you can get to know them all a little better over here).

The creativity, personality and warm, welcoming nature of Alex and Corban have been foundational in crafting what A&C Homestore is today. These values will always remain at the core of the business, shaped and shared by the people working in it every day.

And now, joining the ranks as new owners and heads of the A&C family are sisters Abbe and Kerry, two interior enthusiasts and long-time A&C Homestore customers who bring with them a wealth of experience in creative brand management, retail, and fashion. They are supported by the knowledgeable team, and Alex, who will remain on board for the time being in a consultative, Brand Ambassador role. 

With some exciting plans in the pipeline – including new A&C product ranges, the introduction of beautiful local brands and makers, and an even more personalised customer experience and interior design service, 2023 is set to be a good one for A&C. 

To help you get acquainted with new recruits Abbe and Kerry, we asked them to answer a few questions about themselves, which you can read below, and for a final word from the Walls, head over to read this note from Alex.

Meet Abbe & Kerry

01 Tell us a bit about yourself?

Abbe: I’m a mama of two beautiful kids, Delphi aged nine (cartwheel obsessed) and Xander aged seven (football crazy) both of whom are creative and wonderful and growing way too fast. Kerry is my sister-in-law and makes the best chocolate brownie in the world. 

Kerry: I have spent the past 18 months building and furnishing our new home and loving the process. It’s so nice to be living in it now and seeing all the interiors coming together. We have 5 adult children who are in the process of starting their post school or university lives and come and go and make life interesting and fun. Abbe is the best sister-in-law because she has a great eye for design and she loves my baking.

 

02 What drew you to A&C Homestore?

We have loved watching the growth of this business both as customers and keen home owners, and to now become the new owners of this brand we feel very excited and lucky to be here. We love how A&C Homestore is a place to come for inspiration, advice and products that are curated and timelessly designed. Knowing that this is what you love to see – we are committed to continue bringing you new and exciting products for the years to come and a ‘next level’ customer experience. 

 

03 What gets you out of bed in the morning?  

Abbe: My impatient cat Aki scratching me on my face to get me up to feed her and then COFFEE!!!  But then, I love seeing concepts and products come to life from start to finish and then see how they are styled in store or used in people’s homes. It’s a real buzz to have a vision that comes together exactly how you envisage it in your head.

 

04 Can you describe your perfect weekend?

Abbe: My perfect weekend would be enjoying some sunshine, visiting a local café (Ozone in Grey Lynn is a fave or Ampersand in Orakei Bay Village when visiting our Orakei store) and spending time with family and friends. I also adore a dinner and movie date. On Sunday afternoons I just love pottering around the house, decluttering, sorting, and getting ready for the week ahead.

Kerry: I love going for a walk on a beach or in the bush, being out in nature – especially with friends or family – and having interesting conversations about life and the universe.

 

05 How do you go about making your home feel refreshed or new?

Kerry: Think about how you will use the room and where the light comes from at different times of the year. A cosy winter space has different requirements than say an open plan bright summer look. Rearrange your furniture into zones to give your space a new feel. I like to add colour with cushions, throws, flowers, books, photos or plants.

Abbe: I find the best way to reinvent a space is to declutter and find a home for all the items that have snuck into piles over the months (years!). Then reposition furniture, pick your colour palette and go from there. Purchase a couple of new items to give it a new feel. In the bedroom, a new set of bed linen or bedside lamp for example. In the lounge, new cushions in various textures and shapes will give things a fresh feel, or perhaps redecorate your coffee table with some gorgeous new coffee table books, candles or fresh flowers. New art is always a great way to change up a space too!

06 Do you have any special A&C pieces you’re eyeing up currently?   

Kerry: We have just had our brand new pool completed so you will find me pool side all summer long with these beauties:

- Hug Lounger White
- Wireless Speaker 
- Grid Beach Towel 

Abbe: I’m keen to refresh the outside of my house, so I’m eyeing up a new outdoor table and chairs for our deck.

- Jerry Chair White
- Milano Round Concrete Table
- Summit Peak Floor Rug Khaki