Queen St is set to welcome back New Zealand retailer Farmers on Thursday with the opening of the refurbished store aiming to impress inner-city customers.
The retailer takes over the former Whitcoulls store, which has moved into the Little High St arcade.
Interior designer Robbie McMillan says that in contrast with other Farmers stores, he has tried to keep as much of the natural lighting as possible - the marble entrance opens up to a vaulted two-storey atrium, with panelled pillars and original windows.
"When we first came in, there was a really light and airy feel on [the top floor] and that was something we really wanted to keep, and build on," Mr McMillan said. "Generally in a Farmers store if there's a window we'll cover it to get the stock up, but this Farmers has an amazing opportunity with all of the windows for people walking past to look up and see into the store."