Casabella Lane – Hamiltons Own Cuba Street?

Hidden in the heart of Kirikiriroa, Casabella Lane stands apart in the CBD with its stunning Mediterranean architecture and beachy holiday feel. At just 200 square metres, the lane has everything you could want in a mall and more.

Heidi Christian, founder and owner of Heidi Christian Hair Salon, has a deep-set love for the location after running her rent-a-chair salon in the lane for the past 3 years.

Home to a diverse series of stores and small businesses, Casabella Lane is a location that suits Christian’s pursuit for artistry. “I wanted somewhere I can offer space to others, but work together collaboratively as a team. This place came up, and walking down the lane was so inviting.”

She noted that bigger malls in Kirikiriroa, like Centre Place and Te Awa, can be overwhelming for shoppers while Casabella Lane creates a better shopping experience for all with its tranquility and scenery. “It’s a nice spot to get away from the hustle and bustle from the city. You don’t hear the traffic, you hear the fountain and the birds”

Despite the amazing atmosphere, the best part of Casabella Lane for Christian is the community. To her, the camaraderie between store owners in the lane is what makes it so special. “I know that if I need something, I could go to any shop here and ask them.”

Christian reflected on how she will often recommend other businesses in the lane to her clientele, and that the salon has gained customers from her neighbouring stores doing the same. “As a business owner it’s very inviting and friendly. We all check in on each other, and we all share clients.”

This same sentiment was expressed by George Qiu, co-founder of Casabella’s very own multi award winning artisan chocolate store Bamboo Sweets. Qiu explained how they had help from a lot of the other small businesses in the lane when they opened, and how nowadays he too encourages his customers to try the other stores.

“I want more people to know this lane, to shop around and find something fun. Casabella lane is super artistic, and has a lot of different style of shops. You can eat your food, sip your drink and shop your clothes.”

And he’s right. Casabella Lane isn’t special just because of its architecture or location, it’s special because of the community formed by the diverse mix of stores and businesses. From eateries like Hello Rosie and Kino Sushi, clothing stores like Rent With SB and Zebrano, to hobby businesses like Poppies Bookstore and Gordon Harris Art Supplies, there is something for everybody at Casabella Lane.

Special thanks to Heidi Christian and George Qiu from Heidi Christian Hair and Bamboo Sweets.