The Southland Tribune; A tribute to H&J Smith

H&J Smith - more than a business, more than a department store. It's a place where special memories have been created and first purchases have been made.

Nov 16, 2023

We are breaking from the norm today…

This edition is a special one, it’s dedicated entirely to the 123-year-old H&J Smith department store, which at 3pm on Saturday will close its Invercargill doors for the final time.

Since 1900 H&J Smith has become much more than a commercial enterprise. The memories that its closure has triggered are a testament to that.

It’s been a meeting place for many and has helped foster a sense of community.

Today we salute the iconic Southland institution that is H&J Smith.

Saying goodbye to a Southland institution

H&J Smith has transformed from a department store into a museum-like attraction in its final days this week. People can be spotted filtering through the historic Invercargill department store despite there being little to no stock available to purchase. (READ MORE HERE).

The Timeline: H&J Smith's 123-year journey

From 1900 to 2023, the growth of a remarkable Invercargill-based business. Let’s take a trip down memory and recall the history of H&J Smith. (READ MORE HERE).

John Green's 3-to-5-year stint extended to 30 years

John Green arrived from Auckland with a young family to start the H&J Smith chief executive job on April 12, 1994. The plan was to spend three to five years in Invercargill before moving on. Green’s now eight months shy of 30 years in the role. (READ MORE HERE).

What now for the significant H&J Smith site?

From 3pm on Saturday one of the key pieces to Invercargill’s inner city jigsaw puzzle will sit largely empty and unused. For over 100 years the H&J Smith department store has operated from its 12000sqm site which is bordered by Kelvin, Esk, and Tay Streets. The department store will close for the final time on Saturday leaving question marks attached to the future of such a key site. (READ MORE HERE).

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Quick Quiz…

1. In what year was the H&J Smith company established in Invercargill?

2. H&J Smith originally opened as a what type of store?

3. What is the name of the iconic and long-time cafe in the department store?

4. Who has been H&J Smith’s chief executive for close to 30 years?

5. What is on display on the outside of the H&J Smith department store on the corner of Tay St and Kelvin St?

(SCROLL TO BOTTOM FOR ANSWERS)

Out & About….

H&J Smith closure - 3pm, Saturday - Invercargill

Saturday will put a full stop on over 100 years of the H&J Smith department store in Invercargill. The doors will be shut for the final time at 3pm.

To mark the occasion a bagpiper will walk through the store at about 2.45pm to walk out the customers at 3pm.

The H&J Smith staff team will then regroup and the Verdon College Kapa Haka group will give them a send-off.

In case you missed it….

Building problems: The Invercargill store is made up of 12 different buildings, built at different times, all of which have different seismic ratings which prevent subdividing of the space for other tenants or uses. (READ MORE HERE). (This article was first published in May).

Closure announcement: The H&J Smith Group is proposing to close its historic department store business. It includes the department store it has operated at the same site in Invercargill for 100 years. (READ MORE HERE). (This article was first published in May).

Significant job losses: H&J Smith staff were delivered the shock news on Wednesday that their employer plans to close its department store business. It includes the 12,000 sqm H&J Smith flagship store in the heart of Invercargill CBD which currently employs 220 people. (READ MORE HERE). (This article was first published in May).

Quiz Answers….

1. 1900 2. A drapery store 3. Copper Kettle 4. John Green 5. A digital clock