Historic Auction at H&J Smith Department Store Draws Crowds and Enthusiasm

The auction began at H&J Smith Department Store, concluding the store’s legacy with the sale of its final lot.
Auctioneer Lynzy and Bill Todd hosted the event, drawing in both regular attendees and first-time auction-goers.
Positive reactions highlighted, with attendees enjoying the experience and banter.

The auction at H&J Smith Department Store commenced on a memorable Saturday morning at 9:30 am, with Bill Todd warming up the crowd before handing over to the day’s auctioneer, Lynzy.

Starting in what was formerly known as the Outdoor Adventure Store and weaving through the main store premises, including the once-popular Mooch Cafe, the event drew towards a historic conclusion. Related:

By the afternoon, the auction reached its final moments with the sale of the last lot, number154, successfully bid on by Paschael, who joined Bill and Lindsay for a commemorative photo. This moment marked a poignant end to the legacy of H&J Smith Department Store, as observed by Mike Sanford, the founder of whatsoninvers.nz

Esti Henang with some her mannequins from the auction. Photo: whatsoninvers.nz

Auctioneer Lynzy Francis shared his reflections on the day: “It was fantastic. The people stuck around and supported right to the end. There were some highs and there were some lows, but I think everyone really enjoyed themselves. And the banter was fantastic, absolutely fantastic.

A lot of new faces today, people who hadn’t been to an auction before, which probably made it a little bit more difficult. But hey, we had a couple of hiccups along the way, but we straightened them out and they were quite happy about it, so very good. All in good spirit.”

Within hours of the auction ending many items including mannequins were for sale on Facebook marketplace.

Good crowd ready for some bargains. Photo: whatsoinvers.nz

For what William Todd & Co auctions that are up next go here