Invercargills H&J Smith Buys Dunedins Arthur Barnetts Store

Local family department store chain H&J Smiths have announced the purchase of Dunedins Arthur Barnetts last remaining store in the Meridian mall.

The sale of the historic Arthur Barnett department store is set to end 112 years of the brand in Dunedin, but ownership of the shop will remain in the South.

Under the H&J Smith brand, the store will stay in the Meridian mall, with the company securing a new 10-year lease in the George St complex.

Managing director Jason Smith, of Invercargill, also gave an assurance that his privately-owned company planned to keep the landmark 1924 ”Can’t Stop” horse-and-rider neon sign on the roof of the building.

H&J Smith purchased the Arthur Barnett Balclutha store in 2001.

The companies

Arthur Barnett

• Established in 1903 by Arthur Barnett

• Began as a drapery for men and boys

• Has 4200sq m Dunedin store in Meridian mall, plus online outlet

• Has about 80 employees

H&J Smith

• Operating since 1900

• Board includes third and fourth generation Smith family members

• Stores in Invercargill, Gore, Queenstown, Te Anau and Balclutha

• Owns Mitre 10 stores in Invercargill and Queenstown, financial and property interests

• Has about 500 employees