New Book Celebrates H & J Smith Legacy
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A new book set to launch this month tells the story of one of Southland’s most enduring institutions. In The Service of Others: The History of H&J Smith will be released on 25 November, offering a heartfelt tribute to the people and history behind the much-loved Invercargill department store.
The book, written by former Southland Times editor Clive Lind, was commissioned by H&J Smith Managing Director Jason Smith following the closure of the store in November 2023. It brings together more than a century of history, highlighting the business’s strong community ties and the stories of those who shaped its journey.
“What it really does is encapsulates and brings to a closure that difficult process we went through in 2023,” Smith said. “There will be some insights into how we did it and why we did it, that people will find very fascinating.”
Far from being a straightforward business history, the book offers a personal and emotional account of H&J Smith’s role in Southland life. Smith said, “Nowhere had we really drawn it out to the end and told the closure of the H&J Smith [store] story, so we thought that was important to get that out.”
Having reviewed the completed book, Smith shared that it includes behind-the-scenes moments following the store’s final day. “There are some stories of what happened once the doors were shut, so I think that is quite neat to bring that to life.”
H&J Smith wasn’t just a place to shop. For many, it was a social hub and a part of everyday life. “You can write the boring business side of it, but for a lot of people, it was their community, and it was their family,” said Smith. “They had great friends in the stores, both customers and the team that they worked with.”
He praised Lind’s approach to writing, noting that the author spoke with many people to ensure their stories were part of the wider narrative. “We wanted to start from a strong people perspective, and Clive picked up on that really well.”
Smith admitted that the decision to close the store was one of the hardest the company had faced. “Taking care of our people was very important,” he said. “The challenges we faced haven’t gone away, so the rationale for the decision is still very sound.”
Although the department store is no longer trading, H&J Smith Limited remains active. “Are we finished? No,” said Smith. The company continues to operate Mitre 10 MEGA Queenstown, Laser Electrical Invercargill and a significant property portfolio, including the former store building.
The book is both a tribute and a time capsule, capturing the spirit of H&J Smith and the people behind it. In The Service of Others will be available from 25 November at selected Paper Plus stores and online.