Auckland department store Smith & Caughey's unveils final window display

RNZ News

a day ago

Soon to close Auckland department store Smith & Caughey's has unveiled it's final Queen Street window display after 145 years.
The curtains were pulled back at 3:30pm on Thursday, where a projector played a slideshow of images commemorating the iconic store's heritage and people.
It accompanied another window display that was revealed on Wednesday, which reflects on Smith & Caughey's origins.
Smith & Caughey's historical window display showing store's history.
Photo:
RNZ/Calvin Samuel
Photo:
RNZ/Calvin Samuel
Photo:
RNZ/Calvin Samuel
About a dozen staff members came outside together to watch the display unveiling.
Smith & Caughey's acting chief executive Matt Harray was approached by RNZ, but declined to comment.
It comes as the department store's closing date was moved forward to 4pm Sunday, after originally being set to shut its doors on 31 July.
"It is with a heavy heart that we announce our official closure, 4pm Sunday 15 June 2025. Until then, we welcome you instore for one last shop, a friendly chat and perhaps a shared memory or two," said Smith & Caughey's on social media.
The post went on to say that the final Smith & Caughey's Queen Street window display, "shines a light on the rich history of our business, and our people".
Photo:
RNZ/Calvin Samuel
The store had announced in May that it intended to close, with 98 staff being made redundant.
Smith & Caughey's closed its Newmarket store last year and had reduced its Queen Street store to one floor.
At the time, the company cited increased competition from new shopping malls, continued economic uncertainty and low consumer confidence and spending power has contributed to their closure.
Smith & Caughey's also said many city office workers were continuing to work from home post-Covid.
Photo:
RNZ/Calvin Samuel
They said the city centre has also faced significant disruption and change in the form of ongoing roadworks and the slow progress of CRL causing traffic congestion.
The company said a large decline in foot traffic on Queen Street and an increase in parking costs had caused an impact, forcing the "heartbreaking" closure of the entire business.
Photo:
RNZ/Calvin Samuel
"We are acutely aware that this has been a difficult and uncertain time for our staff and today's announcement is a deeply emotional one for all the team, our suppliers and our loyal customers," Harray said at the time in a statement.
"Our intention has always been to address the business challenges so that Smith & Caughey's can continue. Every attempt has been made to achieve this and every feasible option investigated, no stone left unturned.
"However, it's sadly clear it is no longer viable for us to keep the doors open."
Photo:
RNZ/Calvin Samuel
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