Ballantyne's, Timaru & Christchurch
"Now we cross Canon Street and arrive at one of the oldest surviving men's
and ladies' outfitters in our city. This was and still is J. Ballantyne and Co.
Ltd and of course is a subsidiary of the parent firm in Christchurch. They have
the knack of supplying top-quality goods even though they also have a
top-quality price", wrote Trevor Griffiths in December 2007.
The Ballantyne's branch in Timaru was opened in 1883 and moved to its present site in 1913. It is interesting to note that the architects for the Stafford Street building were Messrs Clarkson & Ballantyne: Mr Clarkson being a son of the founders of Dunstable House, while Mr Ballantyne was a nephew of John Ballantyne. New premises, 314 Stafford Street, was opened in 1986, and the shop extended into the first floor of this building in 2006. History
From yesterday's newspapers
Timaru Herald, 12 April 1879, Page 4
JOHN BALLANTYNE, (Of Dunstable House, Christchurch) Having disposed of his
retail business, it is found necessary to reduce the Stock quickly. For this
purpose some of it will be SOLD IN TIMARU. It has always been the custom of
Messrs J. Ballantyne Co. to clear out articles of fashion at the end of each
half year. What will now be offered for Sale is, therefore, quite new, being
this season's importing. More suitable Premises not being obtainable, THE
FORESTERS' HALL has been secured for a short time, and we purpose making our
first display on Tuesday 16th April.
ONE SHILLING OFF EVERY POUND PURCHASED FOR CASH. J. BALLANTYNE AND CO.,
Foresters' Hall, Next Council Chamber, Timaru.
Timaru Herald, 8 August 1879, Page 1
DUNSTABLE HOUSE, CASHEL STREET, CHRISTCHURCH AND FORESTERS' HALL, TIMARU. ON the
17th day of last October, I sold my business here in Dunstable House, possession
to be given in August next. The Stock was to be in amount about the same as it
was at August Stock-taking, 1878, so that I find I must dispose of from Twenty
-six to Twenty-eight Thousand Pounds (£26,000 to £28,000) worth of Stock at some
price. To effect this object, I shall, offer the whole Stock of over £65,000
worth, at such prices as will accomplish my purpose of bringing it to the
desired amount. John Ballantyne, trading as J. Ballantyne & Co.
Timaru Herald, 29 December 1883, Page 2
This is to Certify that we have this day sold our business, stock, and book
debts to John Ballantyne, 24 Coleman street, London. Signed this 7th day
November, 1883. WOOD & SMITH.
Referring to the above, I beg to intimate that I have sold the said business,
book debts and Chattels to Josiah Ballantyne, William Henry Pratt, Robert
Dawson, David B. Bowie and James R. Triggs, trading in Christchurch as J.
Ballantyne and Co., J.H. Wood retaining an interest in the business. J.
Ballantyne and Co.,'s Receipt for any Debts owning to the late Firm will be a
Full Discharge as given by myself. John Ballantyne, Merchant, 24 Coleman Street,
London.
We the Undersigned confirm the foregoing Notice, and beg to say that the
BUSINESS will have the constant care and attention of Mr BOWIE and Mr WOOD. We
have made arrangements for monthly shipments b steamer from London to
Continental markets. Thereby securing the latest novelties As they appear. Being
Manufacturers of men's hats, we have unusual facilities, and are enabled to keep
a fresh and well-assorted stock of the leading Shapes. Another Special Feature
in Our Business is Men's, Youths' and Boys' - clothing, made of the best Mosgiel,
Roslyn, and Kaiapoi Tweeds, by our own tailors, at lower prices than the
ordinary Imported Goods. J. Ballantyne and Co., Shepherd's Building.
Timaru Herald, 20 January 1885, Page 2 Bowker
Buildings
Mr C. Bowker lately had plans prepared and called for tenders for alternations
to the lower fronts of those shops which are collectively known as "Bowker's
Buildings." The architect for the work is Mr M. de H. Duval,
and Mr Alex. Sinclair has been chosen to carry it out. The alterations are
extensive. Complete new fronts are to be put and the shops except the one now
used as a stationery and book dept. The window frames will be set much lower
than the old ones, will be glared with plate glass, 11ft by 6ft 6in....
Reverting again to the exterior alterations, the present verandah is to be taken
down and the shape of the roof is to be somewhat altered, and the line of it
will run quite straight from Messrs Gabites and Plante's old shop to the one at
present a occupied by Mr Whittaker. The verandah will be finished in keeping
with the fronts. We understand that Messrs Ballantyne and Co. will move into the
shops as soon as they are ready, which will not be long as the contractor is
well forward with his work.
Timaru Herald, 17 December 1887, Page 2
Some days ago Messrs Ballantyne and Co., Victoria House, purchased the entire
stock of the South Canterbury D.I.C., at the enormous discount of 75 per cent
off the original selling price. Messrs Ballantyne and Co. never do things by
halves, so they very properly at once decided to give their friends, customers,
and the public of Timaru generally the full benefit of this timely and fortunate
purchase. During the whole of this week their large staff has been busily
engaged marking the stock down to sale prices, which m very many cases will be
found to be less than one-fourth the original soiling prices, and certainly if
we may judge from these prices, the public will have an opportunity of
purchasing at figures which appear almost impossible to sell at, they are so
low. Catalogues giving full particulars have been sent all over South
Canterbury, and the name of " Ballantyne and Co. " is a guarantee that the goods
to be sold are of first-class quality. The sale begins to-day, and will be
continued till further notice.
Timaru Herald, 7 February 1891, Page 3
A very enjoyable game of cricket was played in the domain on Thursday between
Messrs Ballantynes employes versus the other drapers, resulting in an easy win
for the combined team by 40 runs. Appended are the scores. J. BALLANTYNE AND
CO.'S ASSISTANTS.
1st Innings. 2nd Innings. Strachan b Bussell 3 b Allen 1 L. Pagat b Allen O b Bussell ... O Shrimpton b Allen O b Allen ... ... 1 W. Paget c and b Bussell ... 2 c Pritchard b Allen 0 b Allen 1 Finley c Gerity b Allen ... ... 4 c Triggs c Irwin b Bussell ... 7 c Needbam b Allen 2 not out 4 Thompson c Gerity b Bussell ... 1 Werry b Allen ... O b Allen 0 Mitchell not out 0 b Allen 0 Extras ... 1 Total ... 24 10
Timaru Herald, 22 March 1895, Page 3
Despite the bleak afternoon yesterday, the Canterbury Farmers' Co-operate
Association played a very enjoyable game with a team from Ballantyne's, the
former being victorious by 47 runs. The following are the scores : —
Ballantyne's.
Price, c Shirtcliffe, b Jones 13 Lightband, b Boys 1 Stonehouse, c Wilson, b Jones ... 2 Heron, c Wilson, b Jones 8 Needham, b Jones 0 Kelly, c Shirtcliffe, b Boys 1 Smith, c Wilson, b Jones 6 Findlay, run out 0 Matthews, run out 0 Matthews, not out 0 Cowie, c Jones, b Boys 16 Extras 9 Total ... 56 Boys took 3 wickets for 24 ; Jones 5 for 23.
Timaru Herald, 20 June 1895, Page 2
On Mr F. Smith leaving the employment of Messrs J. Ballantyne and Co., with whom
he has been for some years, to take up his new appointment at the Farmers'
Co-operative Store, Mr F. Hooper, on behalf of the employees of Victoria House,
presented Mr Smith with a beautiful set of gold studs and sleeve links as a
token of the goodwill that had always existed between them, and wished him every
success in his new sphere. Mr Smith feelingly replied, thanking them for their
handsome present and good wishes.
6 May 1896: The bride wore a handsome travelling costume by Mrs King, of Ballantyne and Co.,'s, in navy blue face-cloth skirt and velveteen bodice, with picture hat in satin felt to match, trimmed with velvet and birds.
Timaru Herald, 18 February 1897, Page 2
A match will be played at the Victoria (Ballantyne's) Tennis Court this
afternoon between four members of the club named and four from the Trinity
Recreation Club. The teams are Victoria — Messrs Stonehouse, Finlay, Lightband
and Allen ; Trinity — Messrs Mayne, Blake, McLeod, and either Austin or Wright.
Play will start about 3 o'clock, and will consist of men's doubles and singles.
Timaru Herald, 5 June 1897, Page 2
The annual reunion of the staff and friends of Victoria House (J. Ballantyne and
Co.) was held in the Barnard Street Hall on Wednesday last. The attendance was
large, and the hall was prettily decorated. An excellent musical programme was
given by promoters and visitors, and dancing was very much enjoyed. The stage
was fitted up as a drawing-room, and there were card rooms and other attractions
for non dancers. Mr- Shields' band discoursed capital music, and Mr Sutherland's
catering gave the greatest satisfaction. The social was one of the best Victoria
House ever held, and the staff left nothing undone to induce the visitors to
thoroughly enjoy themselves.
Otago Witness 17 August 1899, Page 40
Mr John Ballantyne, late head of the firm of Ballantyne and Co., drapers, aged
74 years, is dead. Deceased arrived in Christchurch in 1872, and of late years
devoted himself to farming at Ruapuna, Mount Peel.
Timaru Herald, 8 August 1899, Page 3
MR JOHN BALLANTYNE. News reached Timaru yesterday of the death
at Christchurch on Sunday of a gentleman whose name is a household word in most
households in Canterbury,
Mr John Ballantyne, former head, and father of the
present principals, of the well-known firm of J. Ballantyne & Co. The deceased
was a native of Selkirk, Scotland, and came out to the colonies in 1852. He was
first engaged to manage the Adelaide branch of the drapery business of McArthur
and Co., and presently started in business on his own account in Adelaide. In
1872 he came to New Zealand and purchased the Dunstable House business from Mr
W. Pratt, and soon after established the Timaru branch, and acquiring the
residence of the late Mr R. Turnbull, Mr Ballantyne spent much of his time in
Timaru. In 1879 the business was formed into a company, and Mr Ballantyne being
relieved from most of his former business cares, and having a passion for
farming, he acquired a farm on the Rangitata and became a South Canterbury
settler, and paid great attention to the improvement of his farm. Mr Ballantyne
was an earnest member and liberal supporter of the Wesleyan Church, and when at
his farm Ruapuna held an unsectarian service. He leaves a widow, three sons and
five daughters The deceased was a man of excellent business capacity combined
with the utmost integrity, and leaves behind him a stainless name, and an
example for all business men to follow. His funeral takes place at Christchurch
to-day, and a number of Timaru people went up last evening to attend it.
Star, Christchurch
Tuesday 26 January 1886 Marriage
BALLANTYNE - HAYNES - on 18 January at Dunedin, Josiah Ballantyne, son of John
Ballantyne, Esq. of Timaru to Jessie Montgomery Haynes, eldest daughter. of
Daniel Haynes Esq. of Dunedin.
Friday 18 September 18 1891 Marriage.
BALLANTYNE-HAYNES - On September 15th, at Trinity Church, Dunedin, by the Rev.
W.C. Oliver, William, third son of John Ballantyne, Timaru, to Mary Jane
(Jennie), second daughter of Daniel Haynes, Dunedin
Improvements at Ballantynes
Timaru Herald, 6 April 1891, Page 3
Autumn Display
Timaru Herald, 3 April 1899, Page 2
Messrs J. J. Grandi and Co., coachbuilders, last week put out to the order of
Messrs Ballantyne and Co. two very fine sample vans for use of the firm's
travellers in the country districts of South Canterbury. The vans are fourwheelers, fitted with shafts, and the body rests on springs coupled on the
American system, so that riding is as easy as though the driver were on an air
cushion. The bottom framing of the body is cut up the sides from the seat
forward, to give the fore-carriage a better lock, and so that this will not
weaken the framing, an iron plate running along the outside takes the place of
the usual bead, and another iron plate running along the inside of the frame,
the double plating makes the whole extra strong. A number of improvements have
been introduced. On each side of the body above the front wheels is a door,
which enables the traveller to easily get at his samples there ; the driver's
seat is so constructed that it can be utilised as a desk ; underneath what is
known as the lady's seat is a recess for the wrench, and other odds and ends ;
and the tailboard of the van is utilised as a counter. To effect this all
fastenings were done away with, a rest slides out from the underfloor of the
body, and the board drops upon it, the rest being edged with rubber to minimise
jar and wear and tear. The roof of the van is flat and waterproof, and the
furniture of the whole vehicle is of the best— Howe and Burleigh's silvermounted
patent lamp, American axles, etc. The colouring of the vans is dark green lined
straw colour, with the monogram of the firm m gold on the front side-panels. The
workmanship and finish reflect the greatest credit on the builders, and the
vehicles should fulfill all that is expected of them.
Timaru Herald, 13 September 1899, Page 3
Messrs J. Ballantyne and Co., the widely known drapers, announce that their new
show room will be opened on Friday next and following days for inspection by
customers and others interested. The new rooms are among the latest additions to
the business places of Timaru, and are situated at the back of what u« at
present the ladies' department of the well-known establishment. The addition is
of brick, and largely bulks in the view from Woollcoombe street. We had a look
over it yesterday, when the staff were very busy preparing for the special
display on Friday, next. The rooms are reached by a very fine staircase
springing from the floor of the main shop. The stair is a choice piece of work,
the turned pillars being of rim a and the moulded hind ratings of the same
choice timber. The standards arc painted a dead white, and the whole effect is
exceedingly neat. The show-rooms are panelled, and surmounted by a very bold
cornice, the ground tinting being a pale yellow, while the edges of the
mouldings carry the necessary brightness m faint rose-colour, the effect
altogether being exceptionally good. Mirrors, showcases, mantle stands, cables,
etc., comprise the furnishings, and when all are "dressed" the show-rooms will
present a very handsome appearance. One excellent feature of them is the perfect
lighting, the range of windows to south and east being admirably placed. The
success thus attained has resulted in great good to the main shop also, which
has a very fine appearance as viewed from the landing m the new show and mantle
rooms. The building of these has also enabled the management to entirely remonel
the lavatories and other offices, which are capitally appointed and furnished.
The new block has been well designed by Mr J. Turnbull, architect, and
faithfully built by Mr P. Pringle (builder), Mr. E. Hall (bricklayer), and Mr J.
Craigie (painter and plumber). The addition of the block necessitated minor
alterations here and there, such as a new exterior staircase to the tailoring
department, and interior remodelling of the men's outfitting department, and a
new staircase from the main salesroom (the ladies'). All these improvements m
addition to adding to the comfort of the staff m the dressmaking and tailoring
departments, add greatly to the efficiency of the working of the establishment
as a whole, and enable customers to get about expeditiously and comfortably. As
seen yesterday, the season's shipments were being rapidly put into their proper
places, and though Friday's chief attractions are to be the displays in the new
rooms mentioned, visitors will no doubt be only too pleased to walk through the
entire place, and agree with us that "Ballantynes, Timaru," is an establishment
that South Canterbury is very proud of.
J. Ballantyne & Co Ltd Timaru
Fashion Parade - 10 October 1951
The names of the persons, were scrawled on the back of the photograph, I don't
know which name belongs to which face: Sylvia Fisher, Janelle Black, Esther
Wallaby/Waleakey??, Jacqui McDougall, Judith Fairbrother, Hillary Hayhurst,
Winifred Larsen, Joy Evans, Betty Jackson, Ngaire Ruddenklau, Evelyn
Bray/Brady??, Mary Parsons. S.O. Bremford Studio photo.
Location, location location
Ballantyne's
is still located in Timaru at the top of the
town, Stafford St. north and still has fashion shows and window displays and
everyone in South Canterbury know where Ballantyne's is located, it is a
reference point.
Timaru Herald, 3 December 1885, Page 2
New Business.— We are glad to notice that the shop next Ballantyne's which has
been unoccupied for some time will be again occupied on Saturday as a grocery,
crockery and ironmongery store. The business will be under the management of Mr
J.G. Robertson.
Timaru Herald, 6 October 1887, Page 4
D. Corsair, Furnishing Undertaker, Main South Road, opposite J. Ballantyne, &
Co.s, Timaru. Private Address— Regent Street, St. John's Wood.
Timaru Herald, 18 February 1896, Page 2
The Misses McRae— Have started business as dressmakers, opposite Ballantyne's.
Timaru Herald, 15 November 1898, Page 2
J. B. Lister— Has opened fruiterer's and confectioner's shop opposite
Ballantyne's.
Timaru Herald, 16 November 1898, Page 2
J. Barrie - Has opened fancy goods and confectioner's shop opposite
Ballantyne's.
Timaru Herald, 3 June 1899, Page 2
At the Magistrate's Court yesterday, before the Stipendiary Magistrate, a farmer
named Neil O'Boyle was charged by Sergeant Fraser with negligent driving in
Stafford street, about 5 o'clock last Saturday evening. He pleaded not guilty.
Constable Dalton, who said he had driven horses for many years, stated that
defendant drove out of Trilford's stables, and as the horse was fresh and played
up a bit he used the whip upon it and made it worse. The horse plunged about and
got on the footpath opposite Ballantyne's. J. Morgan was called as a witness,
but appeared to have changed his opinion as to defendant being in fault since
the incident. Defendant called H. Bourn, who stated that he was coming up the
street and saw the mare playing up. He thought he saw what was wrong, and he
took her head and led her to the bottom of the street and altered the reins, and
then she went quietly enough. The reins had been so attached as to make the bit
severe. He thought the whip bad been used to keep the mare off the footpath,
because she would not steer with the bit. Defendant made a statement giving a
similar explanation. His Worship said he was not quite satisfied but would give
defendant the benefit of the doubt, and dismissed him with a caution.
Timaru Herald, 13 June 1899, Page 3
Building By-laws. Mr Cullmann applied for permission to remove a stable now
encroaching on a right-of-way at the back of Ballantyne's, or to cut 9 ft off
the end and close the end with iron ; and for leave to build a 2-stall stable on
the same section. A long discussion resulted m the first request being granted
(for the cutting back of the shed, not for its removal)
Timaru Herald, 10 March 1900, Page 4
The information was laid by Mounted Constable Crawford, Inspector of Abattoirs.
Sergeant Fraser said that on the 1st inst. Mr Mills' man slaughtered a calf in
the butcher's shop next door to Ballantyne's, and stated that he did it under
the direction of the defendant. The place was not licensed.
In May 2011 across Canon Street on opposite corner is Coffee Culture, a cafe. Across street at 307 Stafford Street is Katmandu, a store selling camping clothing and gear. It used to be Smiths City furniture but they are now down opposite Browne Street, on High Street.
In 2011 Ballantyne's in Timaru still stocks golliwogs. They are made in Australia and are called a Kate Finn Golly. Most New Zealanders have fond memories of gollies from their childhood and want to pass the same thing on to their children. They are a good toy for both girls and boys too.
Christmas just around corner for Ballantynes - The Christmas window has been popular in CHCH since 2002 and a large crowd will be expected to attend its unveiling. In past years the window has needed cleaning up to four times a day – "a sure sign of success".
Ballantyne's on the corner of Stafford & Canon Streets, Timaru.
On Stafford St.
Ogilvie, Gordon: Ballantynes: the Story of Dunstable House 1854-2004
(The Caxton Press, 2004)
available from Ballantyne's. 264 p. : ill. (some col.), ports. (some col.),
31 cm. Notes: Includes information on Timaru House (previously called
Victoria House), the 1947 fire, and 20th century fashion. Includes
bibliographical references (p. 258) and index. A recent work which tells the
story of a single company. But it is a company which has played a highly
significant role in retailing in Christchurch and the book includes information
about the central city’s physical development and its social history. It
includes the best account yet of the tragic Ballantynes fire of 1947.
Ogilvie, Gordon: Business histories and the Ballantynes story.
Publisher: Christchurch, N.Z. : Canterbury History Foundation, 2004. 15 leaves ;
30 cm.
The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Canterbury Provincial District] 1903
page 300
Photos CHCH
J. Ballantyne & Co Ltd, Christchurch's landmark retail establishment.
The firm's founder, John Ballantyne, captured in
pencil by renowned colonial artist Sydney Lough Thompson, watches over
proceedings, at the CHCH store, from his frame on the wall, alongside
black-and-white photographs documenting various stages in Ballantynes' history.
1885 Dunstable House,
1901Cashel Street,
1901 showroom,
furniture factory, the 3rd Dunstable House c.
1900,
stables,
1947 fire
No-one does it like Ballantynes
I
agree. I was enjoying a little retail therapy in Ballantyne's in Timaru and
asked if they had The Bank Street Collection 100% wool tartan rug - full throw -
locally made in Timaru, (the Bank St. mill closed
in 2008). I don't normally shop at Ballantynes but was after this special item
that I had seen advertised in The Press for their stall at the Royal
Show in CHCH in November. They didn't have any so a call was made to their CHCH
branch in the CBD and they had a few left. A couple of days later I was there in
CHCH and as soon as I walked into Ballantyne's someone realised I needed help
and immediately went out the back and came back with the plaid rugs, as they
were not on display, only three patterns left, so I selected two Mackenzie
tartan as I was from Fairlie and two red tartan rugs, Royal Stewart, - perfect gifts for
overseas family. The manager came by and asked if I was flying out and I said in
the morning so he suggested repacking the rugs in one shopping bag and carry it
onto the plane as duty free goods. Together we removed all the packaging and
taped up the shopping bag and Ballantyne's delivered it to the airport and in
the morning I picked up the shopping bag at the CHCH Airport Ballantyne's
Gallery branch in the international terminal and made it in time for my 6 a.m. flight to Sydney so I
avoided paying GST. I took the packaging with me in my suitcase and was able to
repackage the gifts before giving. 16 Dec. 2009 OW.
They give wonderful service.
Aftershock
22 Feb. 2011- Terrible Tuesday
At Christchurch's main department store Ballantynes aftershocks started
immediately and people began helping each other down to the ground floor where
it was a complete mess. The glass doors had caved in and there was glass
everywhere. Some men smashed through what was left and forced the frames out of
the way. We threw ourselves out onto the street and gathered in the centre of
the road which was split by the earthquake. Those who had escaped walked to
Hagley Park where they waited for someone to ''tell them what to do''.
22/03/2011
Ballantynes is likely to remain closed for six to
nine months but its objective is to reopen in the central city, executive
director Richard Ballantyne says. Its Christchurch International Airport store
was "very busy", the business was strengthening its online sales and would
produce a catalogue. Ballantynes department store in Timaru will take on more
staff and stock in the wake of the Christchurch earthquakes. About a dozen
Christchurch employees were now based at the Timaru store. "More are likely to
come." The Timaru branch had been frantic since the February 22 earthquake.
"We're trying to do everything we can to help while the Christchurch store gets
back on its feet." Every day has been a new challenge, but for many of the
Christchurch staff who have come down here, just getting a good night's sleep
has been heartening." "We have today the first really bright ray of
sunshine for central-city businesses," Parker said. Department store Ballantynes
would play a lead role by reopening on October 29 2011, a week before Cup and
Show Week.
Timaru Herald
28/03/2011
This has also been a time when a lot of
people have learnt to shine, with staff pulling together for one cause.
Timaru Ballantynes - We were the call centre for over a month, taking
all the Christchurch calls. ... There were the hundreds and hundreds of calls we
had, people asking was this the death knell of our business.
The fire (November
1947) was always seen as the biggest challenge of our history, it took 10 years
to trade past that. But the family and shareholders and staff all feel the same
way, that 130 years of trade will not be compromised. We will stand tall and we
will trade through it, but it will take quite some time and our model will have
to change a little bit, in order to meet the future needs of Christchurch and
the wider community.
Stuff Business Day 19/02/2011 published 2 days before the earthquake on terrible
Tuesday, closed Ballantyne's in the CBD CHCH
Ballantynes, a conservative yet bold retail
survivor, has a new captain at the helm but plans to remain an essential part of
Christchurch's CBD experience. In Christchurch terms, the great ocean liner must
be Ballantynes. Take its sharp, white corners as the prow. Scan the horizon for
hazards: earthquakes and aftershocks, a recession that refuses to lift, the
ever-multiplying suburban malls. None of those hazards has been - to keep
pushing the metaphor - the fatal iceberg, although many other stores have gone
under. Retail historians tote up the casualties in Christchurch. Off the top of
Richard Ballantyne's head, there was Hays, Millers, DIC, Beaths, Drayton Jones,
Armstrongs. Those and others have vanished. These are crucial times for
Ballantynes and not just because of the difficult economic - and even geological
- environment. There is a changing of the guard, one of the most significant -
perhaps the most significant - in the business's 156 years. The business is
privately- owned with large family shareholdings. Previously, succession was
about grooming a family member. Richard Ballantyne took over as managing
director from his uncle, Campbell Ballantyne, in 1996, but he already had spent
about 30 years on the shop floor in various roles. Campbell Ballantyne had
succeeded his uncle, Roger Ballantyne. Before that, Ronald Ballantyne, Kenneth
Ballantyne, William Ballantyne. People will wonder how it has managed to keep
going when a lot around it has failed. If you work here, it is a culture that
has built up over time around some
very good business
principles. The firm has not really veered from them. And when it does veer
from them, it gets rapped on the knuckles very, very quickly by the customer. It
might sound prosaic but a very liberal returns policy is part of that - one way
of creating loyalty. Ballantyne suspects that eight out of 10 customers become
lifelong shoppers as a result. That returns policy is an example of going the
extra mile. Loyalty is legendary. You hear stories of Ballantynes shoppers
following its daily ads on page two of The Press so closely that, on the rare
occasion the ad has not appeared, they phone the store to check everything is
OK. The older, starchier Ballantynes world was described in Gordon Ogilvie's
commissioned history, Ballantynes: The Story of Dunstable House 1854-2004.
As recently as the 1970s, there was a rigid dress code for staff: wearers of
two-piece suits must wear coats at all times in public view; three- piece-suit
wearers could lose the coat if the waistcoat was fully buttoned-up. The 1980s
were tough, in New Zealand generally and Christchurch especially. It was the era
in which many of Ballantynes' rivals disappeared and also one of the points at
which the board considered a shift to the suburbs - Riccarton was mooted.
Crucially, the store opted to stay put in town. When asked why Ballantynes
survived when others failed, Richard Ballantyne is adamant that the narrowed
horizons in the decades after the 1947 fire are, paradoxically, one of the
reasons why the business is still here. "This firm stuck to its knitting because
it had to, because it was literally rising out of the ashes. It had to be very,
very careful and very, very good at what it did. Others got tempted out to the
suburbs, found that the critical mass wasn't right or had to invest too much out
there in stock relative to the return or revenues. Others tried to go to the
North Island and failed. As a major city retailer, Ballantynes is often read as
a barometer of commercial health more generally. Across the stores in
Christchurch, Timaru and at Christchurch Airport, the firm employs 430 staff,
going up to about 470 at Christmas - down a little from a reported 480 in 2008.
This leadlight window and the one above the main entrance were originally over
the shop doors of The Victoria House J. Ballantyne & Co. LTD. which was located
on this site from 1913-1986. Located at the back of the
store on the way out to the car park on Canon St.
20 Nov. 2008 Public toilets were not the only place Timaruvians could turn to if home was too far when nature called. Ballantynes assistant manager said the store has had toilets since it opened 125 years ago. "It's always been a service for our customers." She said anyone could use their toilets because everyone was a potential customer. She said the toilets were safe and clean and people would probably prefer using them to public toilets.
Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, 24 December 1901, Page 2
After all we spend nearly a third of our time in bed, and comfortable material
to rest on is a great desideratum. Messrs Ballantyne and Co., being up to the
times, are aware of this and offer all sorts of exceptional advantages in this
peculiar direction. We call special attention to their fresh advertisement
appearing elsewhere.