New Zealanders have bid farewell to one of their most beloved retail institutions. After more than 140 years — and over a century as a fixture on Auckland’s Queen Street — Smith & Caughey’s is closing its doors, marking the end of an era in Kiwi retail history.
A Landmark Store with Deep Roots
Founded in 1880, Smith & Caughey’s has been a landmark department store in central Auckland. Over the decades, it weathered world wars, recessions, and sweeping changes in shopping habits. In 2025, its owners announced that the flagship store on Queen Street would close by 31 July, with nearly 100 staff affected. The closure comes after years of decline in foot traffic, growing competition from online retailers, and a city centre struggling with infrastructure issues.
Why Now? The Long Downward Trend
According to management statements, the closure was driven by:
- Dwindling foot traffic on Queen Street, especially post-pandemic, as more office workers continue to work from home.
- Rising parking costs and prolonged construction disruptions, affecting accessibility.
- Increased pressure from online platforms and modern shopping malls.
“Every feasible option was investigated… but it’s sadly clear it is no longer viable for us to keep the doors open,” said the acting CEO in a farewell message.
Quick Facts About Smith & Caughey’s
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1880 |
| Years in business | 145 years (closed in 2025) |
| Location | Auckland, Queen Street |
| Final closure date | 31 July 2025 |
| Staff impacted | ~98 employees |
Reaction: Nostalgia and Sadness
Aucklanders and shoppers across New Zealand expressed deep nostalgia over the store’s closure. Public reactions included memories of the store’s festive window displays, its reputation for quality fashion and homewares, and even childhood visits to meet Father Christmas during the holidays. On the final day, a commemorative display streamed historical photos, music, and messages celebrating the store’s legacy.
What Comes Next?
The closure leaves a large, empty space on Auckland’s iconic shopping strip. Some urban analysts warn it signals wider challenges for city centre retail, especially amid changing consumer habits and economic pressures. Others see opportunity: redevelopment plans or transformation into mixed-use spaces are already being floated.
A Retail Era Fades
For many Kiwis, Smith & Caughey’s closure isn’t just about business—it’s a chapter of collective memory coming to an end. From holiday traditions to high-end shopping, its presence shaped generations. Now, shoppers lament that the retail landscape they knew is gone.
Disgraceful that a once a ‘Land of Milk and Honey’ is, within four decades, ‘A land of welfare and dole bludgers’, so influenced by a pathetic population of ‘Wannabe Be Warriors’, determined to drag the rest of their country men and women down to their ignorant, knuckle dragging, illiterate, bitter and twisted backward looking uneducated ( by choice ) level of subhuman existence.
Unfortunately the majority of New Zealanders haven’t got the courage to stand up for what is right, and dispose of the subhuman waste that has caused this nation to arrive at a place in history where there is no hope of recovery.
None.
Best everyone in Aotearoa, if that’s what you want to be remembered as, best everyone bend forward and attempt to kiss that soft fleshy part of you that you have sat on as this disaster has unfolded, yes kiss your tush goodbye, singing what should be your new national anthem,
“Now is the hour”
Got that right buddy, ideology and identity policy brought in my the woke left social justice warriors were everything must be equality of outcome bullshit, opportunities yes, equal outcome NO!! Way to go jacinda ruined this country
I don’t disagree with you – although I’m not sure that your comment has anything to do with Smith & Caughey’s demise.
Serves them right for banning the unvaccinated during Covid
Wtf you on about
So what would you suggest, on how the disposal of subhuman trash be done? Gather them all load them on trains and put them into camps behind barb wire fences! Our problems are similar to other countries all around the world, so similar it’s scary. there is more behind these problems then subhuman trash
Mate they need more men like you in Russia. That keyboard anger you possess will fit in really well with Putins ethnic cleansing of Ukraine.
Go forth & anialate any creature that stands in your way! BK.
I think its you with your head buried in the sand, Mike. Queen Street as a shopping precinct was going down when the council decided to get rid of cars, the rest of it just helped it along. Just you wait a few years and you too will be wailing about what New Zealand has come to. Cant see it? Just take a look over the parapit -I dare you!
I totally agree with that very wise person.
Sad. Lots of unforgettable shopping memories there especially with my mum. Spending time there during the 70s and 80s was another world from my daily simple farm life. I especially loved all the various makeup counters with the beautiful and poised sales ladies. Very flash and posh. A little bit like a mini escape in a store.
Sadly they became irrelevant and the range was uninspiring. Went once walked through and straight out the door
So sad that this is gone. It’s not only shopping, it’s a kind of hangout place for me with friends over a cuppa. I am seriously going to miss this
Everyone on here saying how sad it it is. When was the last time you shopped there?
Well, one thing is very obvious, Bruce Kuschert’s comments, clearly indicate he has has stopped taking his Medication & has abruptly gone off the rails. 😀😀
With regards to Smith & Caughey, items they sold were very much over priced & the writing was always on the wall, due to cheaper competition.