With the close of the H&J Smith’s Department Store business, the Group Managing Director of H&J Smith, Jason Smith, has thanked and appreciated all involved and engaged with the company’s consultation process.
“We appreciate everyone who took the time to engage with us during the H&J Smith consultation process. It was important to us to take a considered approach and carefully evaluate the many submissions, questions, and suggestions from our staff and customers,” said Smith.
He continued that while the company received good feedback, most centred on specific factors, such as building remediation or supplier issues, rather than collectively considering all factors behind this decision.
“In the end, however, our proposal to call time on the Department Store business was the right decision for the H&J Smith Group.”
The H&J Smith group has continued to work closely with staff members who the closure of the Department Store business will impact.
The company recognised that this was difficult news for its staff and community. Supporting the H&J team through this challenging time remains its top priority.
“With this in mind, we will close the store tomorrow (27 June 2023) to give our team the space and time to absorb the news,” says H&J Smith CEO John Green.
The company has identified some areas of the business where there could be an opportunity to continue independently from the H&J Smith brand. Green said there were ongoing discussions with several interested parties, and it hoped to release details in the coming weeks.
School uniforms and specialist lingerie fitting services are two areas of the business that H&J Smith has focused on to ensure continuity of service for their customers.
“We know these services are vital to our customers and community. Finding a solution for both has been our priority, and I am pleased to confirm we will soon announce the future of these services,” assured Green.
While the HJS flagship store in Invercargill requires significant remediations to the existing building to ensure it meets 100 percent NBS, there has yet to be any information to share about the future of the building or site.
Smith explained that the top priority has been H&J Smith’s team and determining the future of the business. Adding that only now is it appropriate for the company to discuss potential uses for the building and site.
“We feel very strongly, however, that the community has an opportunity to assist in creating a new vision for this space,” said Smith.
In the coming weeks and months, more announcements will be made. H&J Smith will communicate directly with account holders regarding the future use of the H&J Smith card.
“Our team and management have appreciated the incredible.
