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Few department stores have stayed afloat in New Zealand. One of the big players Kirckladie & Stains closed it's doors in 2016. Australian-owned David Jones lasted 6 years on it's Lampton quay spot.
Auckland's Smith & Caughy's has been in business since 1880, famed for its Christmas window and is still going.
Today we're talking about New Zealand's oldest department store - Ballantynes, founded in 1854. This Friday they will open a store in Invercargill.
Ballantynes Chief Executive Maria O'Halloran speaks to Jesse.