All nine Smiths City stores nationwide, along with its online shop, were abruptly closed this morning as the century-old retailer entered voluntary administration amid plunging sales and mounting financial pressure.
Chris Lynch Media reported the development this morning, saying staff were informed at a 9am meeting, with administrators Colin Gower and Diana Matchett of BDO Christchurch appointed to urgently assess the company’s future, which may include a sale of assets.
Founded in Christchurch in 1918, Smiths City has struggled with declining foot traffic, heavy retail downturns, and expiring leases, despite recent store closures.
Administrators say they hope to reopen stores later this week and will contact customers with deposits directly, while calling for urgent expressions of interest in the business.
#BREAKING: First at https://t.co/et2c1NIxZN : All Smiths City stores across New Zealand have been placed into voluntary administration, with doors shut this morning while administrators urgently assess the company’s financial position.https://t.co/Wbc73kPCCT
— Chris Lynch (@chrislynchmedia) September 1, 2025
Over priced poor quality items such as Becko appliances (Turkish owned and assembled in UK) selling on credit is not a good way to business. Consumers cannot be folled for long. The Warehouse is next.
The name Smith is linked to apprentice
Just wondering if the New Zealand Government understands business only pays tax if they make a profit.
That business employees staff who pay income tax. That people pay GST on the products and services business sells.
No business = No tax.