PHOTO: Smith & Caughey’s. FILE

Smith & Caughey’s to Close Queen Street and Online Stores After 145 Years

In a move that has sent shockwaves through Auckland’s retail landscape, Smith & Caughey’s has announced it will permanently close its Queen Street department store and online store, marking the end of 145 years of trading. The final day of operation for the Queen Street store will be 31 July 2025, while the online store will cease operations on 30 May 2025.

🧑‍💼 “This is a deeply emotional announcement for our team, our loyal customers, and the community,” said Acting CEO Matt Harray.

https://www.propertynoise.co.nz/want-better-leads-smarter-prospecting-starts-here/

🛠️ What Led to the Closure?

Multiple converging factors have contributed to the iconic retailer’s closure:

🏗️ Infrastructure and Disruption

Ongoing roadworks and the delayed City Rail Link (CRL) project have led to severe traffic congestion and plummeting foot traffic in the Auckland CBD.
Increasing parking costs have discouraged in-person visits.

🦠 Post-COVID Consumer Behaviour

A significant number of city workers continue to work from home, reducing footfall in the central city.
Ongoing economic uncertainty, weak consumer confidence, and reduced spending power have impacted sales.

🏬 Retail Competition and Decline

The closure of the Newmarket store last year and reduction of the Queen Street store to a single floor were early signs of trouble.
Fierce competition from new shopping malls and e-commerce platforms further eroded market share.

🎄 Farewell to a Christmas Tradition

Smith & Caughey’s wasn’t just a department store—it was a cherished part of Auckland’s holiday traditions. Its iconic Christmas window displays on Queen Street were a seasonal highlight for generations of New Zealanders.

🎅 “We know how loved our store and especially our Christmas traditions were. This closure is heartbreaking for all involved,” said Harray.

👷 What Happens Next for Staff and Customers?

98 staff members will be made redundant.
The company has pledged support for staff through the transition.
Online orders will be processed until 30 May, after which the website will close permanently.
Gift cards and vouchers should be used immediately—customers are advised to check terms and conditions urgently.

🔍 Looking Ahead: What This Means for Auckland Retail

The closure of Smith & Caughey’s is more than the end of a business; it’s a warning sign for the future of heritage retailers in central cities. As foot traffic declines and consumer behaviour evolves post-pandemic, urban shopping destinations face a major identity shift.

💬 Will Queen Street reinvent itself in time, or will it become a retail ghost town?

🔚 The Final Curtain

Smith & Caughey’s may be closing its doors, but its legacy will remain woven into the cultural and commercial fabric of Auckland. The company thanked its staff, suppliers, and generations of loyal customers for their unwavering support over nearly a century and a half.