H&J Smith confirmed yesterday that a major long-term supplier, Longbeach Holdings Ltd of Christchurch, would take over the store at the end of August.
Longbeach Holdings, a manufacturer which designs and sells a wide range of wholesale clothing, also operates its own APT Collections retail stores.
In May 2020, H&J Smith Group managing director Jason Smith announced the business was proposing to reduce the size of its retail division, including the Gore store, to secure its long-term future.
Under the proposal, H&J Smith stores in Dunedin, Mosgiel, Balclutha and Te Anau were all to close, while H&J Smith in Gore was set to reduce in size and the Take Note store in Gore would relocate.
Last month, it confirmed its main retail store in Invercargill would close along with the Gore and Queenstown stores. But in effect the Gore store would simply be rebranded with new retail lines.
Gore H&J Smith store manager Jenny Katon said it was "fabulous" the store had been bought by another business.
It was the patronage the store received that had made it attractive to the new owner, she said.
"It’s a great wee business and well supported by the people of Gore."
The new store would stock many of the women’s fashion labels sold at present but would also introduce other labels that Longbeach produced.
"The people of Gore are going to be very happy with what’s coming."
The store’s four staff would all keep their jobs, she said.
"The girls are all very relieved.
"We’ve all worked for H&J Smith for a long time."
It was sad the Smith family connection to the store would end, Mrs Katon said.
However, the staff were "looking forward to something new".
H&J Smith chief executive John Green said his company was delighted with the arrangement, which would ensure continuity for both the community and the in-store team.
He expected the store to trade as H&J Smith until August 26, which would be the last day customers could use their H&J Smith Charge Card and Giftcards in the store.
Longbeach Apparel general manager Jane Coleman said the company was very excited to have the opportunity to introduce more of its product range to Gore, to engage the store staff and provide quality fashion to a discerning community.
"This will follow a similar move in early 2021 where Longbeach took over the Mosgiel store, which was previously owned by H&J Smith.
"In addition, we are very pleased to be including menswear in the Gore offer through our sister company Swanndri, with a selection of both Swanndri and Line 7 clothing."
By Sandy Eggleston
