The auction to sell surplus items from the H&J Smith department store in Invercargill was a raging success with all items sold, although some went on sale again almost straight away.
The large department store closed in November and an auction of surplus equipment used in the store took place on Saturday.
William Todd & Co (2011) Ltd co-owner and auctioneer Lanais Francis said the auction was a fantastic occasion and everyone seemed to have a great time and enjoyed themselves.
"It was like the old times — great conversation, good banter, fantastic personalities. It is like it used to be when people talked to each other, not a phone or computer in sight and had a good time," Mr Francis said.
Two hundred registered for the auction which began at 9am and finished about 2pm.
Many of the 157 lots included several items. All up, more than 2000 items went under the hammer.
The most popular items were mannequins and glass cabinets with lights inside them.
About 250 mannequins were offered and all sold, many to different bidders. Prices ranged from $380-$500 — which Mr Francis said was still cheap as new ones could cost up to $2000.
Within hours, many of the mannequins were up for sale on market websites for a higher amount than paid at the auction.
Buyers had until today to pick up their goods and about 95% of the goods had been collected already.
He could not disclose the amount of money raised but said the auction helped recycle items that could have simply gone to the landfill.
