The first Arthur Barnett shop when it opened in 1903. Photo: Otago Witness : Into the sunset
The first Arthur Barnett shop when it opened in 1903. Photo: Otago Witness : Into the sunset
The George St frontage in the 1940s. Photo: Evening Star Collection/ODT : Into the sunset
The George St frontage in the 1940s. Photo: Evening Star Collection/ODT : Into the sunset
Santa rides the Arthur Barnett horse in an early Christmas sale catalogue. Photo: ODT : Into the sunset
Santa rides the Arthur Barnett horse in an early Christmas sale catalogue. Photo: ODT : Into the sunset
A disastrous fire began as a small outbreak in the basement in December 1959 quickly swept through the store. Photo: ODT : Into the sunset
A disastrous fire began as a small outbreak in the basement in December 1959 quickly swept through the store. Photo: ODT : Into the sunset
The reopening sale in 1960. Photo: ODT : Into the sunset
The reopening sale in 1960. Photo: ODT : Into the sunset
The store during the 75th anniversary sale in 1978. Photo: ODT : Into the sunset
The store during the 75th anniversary sale in 1978. Photo: ODT : Into the sunset
Former Arthur Barnett staff at a reunion lunch on August 3 are from left: Joan Hardey (aged in her 80s, who worked for Abernethy's Gallery which became part of Arthur Barnett, for 10 years), Margaret Woodford (70, who worked in the home linens... : Into the sunset
Former Arthur Barnett staff at a reunion lunch on August 3 are from left: Joan Hardey (aged in her 80s, who worked for Abernethy's Gallery which became part of Arthur Barnett, for 10 years), Margaret Woodford (70, who worked in the home linens... : Into the sunset
Wrapped in red for Chistmas 1986. Photo: ODT : Into the sunset
Wrapped in red for Chistmas 1986. Photo: ODT : Into the sunset
Into the sunset
A once peerless name in Dunedin retailing will soon ride off into the sunset. Kim Dungey looks back at the colourful history of Arthur Barnett.