Farmers founder Robert Laidlaw (1885-1971) was only a baby when his family emigrated from Dalry, Ayrshire, to Dunedin in 1886.
But by 1909, just short of his 25th birthday, he had established his own mail order business in Auckland, a company which is now worth hundreds of millions of dollars and employs thousands of New Zealanders in 58 stores from Kaitaia to Invercargill.
His education at Otago Boys High School, his early work as a clerk and wholesale traveller in his father's hosiery manufacturing firm, and his participation in Dunedin community activities are credited with cultivating his business acumen, strong convictions, dominant personality and caring disposition, all characteristics which have helped the business remain at the forefront of department stores in New Zealand.
Mr Laidlaw was not only famous for founding Farmers. He was raised in the religious environment of the Open Brethren and became a noted Christian writer and philanthropist.
In 2008, the Bible College of New Zealand was renamed Laidlaw College in recognition of his role as one of the college's founders and because of his significant influence in both society and church.
To celebrate the Farmers department store centenary tomorrow, a book has been written by Ian Hunter about the history of Farmers, and the staff at each store has raised money to give to local charities.
The Dunedin Farmers store staff have raised funds for the Otago Community Hospice which will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Farmers.
