Southland's largest department store has today rung up its final purchase after more than a century in business.
The family run, H&J Smith, began life as a drapery in 1900, but after years of expansion and closure of stores around the South Island in recent years, the final flagship store in Invercargill closed its doors after 123 years.
The last day of trading was still full of Christmas cheer despite stock levels being low with staff and customers alike celebrating the Southland shopping institution.
H&J Smith Group Managing Director Jason Smith told 1News, "the emptiness of the store is quite sad but [I'm] delighted by the way our people are still smiling."
Thousands of people have been walking through the doors in the past few days to either scope out a bargain or just reminisce the history of the store.
One customer said, "It's a bit airy really, I've been coming here my whole life."
Another told 1News, "It's been an institution for us. We grew up with it and it was an exciting place to come and visit, you know, late night Friday shopping."
But in recent years, the change in retail shopping habits, supply chain issues and earthquake strengthening contributed to its closure.
Jason Smith said, "people want to come say goodbye which is a lovely thing to think off and our Copper Kettle [cafe] has been inundated with people looking for that last cheese roll!"
It may be a farewell for customers but also staff, some who have worked at the store for decades and had a long connection to the retail chain.
Employee Brenda Sutherland has worked at H&J Smith for 35 years and said, "my mother worked here, my two daughters have worked here, one still works here."
She said told 1News when talking about the closure, "I thought this morning, it's my last day!
"You're going to make cry" she laughed.
Denise Scheele has taken care of the fragrance department for 12 years.
"I think she [the store] is an amazing Queen of Invercargill.. and when people see her without her jewellery on... it does come with a little bit of sadness."
The store has been a hub in Invercargill's CBD for big world events, including the celebration of the Queen Mother's wedding in 1923.
And local events including rugby's Log o' Wood on display in the front shop window in 1946.
There was even circus animals that had a tour in the shop and elephants roaming around outside.
Today was not all sadness with the empty shop floor replaced with games - a massive Snakes and Ladders, Connect 4, and jigsaws to keep customers and staff amused in recent days.
There was also time for holiday fun including the department stores well-know Christmas displays and Santa photo.
The last hoorah was just before 3pm when bagpipes rung out in the story to make the ocassion.
The future of the 12,000m2 site is unknown, but for now, it's an end of an era for a long running New Zealand retail business.
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