Media Release
3 December 2015
Iconic LV Martin gets a Smiths City makeover
Thursday 3 December 2015: After more than 80 years since Wellington’s iconic LV Martin & Sons first opened its doors in Ngauranga Gorge, the store changes its name today to officially become Smiths City.
Smiths City CEO Roy Campbell says the change is the culmination of the process to bring the very best these two brands
have to offer, together under one roof.
“LV Martin changing its name to Smiths City is a coming together of two retailers with very similar mind sets. We’re a
genuine, Kiwi-owned company, with a southern heritage that stretches back more than 85 years.
“We’ve owned LV Martin for more than 10 years, so we’re deeply familiar with the business. Merging the two brands will
provide customers with a better offering as we’ll be introducing new products and a wider range of furniture and
bedding.”
Wellingtonian Roy has a personal connection with LV Martin; he bought his first turntable there in 1983. “I’ve always
admired the LV Martin & Son legacy, and long appreciated the personal touches they put into their customer service.”
This extra attention paid to customers’ needs has made the brand a longstanding success with three generations of
Wellingtonians.
Smiths City will continue this service as the two LV Martin stores in Ngauranga Gorge and Adelaide Road become Smiths
City stores from today.
Already in the Wellington region but new to Central Wellington, Smiths City was established in Christchurch in 1918, and
is renowned as the home of Fisher & Paykel in the South Island.
Now, with the coming together of two great brands, customers in Wellington get the best all round offering – trusted
Fisher & Paykel products, renowned LV Martin service, and Smiths City’s wide range and deals.
- ENDS –
About LV Martin
Founded in 1934 as LV Martin & Son, the Wellington based company has grown into an iconic household name. The company prides itself on providing the
best quality brands across consumer electronics, kitchen and small appliances. They offer expert product advice and
service to make the customer shopping experience as easy as possible.
About Smiths City
Founded in Christchurch in 1918 by Henry Cooper Smith - Smiths City Group Limited is a Christchurch based holding
company active in three complementary industry segments – retail, property and consumer finance.
Smiths City (Southern) Limited is the Groups trading arm. The over-riding retail strategy centres upon the retailing of
branded products aimed at meeting the needs of the New Zealand consumer in furniture, bedding, leisure products and
consumer electronics, kitchen and small appliances. Smiths City operates 30 stores nationwide.