One of the country’s longest-lasting retailers, Harris Scarfe, marks a significant milestone as it celebrates its 175th anniversary. From its humble beginnings in 1849, Harris Scarfe has woven itself into the fabric of Australian shopping culture, embodying resilience, evolution, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Under the ownership of the Spotlight Group since 2020, Harris Scarfe has since experienced record-breaking revenue, with half of its 60 outlets achieving their highest-ever sales in the past year.
Chief Executive Officer of Harris Scarfe, Graham Dean, said very few Australian retailers can proudly celebrate 175 years of trading.
“We’re tremendously excited to achieve this huge milestone by bringing our loyal customers unmissable deals on all the great brands they love,” Dean said.
“We were established in South Australia in 1849 and have experienced our share of highs and lows, but we continue to grow by always putting our customers’ needs first,” he said.
The story of Harris Scarfe began when George Peter Harris and John C Lanyon established Lanyon & Harris in 1849, starting with a modest brick warehouse on Hindley Street, Adelaide. The store eventually evolved and rebranded to Harris Scarfe in 1920, a transformation that mirrored Australia’s own growth and shifting consumer preferences.
Sir Donald Trescowthick played a role in shaping Harris Scarfe’s modern identity. Taking control in the 1970s, Trescowthick focused on expanding the store’s retailing activities. His leadership led to the transformation of Harris Scarfe’s industrial products outlet in suburban Adelaide into Harry’s Hardware, a successful hardware retailing chain.
Harris Scarfe’s parent company, Charles Davis, then acquired additional hardware retailers including Lloyd’s in South Australia, Campbell’s in Queensland, and McEwans in Victoria and NSW.
The company went through an aggressive expansion in the early 2000s, falling on hard times as the Australia economy slowed and passing through the hands of a number of owners before entering voluntary administration in 2019.
In April 2020, Harris Scarfe was acquired by Spotlight Holdings Group. Spotlight consolidated the company’s operations, revitalised its branding and steered it into a new era of sustainable growth in the Australian retail sector.
Today, Harris Scarfe operates 60 stores across South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, ACT, and Queensland, with corporate offices in South Melbourne.
It is renowned for its diverse array of national and international brands, along with exclusive private labels spanning categories from Bed, Bath & Home to Kitchen & Dining, Electrical, and Women’s and Men’s Clothing, Harris Scarfe continues to uphold its legacy of quality and service.
Zac Fried, Executive Deputy Chairman of Spotlight Group, said: “As Harris Scarfe celebrates its remarkable 175-year journey, we reflect on its enduring legacy as a pillar of Australian retail. Under the stewardship of The Spotlight Group, we are excited to continue this legacy of innovation and customer-centricity.
“The company stands as a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to quality and customer service. With a rich legacy behind it and a promising future, Harris Scarfe continues to innovate and evolve, ensuring it remains synonymous with retail excellence in Australia.”
Add comment