Blackwell's Department Store

The Blackwell's Story 1840–1868

George Henry Blackwell was born in England in 1840. In 1863 he emigrated to New Zealand, and in 1868 his fiancée Annie Shearsy joined him from England. They married and began their life together in Kaiapoi.

The Early Blackwell's Store ~ 1871

In August 1871 George opened a small general store in Kaiapoi known as the “Railway Store.” (Photo 1) Stock was modest, customers often bought on credit, and deliveries were made by horse and cart. The business steadily grew, supported by the trust of the local community.

The Hilton / Black Street Store ~ 1873

In 1873 George purchased a larger corner site at Hilton and Black Streets (Photo 2). The store expanded into groceries, drapery, a bake house and general merchandise. Country delivery rounds to the surrounding farming districts began.

Growth into the 1900s

Through the late 1800s and early 1900s, the business expanded significantly. New bakehouses and dressmaking rooms were added. Joseph Blackwell, George’s son, (second generation) gradually took over management, modernising systems and extending departments.

The Main Bridge Store ~ 1921

In 1921 Blackwell’s made its most significant move, building a large two-storey brick department store by the main bridge in Kaiapoi (Photo 3). This marked the transformation into a full department store, with drapery, groceries, clothing, footwear, a bake house and dressmaking all under one roof. The opening coincided with Blackwell’s 50th anniversary.

Blackwell’s Limited ~ 1924

In 1924 the business became Blackwell’s Limited, with Joseph Blackwell (second generation) and Hugh Blackwell (third generation) as managing directors. The following years brought both progress and challenge. Fire damage, the post-war economic slump, and the Great Depression tested the company, but strong leadership, innovation, and country trading links helped the business survive and adapt. David Blackwell (fourth generation) joined the business in 1947

The Seventies to the Century End

In 1971 Blackwell’s celebrated 100 years with a major store extension. During the 1970s–90s the store was modernised, expanded, and refurbished extensively. In 1980 Andrew Blackwell joined the business, with Michael Blackwell following in 1988. Both were from the fifth generation. Despite growing competition, Blackwell’s retained its role as Kaiapoi’s department store, supported by loyal customers and long-serving staff.

The Early 2000s

By the early 2000s Blackwell’s stood as one of New Zealand’s oldest family-owned department stores. The business balanced tradition with modern retail, continuing to evolve while remaining deeply connected to the Kaiapoi community.

The Rebuild

The Canterbury earthquakes of 2010–2011 caused severe damage, forcing demolition of the historic 1921 building. However, trading continued from temporary retail tenancies in Kaiapoi. In 2012 construction began on a new, modern building incorporating the character of the old. The new Blackwell’s Department Store opened in November 2013, marking the beginning of a new era.

Recent Years

Since reopening, the building has become a shared community and retail space, housing Blackwell’s and several local businesses. The publication of Pattern of the Years in 2018 captured the store’s legacy. In 2021 Blackwell’s celebrated 150 years in Kaiapoi. Today, Blackwell’s continues as a living part of the town’s history, shaped by seven generations who have, or are working in the business, sustained by community support, and still looking forward.