1854

Esther and David Clarkson set up a small drapery in their Cashel Street cottage, they named it ‘DUNSTABLE HOUSE’.

1863

WILLIAM PRATT bought Dunstable House. The business grew significantly during his tenure and, among other developments, he introduced shorter working hours for his employees.

1872

The retail business was purchased by JOHN BALLANTYNE.

John was born in 1825 in Selkirk Scotland, and emigrated to Sydney in 1852 where he joined the firm of Messrs McArthur Kingsbury & Co. He was sent to Adelaide in 1853 to establish a branch there and became a partner. He later established his own business in Adelaide but sold this to Robin and Birks in order to emigrate to New Zealand.

After 7 years in Dunstable House he retired to go farming in the Rangitata District of South Canterbury, and the business was carried on by a series of partnerships which at times included his three sons, eventually becoming a Company in 1920.

1883-91

Ballantynes branch in Timaru was established in 1883. The architects for the Stafford Street building were Messrs Clarkson & Ballantyne: Mr Clarkson being a son of the founders of Dunstable House, while Mr Ballantyne was a nephew of John Ballantyne. In 1891 Ballantynes became the first Christchurch shop to be illuminated by ELECTRICITY. Power was generated by a steam-driven turbine at ANDERSON’S FOUNDRY nearby.

1913

The TIMARU STORE moved to its current location.

1919

The TEAROOMS opened with 2,000 people in attendance to celebrate.

During Capping week, University of Canterbury undergraduates were treated to a free afternoon tea at Ballantynes, sometimes as many as 200 marching in procession in their academic gowns to be served.

1947

The BALLANTYNES FIRE on the 18TH NOVEMBER 1947 was a tragic event in the history of New Zealand, Christchurch and indeed for Ballantynes. 41 people lost their lives, 39 staff and 2 of the company’s auditors. Christchurch was still a small enough city for almost everybody to have experienced the bleak sense of tragedy. A civil funeral was held in Christchurch Cathedral, and thousands of local Cantabrians lined the streets in tribute.

Temporary buildings were erected quickly on the Cashel Colombo frontage, to enable the business to continue until permanent new buildings could be constructed.

As a result of a royal commission many changes were subsequently made to the funding and management of the national fire service, building codes for commercial and public buildings and health and safety conduct for commercial premises throughout New Zealand.

1952-62

In 1952 Ballantynes opened a store at the Airport, the first AIRPORT STORE in New Zealand.

Then in 1954, fresh from his conquest of Everest, SIR EDMUND HILLARY made a triumphal lecture tour of New Zealand with George Lowe. Ballantynes managed (at the cost of £50 donation) to borrow the equipment he had used on MOUNT EVEREST for a historic window display.

In 1962, Ballantynes opened a DUTY-FREE SHOP, the first in New Zealand.

1976

THE NEW PERMANENT BUILDING on the Colombo/Cashel Street site was completed to the present design, having been built in stages from 1958. Designed by Warren & Mahoney, it has proven to be timeless.

2002

Ballantynes commissioned two Christchurch artists to bring a slice of childhood magic to the city at Christmas time.

The result was several window bays depicting the stories of Hansel and Gretel and Little Red Riding Hood. The outcome exceeded all expectations and was so successful that BALLANTYNES’ CHRISTMAS WINDOWS became an annual event and are now designed by the our instore Visual Design team.

2011

As with the majority of Christchurch city centre, Ballantynes was badly damaged by the 22 February earthquake, however thankfully there was no loss of life. The business was closed for 8 months but finally reopened at 100% of the building code on 29 October 2011 in time for Cup and Show Week celebrations.

During the closure the business continued to trade online increasing its product range available on the website, through catalogues and one-off "retail events". The number of products available at its Timaru store increased and bus trips were organised to transport customers from Christchurch.

2019

On October 18, after many years of shuffling departments both on and off-site, Ballantynes opened their NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDING on the original footprint of the pre-quake site.

2024

Expansion into Invercargill, with the introduction of BALLANTYNES SELECT.

This store opened in March and showcases a carefully curated selection of fashion, accessories and gifts from our flagship Christchurch store.

Today

Today, J. Ballantyne & Co. Ltd. proudly operates stores in Christchurch, Timaru and Invercargill.

We employ more than 300 dedicated team members, some of whom are members of the Ballantynes family, continuing a legacy that spans generations.

In 2026, we were honoured to be named Department Store of the Year by Roy Morgan. This recognition reflects the loyalty of our customers, the support of our communities, and the commitment of our exceptional team members, all of whom contribute to our ongoing success and continue to shape the Ballantynes story.