The New Zealand Clothing Factory: part 1

In 1873 The New Zealand Clothing Factory was established in Dunedin to supply Bendix Hallenstein’s general stores with clothing; this led to the establishment of Hallenstein Brothers  (popularly called HB) stores around the country. 

Otago Daily Times, 22nd November 1873, page 3.

From the “Daily Times”, reprinted in the Tuapeka Times, 11th February 1874, page 3.

The Argus (Melbourne),31st August 1877. Several years after starting, Hallenstein was advertising for staff in Melbourne. He had come to Victoria in 1857 for six years, so perhaps he was aware of Melbourne’s growing “rag trade”.

Leader (Melbourne), 26th January 1895 page 8. From a larger article but ‘Commercial Dunedin’. By 1900 there were 30 “HB” clothing stores. A grand new headquarters was built in 1882-3 which housed up to 300 employees; the opening was celebrated with a ball for 500-600 people.

Otago Witness, 22nd November 1911 page 58 (supplement).

The company continues today, but now most of the clothing is made in China.

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