Harris Scarfe facts for kids

Harris Scarfe is an Australian shop that sells things for your home. You can find bed linen, kitchen items, and clothes there. It started way back in 1849 in Adelaide, South Australia. Today, Harris Scarfe has more than 50 stores all over Australia.

In 2015, a company called Steinhoff Asia Pacific bought Harris Scarfe. But in 2017, Steinhoff had problems with its finances. This led to Harris Scarfe being sold to another group called Allegro in 2019. Soon after, Harris Scarfe faced financial difficulties. Then, in April 2020, the Spotlight Group bought the business.

History of Harris Scarfe

How it All Started

An old advert for Harris, Scarfe from October 1881.

Harris Scarfe began on February 10, 1849. Two men, George Peter Harris and John C. Lanyon, arrived in Adelaide. They opened a shop selling hardware and metal goods on Hindley Street.

In 1855, Lanyon left the business. He went back to London to help buy goods for Harris and other Australian shops. Later, in 1866, George Scarfe and Richard Smith joined the company. That's when the name "Geo. P. Harris, Scarfe & Co." was first used.

Their main shop was on Gawler Place in Adelaide. In 1929, they built a big new four-storey building there. Harris Scarfe grew to sell many different things. They sold items for homes, farms, and industries. They even made leather goods like saddles and luggage. During World War II, the Australian Government used the Harris Scarfe catalogue to set prices for goods.

Rainbow Cycles

Harris Scarfe also sold bicycles called Rainbow Cycles. Most of these bikes were made in South Australia. They were sold in Harris Scarfe stores and also in Western Australia. A rider named Billy Read even rode a Rainbow bike across Australia in 1936! These bikes were often simple and affordable.

Changes in the 1970s and 1980s

In 1971, a company called Baradeen Quest bought Harris Scarfe. At that time, Harris Scarfe was listed on the Australian stock exchange.

Then, in 1976, a Tasmanian company called Charles Davis Limited took over Harris Scarfe. The new owner, Donald Trescowthick, wanted Harris Scarfe to focus on being a full department store. They also had a large hardware shop called Harris Scarfe Industrial, or Harrys Hardware.

The success of Harry's led Charles Davis Limited to buy other hardware shops. But in 1989, these hardware businesses were sold. Later, in 1993, Bunnings bought them.

Growth in the 1990s

The 1990s were a time of big growth for Harris Scarfe. They opened many new stores across Australia. They also took over department store locations from other companies. By 1995, Harris Scarfe was the third largest department store chain in Australia. They had 38 stores in every state.

However, the company faced problems in the late 1990s. They had increasing debts and management issues. In 2001, the business went into a process called receivership. This meant someone else took control to manage its debts.

The 2000s and Beyond

In 2001, Harris Scarfe was listed on the stock exchange again. But they soon faced big debts.

In 2002, the company started a plan to improve things. They updated their stores and products. This helped Harris Scarfe grow and do very well. By 2007, a company called Momentum Private Equity bought a large part of Harris Scarfe.

Harris Scarfe also had some issues with its advertising. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) investigated them. In 2009, a court decided that Harris Scarfe had misled customers. This was because some advertised discounts were not as big as they seemed.

In 2012, Momentum Capital sold Harris Scarfe to a South African company called Pepkor. Around this time, famous people like Kyly Clarke and Vera Wang worked with Harris Scarfe on fashion and home collections.

In 2014, Steinhoff Asia Pacific bought Pepkor, which included Harris Scarfe.

In 2015, some 'Bulls Head' jeans sold by Harris Scarfe were recalled. This was because they contained certain dyes that could be harmful.

In 2017, Harris Scarfe worked with interior designer Shaynna Blaze on home items. They also partnered with British fashion brand Debenhams. However, this partnership ended in 2019.

In December 2019, Harris Scarfe faced financial difficulties again. The company went into voluntary administration. This meant experts took over to try and fix the business. At that time, Harris Scarfe had 66 stores and 1800 staff.

Harris Scarfe in the 2020s

In January 2020, Harris Scarfe announced it would close 21 stores. This meant 440 jobs were lost. The remaining 44 stores would continue to operate.

On March 3, 2020, it was announced that the Spotlight Group would buy the remaining Harris Scarfe stores. The sale was completed in April 2020.

Even after the sale, there were discussions about the company's past financial issues. As of April 2020, about 1200 staff still worked for Harris Scarfe.

Store Formats

A Harris Scarfe store in Wagga Wagga, pictured in 2008.

Harris Scarfe lifestyle and homewares stores sell a wide range of products. These include bed linen, homewares, cookware, clothes, and electrical appliances. You can find these stores in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria. There are currently 52 Harris Scarfe stores.

Harris Scarfe Home stores focus mainly on items for the home. They sell bed linen, homewares, cookware, kitchen appliances, and personal care electrical items. These stores are located in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria. There are currently 11 Harris Scarfe Home stores.

What You Can Buy at Harris Scarfe

Harris Scarfe stores sell many different products:

• Bed Linen & Manchester – This includes bedding, sheets, towels, pillows, and decorative cushions.
• Homewares – Items like plates, cups, cutlery, and things for food preparation.
• Kitchenware and Cookware – Cook sets, fry pans, and cast iron pots.
• Personal Care & Bathroom Electrical – Hairdryers and shavers.
• Kitchen Appliances – Kettles, toasters, food processors, and blenders.
• Electrical Appliances - Heaters, fans, and grills.
• Clothing and Apparel - Clothes for women and men, including underwear and bras.
• Travel – Luggage and travel accessories.

Special Brands You'll Find

Harris Scarfe also has its own special brands and collaborations:

• Smith + Nobel — This is Harris Scarfe's own affordable home brand.
• Miguel Maestre - A celebrity style collection within Smith + Nobel.
• Jayson Brunsdon - Clothes, bed linen, and homewares.
• Jane Lamerton - Clothes, bed linen, and homewares.
• Chyka - Clothes, bed linen, and homewares.
• Shayna Blaze — A homewares collection by Australian designer Shaynna Blaze.
• MOZI — Australian-designed homewares.

See also

• Department stores around the world