Retail Hall of Fame

The purpose of the New Zealand Retailers Association Retail Hall of Fame is to recognise and celebrate the achievements of those who have made a highly significant contribution to the New Zealand retail sector and display a commitment to fostering the vision, mission and values of the New Zealand Retailers Association, or more simply are committed to “Promoting Excellence in Retailing.”

Specifically:

1. To honour those individuals who have made a significant contribution to the New Zealand retail sector

2. To reinforce the role of retail in the wider business community

3. To provide inspiration and encouragement to those currently employed in the retail sector

The first series of laureates were formally inducted into the Retail Hall of Fame at the National Conference Gala Luncheon at the SkyCity Convention Centre which was held on Wednesday 2 September 2009.

2011 Retail Hall of Fame Recipients

Sir David Levene

Sir David first worked in the family paint business in 1947, spent a few years elsewhere, then returned to take over management of the firm in 1952 upon his uncle’s death. David was 23 years-old and Levene’s was a single outlet business.

During the next 40 years the company made several retailing advances as it became a household name. When Levene & Company was sold to Skellerup Group in 1994, it had 50 stores, paint and wallpaper factories and a total turnover of $150 million.

In the retail context Levenes were innovators. In the 60s and 70s they lead the way as a discounter in the paint and wallpaper markets. In fact their Easter promotion in 1964 was reported to have achieved paint sale of 1,300 gallons – great volume for a single store. The brand came into even greater prominence in the late 80s early 90s when the Levene Extreme concept was introduced into New Zealand. This was a ground breaking development in the home decorating market with range and merchandising techniques that the market had never seen before.

Along with his continued business interests, Sir David is involved in a wide range of community projects including Patron of Parkinson’s New Zealand and is a supporter of many organisations including the Halberg Trust, the Rotary Club of Auckland and the North Shore Hospice.

In 2010 he received the Insignia of a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business and the community.

Timothy Charles Glasson

Think of Christchurch retailing giants and Tim Glasson's name is to the fore. His Glassons womenswear fashion stores that began in Christchurch in the early 1900s have clothed New Zealanders for more than 100 years. In 1985 Glassons was merged with Hallensteins to form the publically listed company, Hallensteins Glassons Holdings.

Currently they operate the 47-store Hallensteins menswear chain in New Zealand and the Glassons womenswear chain in both Australia (24 stores) and New Zealand (35 stores). The company has also opened three stores under the Storm womenswear brand. They have become the major player in the specialty clothing sector.

Tim Glasson was the driving force behind the merged Hallensteins Glassons company and it was his retailing skills that shaped the very successful business we see today.

Although Tim no longer drives the day-to-day running of the business, he is still the cornerstone shareholder in the company and sits on the Board of Directors. He also has substantial property holdings throughout New Zealand and currently sits on a number of other Boards.