22 May 2025

Smith and Caughey's shutting down after 145 years

From Checkpoint, 4:54 pm on 22 May 2025

It's all over for Auckland's iconic department store Smith and Caughey's. Last year, the store permanently closed its Newmarket location and reduced its flagship Queen Street store to a single floor. Yesterday, the business announced it's shutting down completely after 145 years. Jessica Hopkins spoke to customers outside Smith and Caughey's who were shopping while they still can.