Santa's sleigh and golden mannequins: Smith & Caughey's auction off fixtures and stock
Photo:
RNZ/Calvin Samuel
Auckland department store Smith & Caughey's which recently closed after 145 years, is selling off its shop fittings and surplus stock at an auction including decorations from its famous Santa's Grotto.
Santa's sleigh, golden mannequins and hundreds of wooden coat hangers are just some of the inventory available for bidders with prices starting off anywhere between $1 and $40,000.
One lot, starting at $40,000, included a range of items from Santa's Grotto including his sleigh, Christmas trees, vintage ornaments and a giant snowman.
A disclaimer on the auction said "intellectual properties" were not being sold so the successful bidder was not allowed to reference Smith & Caughey's Christmas operation and branding.
Other lots included clothing racks, shelves, wire baskets and chandeliers.
Smith & Caughey's are auctioning off its fixtures and stock.
Photo:
SCREENSHOT
"Whether you're a retailer, business owner, collector, or just looking for a great deal, this is your chance to own a piece of retail history from one of New Zealand's most iconic department stores," the auction listing said.
"All items are sold as-is, where-is. Buyers are responsible for arranging pick-up and transportation."
Smith & Caughey's closed for good last month with [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/563956/auckland-department-store-smith-and-caughey-s-unveils-final-window-display a final window display where a projector played a slideshow of images commemorating the iconic store's heritage and people.
The store had announced in May that it intended to close, with 98 staff being made redundant.
Smith & Caughey's closed its Newmarket store last year and had reduced its Queen St store to one floor.
At the time, the company cited increased competition from new shopping malls, continued economic uncertainty and low consumer confidence and spending power has contributed to their closure.
Smith & Caughey's also said many city office workers were continuing to work from home post-Covid.
the auction is set to begin at 10am on Monday
and will run until Sunday afternoon.
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