Smiths City has rebranded its customer finance offering –  the first step in a strategy to increase the profile and size of the finance business.

Changing its name from Smithcorp Finance to Smiths City Finance reflects the importance of consumer finance in the group’s integrated full service retail model, the company says.

The furniture and appliances chain has signed a three year agreement with All Black,  Kieran Read, to promote the renamed finance service and act as its brand ambassador.

MD, Rick Hellings, said the association with Read is a positive step for Smiths City Finance.

“It is part of a strategy designed to inform our customers of the very real value in dealing with our own finance company rather than financing through a third party,” Hellings said.

“When you buy from Smiths City you are being looked after by Smiths City staff from the sales floor right through to delivery, installation, and finance, which is part of what makes Smiths City unique in New Zealand.”