More than 80 years after Wellington’s LV Martin & Sons opened in Ngauranga Gorge, the store has changed its name to officially become Smiths City.

Smiths City CEO, Roy Campbell, says the change is the culmination of the process to bring the very best these two brands have to offer, together under one roof.

“LV Martin changing its name to Smiths City is a coming together of two retailers with very similar mind sets. We’re a genuine Kiwi-owned company, with a southern heritage that stretches back more than 85 years,” he says.

“We’ve owned LV Martin for more than 10 years, so we’re deeply familiar with the business. Merging the two brands will provide customers with a better offering as we’ll be introducing new products and a wider range of furniture and bedding.”

Wellingtonian Campbell has a personal connection with LV Martin; he bought his first turntable there in 1983. “I’ve always admired the LV Martin & Son legacy, and long appreciated the personal touches they put into their customer service.”

This extra attention paid to customers’ needs has made the brand a longstanding success with three generations of Wellingtonians.

Smiths City will continue this service as the two LV Martin stores in Ngauranga Gorge and Adelaide Rd become Smiths City stores from today.

Already in the Wellington region but new to Central Wellington, Smiths City was established in Christchurch in 1918, and is renowned as the home of Fisher & Paykel in the South Island.

“Now, with the coming together of two great brands, customers in Wellington get the best all round offering – trusted Fisher & Paykel products, renowned LV Martin service, and Smiths City’s wide range and deals,” concludes Campbell.