45 Facts About Myer

The Humble Beginnings of Myer

Myer, a name synonymous with Australian retail, started from very modest beginnings. Let's explore how this iconic department store came to be.

1. Founding and Early Years: Sidney Myer migrated to Melbourne from Belarus in 1899 with little money and limited knowledge of the English language. He joined his elder brother Elcon, who had arrived two years earlier.

2. First Store: The first Myer store was opened in Bendigo in 1900. This marked the beginning of a retail empire that would eventually become synonymous with quality and service.

3. Expansion: The initial success in Bendigo led to the opening of a second store in Bendigo in 1908. This expansion set the stage for further growth and diversification.

Key Milestones in Myer's Growth

From a small drapery shop to a national retail giant, Myer's journey is filled with significant milestones.

4. Bourke Street Acquisition: In 1911, Sidney Myer purchased the long-established drapery business Wright and Neil in Bourke Street, Melbourne. This acquisition was a pivotal moment in the company's history, as it marked the beginning of Myer's presence in Melbourne's retail landscape.

5. Myer Emporium: By 1914, Myer had built the iconic Myer Emporium on the site of Wright and Neil. This eight-storey building was modelled after San Francisco's Emporium and became the flagship store for the company.

6. Factory Expansion: To meet the growing demand for merchandise, Myer opened its first factories in 1915. These factories produced a wide range of Myer-branded goods, further solidifying the company's position in the market.

7. Mail Order Service: Myer introduced a mail order service from Bendigo, which was later expanded to cater to customers across the country. This innovative service allowed customers to purchase goods from the comfort of their homes.

Diversification and Innovation

Myer's ability to diversify and innovate has been key to its enduring success.

8. Diverse Product Range: The Myer Emporium offered an extensive range of products, from haute couture to hardware, furniture, and fine china. This diverse product range helped establish Myer as a one-stop shop for all retail needs.

9. Sidney Myer's Philanthropy: Sidney Myer was not only a successful businessman but also a renowned philanthropist. He donated over £100,000 to various causes, including the University of Melbourne, the Shrine of Remembrance fund, and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

10. Yarra Boulevard Donation: In 1931-34, Sidney Myer pledged £22,000 to pay for the construction of sections of the Yarra Boulevard at Prahran and Warrandyte. This donation was part of his broader efforts to stimulate employment and improve infrastructure.

11. Trans-Pacific Flight Donation: In 1928, Sidney Myer donated US$7,300 to help finance Charles Kingsford Smith and Charles Ulm's pioneering first trans-Pacific flight. This donation highlighted his commitment to supporting innovative endeavors.

Leadership Transitions

Leadership changes have played a significant role in shaping Myer's direction and growth.

12. Sidney Myer’s Death: Sidney Myer passed away in 1934 at the age of 56. His sudden death led to the leadership position falling into the hands of his brother Elcon, who continued to steer the company forward.

13. Elcon Myer’s Leadership: Elcon Myer led the company for four years before passing away in 1938. His nephew Norman Myer then took over, marking a new era in Myer's history.

14. Norman Myer’s Era: Norman Myer led the company through significant expansion and diversification. He pioneered the move to suburban shopping in the 1950s, which became a key strategy for Myer's growth.

15. Ken Myer’s Contribution: Ken Myer, Sidney's eldest son, succeeded Norman in 1956. Alongside co-managing director A.H. Tolley, Ken engineered the opening of several Myer shopping malls, further expanding the company's reach.

Cultural Impact and Traditions

Myer has not only been a retail giant but also a cultural icon in Australia.

16. Myer Christmas Windows: The annual Myer Christmas windows became a beloved tradition, starting in 1956. These festive displays were a highlight of Melbourne's holiday season and remain a cherished part of Myer's cultural heritage.

17. Suburban Shopping Malls: Myer's move to suburban shopping malls in the 1950s was a strategic decision that helped the company connect with a broader customer base. These malls offered a convenient shopping experience for families and individuals alike.

18. Expansion Across Australia: By the 1950s, Myer had expanded its operations to other Australian states. The company acquired several department stores, including Marshall's and Bell's in Adelaide, Boans in Western Australia, and Barry & Roberts in Queensland.

Strategic Acquisitions and Mergers

Myer's growth has been fueled by strategic acquisitions and mergers.

19. Target Acquisition: In 1968, Myer acquired Lindsay's stores in Geelong and rebranded them as Target. This move positioned Target as a discount department store chain, catering to budget-conscious shoppers.

20. Liquor Retailers and Fast Food Outlets: Myer expanded its core business by acquiring liquor retailers (San Remo and Crittendens) and fast food outlets (Red Rooster). This diversification strategy helped the company tap into new markets and revenue streams.

21. Grace Bros Acquisition: In 1983, Myer acquired Grace Bros Holdings Ltd., which included the iconic department store chain in New South Wales. This acquisition marked a significant milestone in Myer's history, expanding its presence in the eastern states.

22. Boans Acquisition: In 1984, Myer acquired Boans, the dominant Western Australian department store chain. This acquisition was part of Myer's strategy to consolidate its position in the Australian retail market.

23. Coles Myer Merger: In 1985, Myer merged with G.J. Coles & Co. Ltd to form Coles Myer, Australia's largest retailer at the time. This merger was the largest in Australian corporate history, making front-page news nationwide.

Modern Developments and Achievements

In recent years, Myer has continued to evolve and adapt to changing market conditions.

24. Market Leadership: By 1987, the Coles Myer Group had become a market leader in Australia. Myer continued to expand its operations, solidifying its position as a premier retail brand.

25. Rebranding of Grace Bros Stores: In 2004, all Grace Bros stores in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory were rebranded as Myer. This move opened up new locations and brought opportunities and customers to the company.

26. MYER one Rewards Program: The MYER one rewards program was introduced in August 2004. This loyalty program aimed to reward customers for their purchases and enhance their shopping experience.

27. Sale to Newbridge Capital: In 2006, Myer was sold to a consortium controlled by US private equity group Newbridge Capital. This change in ownership marked a new chapter in Myer's history, with Bill Wavish becoming the new chairman and Bernie Brookes taking over as CEO.

28. Jennifer Hawkins Partnership: In 2007, Jennifer Hawkins signed a $4 million deal to become the face of Myer. This high-profile partnership helped boost the brand's visibility and appeal to a younger demographic.

29. Initial Public Offering (IPO): Following its brief period under private ownership, Myer was floated on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in 2009. This IPO marked a significant milestone in the company's journey towards becoming a publicly traded entity.

30. Olivia Wirth’s Leadership: In June 2024, Olivia Wirth commenced as Executive Chair of Myer. Her appointment followed her role as an independent Non-Executive Director on the Myer Board since November 2023. Olivia is driving the company’s next phase of growth, focusing on delivering improved outcomes for customers, team members, and shareholders.

31. National Distribution Centre: Myer has leased a new state-of-the-art National Distribution Centre, which will utilize southern hemisphere leading technology to deliver faster, more efficient, and profitable services both online and in-store.

32. Top Ten Most Trusted Brands: Myer remains Australia’s favourite department store, listed in the top ten most trusted brands in the country by Roy Morgan. This recognition underscores the company’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Philanthropy and Cultural Contributions

Myer's impact extends beyond retail, touching various aspects of Australian culture and philanthropy.

33. Sidney Myer Music Bowl: The Sidney Myer Music Bowl, established by Sidney Myer, continues to host free concerts, showcasing the company’s enduring legacy in the arts and culture.

34. Philanthropic Contributions: Sidney Myer’s philanthropic contributions have had a lasting impact on Melbourne. His donations to various causes, including the University of Melbourne and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, reflect his commitment to giving back to the community.

35. Yarra Boulevard Construction: Sidney Myer’s donation to construct sections of the Yarra Boulevard during the Great Depression not only stimulated employment but also improved Melbourne’s infrastructure.

36. Aviation Support: His donation to Charles Kingsford Smith and Charles Ulm’s trans-Pacific flight in 1928 highlights his support for pioneering endeavors and innovation.

Architectural and Operational Achievements

Myer's architectural and operational achievements have also played a significant role in its success.

37. Store Frontage: Since 1911, no store has had more frontage than Myer’s. The iconic Bourke Street store has been a Melbourne landmark for over a century, symbolizing the company’s enduring presence in the city.

38. Architectural Design: The Myer Emporium was designed by architects HW & FB Tompkins. The building's design has been extended and modified over the years, reflecting the company’s commitment to architectural excellence.

39. Department Store Expansion: By the 1920s, Myer had expanded its operations to Lonsdale Street and rebuilt its Bourke Street frontage in 1933. This expansion solidified Myer’s position as a major department store chain.

40. Queensberry Street Operations: In 1928, Myer established a separate building in Queensberry Street, Melbourne, known as Carlton Despatch. This facility managed a large number of trucks that delivered items to Melbourne’s suburbs, using a mail order system where customers paid with a Myer Card.

41. Collins Street Acquisitions: Myer acquired the Collins Street businesses of T. Webb and Sons (china importers) and W. H. Rocke and Company (house furnishers), transferring them to the Bourke Street building. This strategic move enhanced Myer’s product offerings and operational efficiency.

42. Public Company Status: By 1934, Myer had become a public company with a paid-up capital of nearly £2.5 million. This listing on the Adelaide Stock Exchange marked a significant milestone in the company’s growth and recognition.

43. Department Store Chain: Myer became one of Australia’s major property owners and developers by developing its own stores and acquiring other department stores across the country. This strategy helped establish Myer as a national retail chain.

44. Regional Expansion: Myer expanded its operations to other states, acquiring department stores such as Marshall’s and Bell’s in Adelaide, Boans in Western Australia, Barry & Roberts in Queensland, and Allan & Stark in Victoria. This regional expansion solidified Myer’s position as a national retailer.

45. Legacy and Impact: Myer’s legacy extends beyond its retail operations. The company has played a significant role in shaping Melbourne’s cultural and economic landscape. From its philanthropic contributions to its architectural achievements, Myer remains an integral part of Australian history and culture.

Myer's Legacy in Australian Retail

Myer's journey from a small drapery shop in Bendigo to a national retail giant is nothing short of remarkable. Founded by Sidney Myer, a penniless Russian immigrant, the company has grown into a beloved institution in Australia. From the iconic Myer Emporium in Melbourne to the annual Myer Christmas windows, the brand has become synonymous with quality and service.

Over the years, Myer has expanded its reach, acquiring other department stores and diversifying its product range. The company's commitment to innovation, like the introduction of the MYER one rewards program and the establishment of a state-of-the-art National Distribution Centre, has kept it at the forefront of retail.

Myer's philanthropic efforts, including donations to the University of Melbourne and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, have left a lasting impact on the community. Myer remains a cornerstone of Australian retail, blending tradition with modernity.