Millers are a third generation family business who have been operating in the South Island for well over 80 years.

When first established in Greymouth in 1921 Mr Lesley Miller’s original philosophy was to be a company devoted to being the best in the business. Holding true to this Millers have continued to grow and expand over the decades, serving customers from throughout New Zealand.

Millers first moved from Greymouth to Christchurch in 1926 where they soon became a dominant player in the market selling fabrics, home linens, as well as men’s and women’s fashion clothing. In February 1939 they expanded into what has become their most famous site in Tuam Street, now the Christchurch City Council building which was specially built for the company.

The Tuam Street site included the company’s head office and factory as well as the principal retail store, and of course the famous Milk Bar and tea lounge on the mezzanine floor. The building also featured the first escalator in the South Island, which was also the biggest in New Zealand at the time, operating between the ground and first floors. What’s more, Millers also helped out in the Second World War by making thousands of uniforms and coats for New Zealand soldiers. 

Millers have earned their exceptional reputation in the market because they have continued to deliver customers the very latest ideas in décor in combination with outstanding service from their staff.

In 1960 Lesley Miller’s son Reginald Miller took over the company. Reginald continued to expand the business establishing additional retail stores nationwide and further developing the woollen and worsted mill in Christchurch. Millers also pioneered an exceptionally futuristic manufacturing plant on Wairakei Road, now the Tait Electronics head office.

In 1978 the site on Tuam Street was sold and Millers moved to new premises in Cashfields on Cashel Street where they specialised in dress and furnishing fabrics. They remained at this site until 1987 when they moved their headquarters to their present site on Blenheim Road.

Millers continued to change at their new location, concentrating on furnishing fabrics which complemented the newly established Dial-A -Curtain in-home décor consultancy service. Millers were the first company to launch such a service in New Zealand, which has proven to be very successful over the years helping out thousands of clients with their soft furnishing needs.

Whether it’s a modern minimalist feel, or a softer more traditional look, Millers are confident they can help you find a solution for your decorating needs all within your budget.

Geoff Miller, the grandson of Lesley Miller took over as Managing Director of the company in 1993. Under his direction Millers have continued to grow to become one of the largest soft furnishing retailers in New Zealand. With Geoff’s business skills and understanding of the industry, Millers have been able to strategically expand, increasing staff numbers and adding a new store.

As Millers are committed to staying ahead of the trends they source the very latest in fashion developments from both domestic and international markets. With ever-changing products and décor solutions Millers are confident of maintaining their presence in the market, offering customers a wide variety of options.

“We will continue to strive to be leaders in our industry, ensuring you our customers will always have access to exciting, unique and yet affordable options all within your budget.” Geoff Miller, Managing Director