David Jones’ Elizabeth Street flagship is celebrating its 95th anniversary and is marking the occasion with a live performance by Australian singer Kate-Miller Heidke alongside other installations.
This will include a selection of historical imagery of the flagship site showcased across the entire eight-level store, as well as a bespoke floral installation by Doctor Cooper.
The 185-foot site was purchased by David Jones in 1914, who designed the grand institution after multiple trips to various department stores in the United States and Britain, taking inspiration from architecture with boldness, beauty, sophistication and modernity.
The ‘Wonder Store’ launched as just that, with customers flooding through the doors on its first day of trading, Monday, November 28, 1927.
By 1930 the flagship store had become a destination in its own right, moving on to host exclusive fashion events such as Dior’s first showcase outside of Paris, blockbuster festivities and contemporary art exhibitions.
The store was once again transformed in the 1980s with lavish refurbishments including a designer boutique on the seventh floor and a food hall on the lower ground.
Today, the store remains a staple in Sydney CBD, bringing Australian and international luxury fashion, beauty and homewares.
“David Jones is incredibly proud to be celebrating the 95th anniversary of our Elizabeth Street Flagship and it’s a joy to reminisce on its rich history now spanning almost a century,” David Jones CEO Scott Fyfe said. “It’s undergone many developments over the years and has truly become a destination like no other which brings the business’ 184-year history to life with a unique curation of fashion, homewares, accessories, and beauty from Australia and around the world.”
Earlier this month, the Sydney store helped launch David Jones’ Christmas campaign, ‘Festival of Wonder’, which includes immersive experiences, festive activations and entertainment.
David Jones first opened its doors in 1838 in Sydney, and is the oldest continuously operating department store in the world still trading under its original name. It currently operates 43 locations Across Australia and New Zealand.
The department store company will celebrate its 185th anniversary in 2023.