No H&J replacement yet as closure looms

THE Meridian Mall is still searching for a new tenant to replace the H&J Smith department store, which is due to close on January 30.

H&J Smith was an anchor tenant in the George St retail complex.

A spokeswoman for mall owner Oyster Property Group said yesterday a replacement tenant was yet to be confirmed for the prime central city site.

H&J Smith confirmed in June last year it would close both its Dunedin and Mosgiel stores, due to rising costs and the effect Covid19 had had on trade.

A new operator has since been found for its Mosgiel store, which will relaunch under a new name in February.

A clearance sale is now on at both stores.

PHOTO: GERARD O’BRIEN Going, going . . . H&J Smith in the Meridian Mall, clearing stock before its imminent closure.