Noel Leeming
 The current logo, used since 2014.[1] | |
 A Noel Leeming branch in Newmarket, 2010. | |
| Formerly | Noel Leeming Television |
|---|---|
| Company type | Subsidiary |
| Founded | 1973 in Christchurch |
| Founder | Noel Leeming |
Number of locations | 68 stores (2022)[2] |
| Parent | The Warehouse Group |
| Website | noelleeming |
Noel Leeming is a retail electronics chain that specializes in selling a wide range of products, including computers, household appliances, TVs, and audio equipment. With 66 stores, including 20 in Auckland,[3] Noel Leeming offers a larger selection of higher-value electronic goods compared to other chains under The Warehouse Group.[4]
In addition to its retail operations, Noel Leeming operates Tech Solutions, a service that provides support, installation, and learning assistance for technology users. This service caters to both in-store and in-home customers, offering comprehensive electronics and whiteware support.[5]
History
[edit]The brand was originally established as "Noel Leeming Television" in 1973, named after its founder.[6] The first Noel Leeming branch opened in Barrington Park Mall in Christchurch.[6][7] Over time, the brand expanded throughout the South Island and opened its first North Island branch in Auckland in 1986. In mid-1992, the brand's founder, Noel Leeming, retired as managing director. The North Island expansion continued rapidly throughout 1993.[6]
In September 1996, Noel Leeming merged with Bond & Bond under the trading group "Pacific Retail Group." At that time, the group operated approximately 90 branches nationwide, consisting of both brands.[6]
In 2004, Gresham Private Equity acquired Pacific Retail Group and renamed it "Noel Leeming Group."[8]
The Warehouse Group purchased Noel Leeming Group from Gresham Private Equity for NZ$65 million, and the acquisition became effective on 10 December 2012.[9] In December 2013, Noel Leeming Group further expanded its services by acquiring Maclean Technology, a team specializing in delivering professional IT services to New Zealand companies.[10]
In 2019, Noel Leeming enabled notorious padeophile Ronald Thompson to sexually abuse and harass a 17-year-old staff member working at their Blenheim store. Police recommended that Thompson be trespassed from the store, but Noel Leeming declined, saying Thompson, " deserves the right to be able to have a second chance". To date Noel Leeming hasn't admitted fault or compensated their victim.[11]
References
[edit]- ^ Wright, Heather. "Noel Leeming aims to build '100-year business' with company rebrand". channellife.co.nz. Archived from the original on 17 February 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
- ^ "The Warehouse Group :: 2022 Annual Report" (PDF). Retrieved 2 July 2023.
- ^ "Noel Leeming". noelleeming.co.nz. The Warehouse Group. Archived from the original on 17 February 2024. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ^ "Red shed shoppers boost profit". Stuff.co.nz. 18 September 2015. Archived from the original on 11 November 2016. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
- ^ "Services". Noel Leeming. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
- ^ a b c d "About Us". 10 October 2003. Archived from the original on 10 October 2003. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
- ^ "About Us". Noel Leeming. Archived from the original on 23 September 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
- ^ "Convergence closes Big Byte stores". Reseller News. Archived from the original on 17 February 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
- ^ "Warehouse buys Noel Leeming chain for $65m". The New Zealand Herald. 10 December 2012. ISSN 1170-0777. Archived from the original on 3 January 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
- ^ "About Us". Noel Leeming Group. Archived from the original on 27 August 2016. Retrieved 28 April 2018.
- ^ "Worker claims Noel Leeming did nothing about mans inappropriate advances". Stuff.co.nz. 15 August 2024. Archived from the original on 15 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.