Guthrie Bowron are New Zealand’s home decorating specialists. We offer Kiwis everything they need to refresh their homes, as well as advice from experts in every store. Our vision is to be New Zealand’s most inspiring home decorating destination, helping Kiwis turn their houses into homes.

All stores are 100% locally owned and operated, and we are proud to have been a trusted New Zealand brand since 1896.

HISTORY OF GUTHRIE BOWRON

The Guthrie Bowron brand was founded in 1896 by Dunedin born Henry Guthrie who was soon after joined by George Bowron. Henry and George travelled throughout the South Island selling various products. In the mid 1920's Guthrie Bowron became involved in importing lacquer, varnish, lead and linseed oil – the base ingredients for paint at the time. In 1932 Guthrie Bowron was appointed agent for Dulux Paints and around this time opened a wallpaper store in Christchurch.

Guthrie Bowron became a public company in 1963 and by 1969 had 18 branches throughout the country retailing mainly paint and wallpaper. In 1971 the company was purchased by ICI (NZ) Ltd the owner and manufacturer of the Dulux paint brand and by 1985 had 34 outlets.

In 1992 Guthrie Bowron was sold to a team of senior managers who set about franchising the stores. Over the next decade the business continued to grow as it became a solely franchise business. The business currently operates as a franchise, under the management of GBHC 2014 Limited.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Guthrie Bowron has existed for over 120 years and has instant brand recognition. The company has a unique product offering, with a full range of decorating products including paint, wallpaper, decorating tools, curtains, blinds, flooring, and homeware.

Guthrie Bowron is the leader in providing mainstream New Zealand with decorating advice, knowledge and products to help them achieve the end result they want. Many customers are not confident making decorating decisions, and are looking for a solution – not just products. Guthrie Bowron offers customers a complete decorating solution, both in store and in the customers’ home.

WE WILL welcome every person who comes into our stores

WE WILL take a personal interest in your project, whether you're staining a deck, wanting new curtains for your lounge, or decorating a whole house

WE WILL offer you a comfortable place in our stores for you to spend as long as you like discussing and planning your decorating project

WE WILL give you the phone number of the store, so you can speak directly to the staff member who served you if you need any advice during your project

WE WILL endeavour to help you select the perfect colour, pattern or design every time

WE WILL do our best to fix any colour mistakes made by our competitors

WE WILL give you access to great quality products that will help give you the result you want

WE WILL carry your samples of purchases to your car if you need help

WE WILL recommend a tradesperson if you would like someone to help you achieve a result you'll love

The Guthrie Bowron Franchise

Why Guthrie Bowron?

Trusted brand: Guthrie Bowron as a brand has existed for over 120 years and has 98% brand awareness amongst consumers.

Proven business model: Guthrie Bowron’s franchise model has operated for over 20 years and has been successfully applied to stores across the country, of various footprints and customer demographics.

Unique product offering: No other retailer in Australasia provides an entire decorating solution through specialist categories of paint, wallpaper, window dressings, flooring, and homewares.

Clear market positioning: Differentiated from DIY and specialty retailers through its product mix service offering and its emphasis on solutions and advice.

Cost benefits: Guthrie Bowron continues to be price competitive whilst delivering above average margins through its product mix and preferential supplier arrangements. The scale of Guthrie Bowron and its national presence allows it to negotiate very competitive trading terms with its supply partners.

Strong support system: Guidance and leadership is provided by a strong and experienced management team, with extensive retail experience.

Trading relationship: Guthrie Bowron’s strategic alliance with Dulux allows it to provide trusted service, advice and products to both retail and trade customers.

Marketing: Group and supplier contributions allow Guthrie Bowron to compete at a national level and produce regular marketing activity across a wide range of media.  

Business continuity: Franchise owners are granted exclusive, predefined territory for an initial term of 5 years, plus two rights of renewal.

If you are interested in a Guthrie Bowron franchise, download the Franchise Opportunity Prospectus.