About Guthrie Bowron

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

 

Guthrie Bowron - Home Decorating Specialists

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.

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. 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.

 

 

Business Overview

 

 

Personal Greetings

 

WE WILL greet every person who comes into our stores with a friendly smile and warm welcome.

 

Unmatched Service

 

WE WILL take a personal interest in your project, no matter the job. From staining to wallpaper application.

 

Comfortable Space

 

WE WILL offer you a comfortable place in our stores to plan and map out your project.

 

Post-Purchase Support

 

WE WILL give you the phone number of the store, so you can speak directly to the staff member who served you.

 

Expert Advice

 

WE WILL endeavour to help you select the perfect colour, pattern or design to complement your home.

 

Colour Corrections

 

WE WILL do our best to fix any colour mistakes made by our competitors to ensure the right match.

 

Quality Products

 

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

 

Load Support

 

WE WILL carry your heavy products and samples of purchases to your car if you need help.

 

Tradie Recommendations

 

WE WILL recommend a tradesperson if you would help achieving the best results. 

Try before you decide

Order your paint test pots online and try sample colours from our Dulux ranges of paints.

Buy now

 

 

Design with the help of an expert

Visit a store near you for trusted decorating expertise, or get personalised service with our in-home decorating advice. Contact your local store or call 0800 424 357 to book your in-home decorating service.

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