Noel Leeming is a retail electronics chain that specialises in selling a wide range of products, including

computers A computer is a machine that can be programmed to automatically carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations ('' computation''). Modern digital electronic computers can perform generic sets of operations known as ''programs'', ...

household appliances A home appliance, also referred to as a domestic appliance, an electric appliance or a household appliance, is a machine which assists in household functions such as cooking, cleaning and food preservation. The domestic application attached to ...

, TVs, and

audio equipment Audio equipment refers to devices that reproduce, record, or process sound. This includes microphones, radio receivers, AV receivers, CD players, tape recorders, amplifiers, mixing consoles, effects units, headphones, and speakers. Audio equip ...

. With 66 stores, including 20 in Auckland, Noel Leeming offers a larger selection of higher-value electronic goods compared to other chains under

The Warehouse Group The Warehouse Group (TWG) was established by Stephen Tindall in 1982 and is the largest retail group in operation in New Zealand. It is a corporate conglomerate that consists of The Warehouse, Warehouse Stationery and Noel Leeming. History Th ...

. 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.

History

The brand was originally established as "Noel Leeming Television" in 1973, named after its founder. The first Noel Leeming branch opened in Barrington Park Mall in Christchurch. Over time, the brand expanded throughout the

South Island The South Island ( , 'the waters of Pounamu, Greenstone') is the largest of the three major islands of New Zealand by surface area, the others being the smaller but more populous North Island and Stewart Island. It is bordered to the north by ...

and opened its first

North Island The North Island ( , 'the fish of Māui', historically New Ulster) is one of the two main islands of New Zealand, islands of New Zealand, separated from the larger but less populous South Island by Cook Strait. With an area of , it is the List ...

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. 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. In 2004, Gresham Private Equity acquired Pacific Retail Group and renamed it "Noel Leeming Group." The Warehouse Group purchased Noel Leeming Group from Gresham Private Equity for NZ$65 million, and the acquisition became effective on 10 December 2012. In December 2013, Noel Leeming Group further expanded its services by acquiring Maclean Technology, a team specialising in delivering professional IT services to New Zealand companies. In 2019, Noel Lemming has declined responsibility to prevent the paedophilic abuse of a 17-year-old staff member working at the Blenheim store by a customer, despite police recommendations to

trespass Trespass is an area of tort law broadly divided into three groups: trespass to the person (see below), trespass to chattels, and trespass to land. Trespass to the person historically involved six separate trespasses: threats, assault, battery ...

the customer from the store. The customer, Ronald Thompson, was a former carpet salesman who was previously convicted with sex abuse charges, which 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.https://www.9news.com.au/world/new-zealand-news-outrage-as-alleged-sex-offender-too-ill-to-stand-trial-leaves-country/f7e37aa6-a529-489c-97bf-0c173188b508

References

{{Reflist Retail companies of New Zealand New Zealand companies established in 1973 Consumer electronics retailers of New Zealand