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The retail history of Hornby.
Although served by a post office from the 1870s, business in Hornby did not develop until the end of the century and even then it seems that one name was to dominate the scene.
In 1897 Alfred Manhire opened his general store on the site now occupied by Dressmart. His brother William took over the business in 1898. It served as the modern day department store; as well as the departments which faced on to the street - groceries, drapery and boots - other goods were sold at the rear of the shop - animal foods, wood and coal. In addition the store acted as agent for the Liverpool, London and Globe Insurance Company, plus other agencies.
In 1908 when the post office was moved from the railway station a small addition was made to Manhire's store to accommodate it. In 1920 the store was bought by Archibald Still and he and his family maintained the business until 1964. Woolworths then bought the site for £35,000 and demolished the original buildings to make way for their supermarket.
in 1998 Woolworths was replaced by the Dressmart shopping complex, a wholesale shopping mall intended for discount stores stocking end of lines etc.
This plaque in the car park marks the site of Manhire's original store.
The Hornby Mall, which is the social and commercial focus of the community was opened in 1977. It has gone through various redevelopment stages with the latest upgrading it to hold rooftop carparking and numerous new shops. The growth of the retail industry in the 90's has been sparked by recent redevelopments in Rolleston and Templeton which has increased the population in these areas
And for those of you who thought that Cinema 3 was Hornby’s first such movie theatre, think again. In 1949 it was known as the "Kosy" and housed in the Orange Hall, on Smarts road with sessions every Wednesday and Saturday.
Compiled by Stephen P. from various sources. Please contact the Hornby Online Team if you have more early history to add.
Page last updated 25 March, 2008
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