From ironmongery to Australian icon: the McEwan's retail revolution and its role in the transformation of shopping

Explore a world of retail history in The Transformation of Shopping: Department Stores, Social Change and Consumerism, 1830-1994. The collection uncovers over a century of social and cultural changes through the lens of department stores, with rich content sourced from international archives. Discover how these retail giants influenced societal norms, consumer behaviour, and global business practices.

One such store featured in this resource is McEwan’s which was founded by James McEwan in Melbourne, Australia, in 1868. The store initially started as a small ironmongery business, selling quality hardware and household goods to the growing population of the burgeoning city. Throughout the late nineteenth century, McEwan's expanded its product range to include a variety of tools, building materials, and home improvement items. The store's reputation for quality and reliability helped it to attract a loyal customer base.

By the end of the nineteenth century, McEwan’s had established itself as one of Melbourne's leading hardware retailers. The store continued to expand its offerings and began to supply products for larger construction projects in addition to individual customers. Later, during the interwar period, McEwan's further solidified its position in the market by expanding its physical presence with new store locations. The company began to modernise its operations and implement more efficient business practices, evidence of which can be explored and analysed within The Transformation of Shopping: Department Stores, Social Change and Consumerism, 1830-1994 collection.

After World War II, McEwan's capitalised on a boom in home construction and renovation by increasing its inventory and focusing on customer service. The store became a go-to destination for both professional builders and DIY enthusiasts. At the same time, McEwan’s was receiving numerous applications for job positions from men recently returned from their various wartime occupations.

McEwan's continued to thrive, becoming a household name in Melbourne and beyond. The company diversified its product offerings to include gardening supplies, automotive products, and a wider range of home improvement items. A continued interest in modern customer service practices was exemplified by McEwan’s ‘Sunflower Girl’, a service girl who assisted customers in store and directed them through the expansive range of products.

The store underwent further expansion during the 1980s, opening more locations and expanding into new markets. McEwan's also began to explore opportunities in the emerging trend of big-box retailing, aiming to offer a comprehensive shopping experience under one roof.

The store finally ceased operating under the McEwan name in 1993, having been acquired by Perth-based hardware giant Bunnings. By this time, however, McEwan’s had made an indelible mark on the Victoria retail scene, having survived for well over a century. As the McEwan’s slogan famously said: “You can do it with McEwan’s because we’ve got a million things”.

About the author

Lara Luker is an editorial assistant at AM.

About the collection

The Transformation of Shopping: Department Stores, Social Change and Consumerism, 1830-1994 is out now. The document quoted in this blog is available open-access for 30 days and can be found here:

Between Ourselves,' Nos 1-4, McEwan's Ltd staff magazine

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