Newspaper Article 2003 – Hastings – Then and now

Hastings … Then and now

153 years later the Central City boasts modern buildings, landscaping like the clocktower and the water feature.

Heretaunga Street West, Hastings. Beflagged for the visits of Their Excellencies, Lord and Lady Bledisloe, in 1930.

Part 1 of a part 2 series
Part 2 appear on Thursday, October 30. If you would like to feature your business in a historical trip down memory lane then phone one of our friendly consultants on 878 7670.

Poppelwells

The Poppelwell family is well known in Hawke’s Bay for its quality clothing.

Harry Poppelwell started the business in 1926 in Russell Street, Hastings, specialising in menswear, and was joined by son Michael in 1960.

In 1980 the firm bought an established Havelock North menswear business and son Michael became the manager.

“Later we closed the Hastings store and concentrated on the Havelock North outlet which has gone from strength to strength,” Michael says.

The clothing range has changed.

“We used to stock a lot of suits but we’re into a more casual look these days. We also sell local school uniforms and introduced womenswear about five years ago,” Michael says.

Poppelwell’s casual wear includes Canterbury, Savane and Line 7 labels as well as Aertex, Gloweave and Summit shirts, Rembrandt trousers, Levi’s, Silverdale Knitwear and range of other brands and accessories.

Women’s labels include Exit, Cocoon, Line 7 and Canterbury.

Michael recently branched into men’s shoes and plans to extend the range.

Changing times and fashion has seen the store’s image continuously evolve.

“It’s the same space and same building but that’s all. We (my wife and our three staff) are always updating the decor, fittings and new displays.”

Photo captions –
POPPELWELLS store, Hastings, in 1962.

POPPELWELLS Blossom Festival window display in 1952.

See What’s New for 2003

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Poppelwells
FASHION SHOP
for MEN and WOMEN
Te Mata Road – 877 5355