1884

Robert Malcolm Ltd. established in Christchurch by Robert Malcolm

1884

Developed hand woven rug business from India and U.K.

1886

Establishes brand in Dunedin

1887

Establishes brand in Wellington

1892

Establishes brand in Auckland

1896

Builds own warehouse in Lichfield St, Christchurch

1897

Builds own warehouse in Moray Place, Dunedin

1898

Purchases warehouse in Wellington

1900

Purchases warehouse in Auckland

1904

Acquires agency of Barry Stains Linoleum

1907

Largest importing company in New Zealand. Acquires many agencies in resilient flooring, carpet, textiles, worsted suitings, shirtings, linings, threads and buttons etc.

1929

Robert Malcolm dies. Mr. William Kitson appointed Managing Director

1932

Mr. Vernon Charles Mathews (Robert Malcom’s son-in-law) takes over as Managing Director

1936

Acquires agency of W. Firth & Co, carpet manufacturers

1936

Acquires agency of Warner Fabrics

1939

Robert Malcolm Ltd. has over 100 agencies from U.K., Europe, U.S.A., Japan and India.
World War II declared – strict rationing of all imports

1945

Mr. Mathews travels to U.K. and Europe to strengthen ties with present agencies and acquire new ones

1955

Robert Malcolm Ltd. has 170 agencies in its control

1960s

Return of company to Wholesaling as overseas companies requirements change

1966

Mr. Vernon C.Mathews retires as Managing Director - Mr. Ian Mathews (Robert Malcolm’s grandson / Vernon C. Mathews’ son) appointed Managing Director)

1979

Acquires the Helleman agency

1979

Dunedin and Wellington warehouses sold

1982

Moves premises in Christchurch to Hillview Road, Christchurch

1984

Robert Malcolm Ltd. celebrates centenary

1990

Acquires Polystyl vinyl flooring agency

1990

Purchases new warehouse in Manchester St, Christchurch

1996

Northstate Carpets and Juteks Vinyl Flooring agencies acquired

1998

Acquires I.V.C. vinyl flooring agency

1999

Acquires Vinyltec agency

2000

Robert Malcolm Ltd. 116 years old.
Purchases wool carpet manufacturing company.
Establishes Robert Malcolm carpets brand.

2004

Mr. Ian Mathews retires as Chairman.
Mrs. E. Jill Shearer (Robert Malcolm’s great granddaughter / Ian Mathews’ eldest daughter) appointed Chairman

2004

Mr. Noel Eastwick retires as Managing Director.
Mrs. Jill Shearer appointed Managing Director

2005

Moves warehouse and head office in Christchurch to 59 Halwyn Drive

2005

Acquires agencies with Suminoe & Roya – Carpet Tiles

2006

Acquires agency with Jinduo – Ceramic Tiles

2007

Acquires agency with Everstone – Porcelain, Glass, Marble, Bluestone Tiles & Mosaics