Thomas’s was established in 1912 by John Emlyn Thomas. He was born in Newcastle Emlyn in North Wales in 1880. Before immigrating to New Zealand in 1910 he had worked at Thomas Wallis Limited in Oxford Street, London. He was there for several years and became thoroughly conversant in all aspects of drapery retailing. John Emlyn married his wife Kathleen in 1912 and together they expanded the business from one shop to a larger store, by purchasing adjoining shops that they rebuilt. The founder died suddenly in 1939 and was succeeded by his son Terence and son-in-law Austin Andrews. The business survived the difficult war years when it was operated by Kathleen and her 2 daughters Patricia and Ellie.

After the war Terence and Austin returned to the business. In 1958 a large adjoining site was purchased and the building was refurbished and joined into the existing store. After this expansion an emphasis was placed on improving the fashion image of the merchandise. Importing fashion labels from London became an opportunity and Terence made regular trips abroad to purchase the collections. Most of these garments were sold by mail order all over New Zealand. These were the days of strict import control and the market was deprived of exclusive product. Thomas’s was now on the map.

After the retirement of the second generation the store is now owned and operated by the 3rd generation of the family, Michael Thomas and Kim Andrews, together with 4th generation Hamish Thomas and recently joined Brother Tim.  In 1994, 60% of the buildings were demolished and the store was rebuilt and the remainder re-furbished.

The store is situated in central Blenheim in the Province of Marlborough the largest and most successful wine growing region in New Zealand.

Today Thomas’s is a modern provincial city department store retailing Women’s Fashion including shoes and accessories, Women’s and Men’s Lifestyle Clothes, Men’s Clothing, Homewares and JETZ Urban Streetwear Store.

A selection of profile brands stocked include Ted Baker, Kate Sylvester, Helen Cherry, Carolyn Sills, Diesel, Workshop, Olga Berg, Line 7, Icebreaker, Ben Sherman, Cutler and Rembrandt. Sreetwear Store brands include Lee, Wrangler,Federation, Diesel, Quiksilver, Volcom, Rip Curl.

Special services include an on line Wedding Registry and online Suit Hire service.