About Guthrie Bowron

Guthrie Bowron are New Zealand’s home decorating specialists.

We offer Kiwis everything they need to refresh their homes, as well as advice from experts in every store. Our vision is to be New Zealand’s most inspiring home decorating destination, helping Kiwis turn their houses into homes.

All stores are 100% locally owned and operated, and we are proud to have been a trusted New Zealand brand since 1896.

Guthrie Bowron has a unique product offering, with a full range of decorating products including paint, wallpaper, decorating tools, curtains, blinds, flooring, and homeware.

Guthrie Bowron is the leader in providing mainstream New Zealand with decorating advice, knowledge and products to help them achieve the end result they want. Many customers are not confident making decorating decisions, and are looking for a solution – not just products. Guthrie Bowron offers customers a complete decorating solution, both in store and in the customers’ home.

History of Guthrie Bowron

The Guthrie Bowron brand was founded in 1896 by Dunedin born Henry Guthrie who was soon after joined by George Bowron. Henry and George travelled throughout the South Island selling various products. In the mid 1920's Guthrie Bowron became involved in importing lacquer, varnish, lead and linseed oil – the base ingredients for paint at the time. In 1932 Guthrie Bowron was appointed agent for Dulux Paints and around this time opened a wallpaper store in Christchurch.

Guthrie Bowron became a public company in 1963 and by 1969 had 18 branches throughout the country retailing mainly paint and wallpaper. In 1971 the company was purchased by ICI (NZ) Ltd the owner and manufacturer of the Dulux paint brand and by 1985 had 34 outlets.

In 1992, Guthrie Bowron was sold to a team of senior managers who set about franchising the stores. Over the next decade the business continued to grow as it became a solely franchise business. The business currently operates as a franchise, under the management of GBHC 2014 Limited.

Book a Homecall Appointment

If you need help planning your decorating, all you need to do is ask. We’re always happy to bring expert advice to you, in your home. We provide advice on colour, design, and materials, and can give you a free measure and quote for curtains, blinds and flooring*.

To book a House Call, please use our store locator to find your local store, or call us on 0800 424 357

*Travel distance parameters may apply for free in-home measure and quote. Please contact your local store for more details.

We also offer a full colour consultancy service at selected stores. Please note there may be a charge for this service, so call your local store for details.

Services

Home Decorating SpecialistFlooringCurtains & BlindsPaint & WallpaperDesign Consultation & Homecall

Locations we service