A family business, rich in history

Founded in 1902, the original retail business Mills Brothers specialised in grocery, hardware and drapery.

In 1950, David Mills purchased the drapery shares of the business – and David Mills Limited was born at 48 King Street, Pukekohe. After 6 years at this premises, the business moved to 116 King street Pukekohe where it still is today.

David's son John joined the family business in 1972. Sadly David died in 1977.

Forty years on, in 1990, John introduced luggage and leather goods to the product range. The women's handbag range were imported from Italy (Pisa and Florence) and India. The iconic luggage brand Samsonite was introduced in 2009.

In 2017 John's daughter Francesca became the third generation of the Mills family to join the business. 

No history of David Mills Ltd would be complete without recording the years of service by many of our loyal staff – in particular Mabel Pegler who worked for 28 years, Noelene Lowe for 15 years, Anne Earley and Sandra Storr for 13 years and Raeleen Roberts for 12 years.

We're proud of our rich history in the Franklin community and pride ourselves on our quality, local service.

Thank you for supporting local, John & Francesca