Target Country, Hamilton

This impressive metal lettering spelling out the word IMPORTERS belongs to, what is now, the Target Country store in Gray Street, Hamilton. It possibly dates from the time when the building was owned by David Laidlow & Co (who also owned Millers Department Store which was next door in Gray Street).

Early this century, the building was extensively damaged by fire and the subsequent rebuilding brought the unexpected benefit of exposing some the original facade that had been covered by cladding. To their credit, the owners Coles Myer, restored the facade to its original appearence.

In an earlier form, G J Coles & Co, made structural alterations to the building in 1936, probably using designs by Harry Norris who worked on many Coles stores.

Reference:
Hamilton - Art Deco & Modernism, Diane Luhrs & Linley Bramall, 2011