Whitcoulls History

Whitcoulls is a proudly New Zealand owned major retailer with over 50 stores nationwide - offering a wide selection of stationery, books, business and educational products, toys, puzzles, games, gifts, greeting cards and wrap, and magazines.

Whitcoulls was founded 130 years ago when George Tombs, a printer and bookbinder, and George Whitcombe, a publisher and bookseller, combined their businesses to create a national publishing company. In 1971, Whitcombe & Tombs merged with key competitor Coull Somerville Wilke, and was renamed Whitcoulls in 1973.

Whitcoulls is owned by the James Pascoe Group which includes The Farmers Trading Co, Stevens Homewares, Pascoes the Jewellers, Stewart Dawsons and Goldmark.