Ballina is set to get its first traditional department store.

Harris Scarfe has confirmed its move into the local market, advertising for senior staff including a store manager for a new Ballina outlet.

The recruitment drive signals the retailer’s arrival later this year and marks a significant shift in the town’s retail landscape.

Confidence in Ballina

Ballina Chamber of Commerce President Joeline Paskins said the development reflected growing confidence in the town’s economy.

“It’s fantastic to see retailers like Harris Scarfe choosing Ballina,” she said.

“This is great news for Ballina, for local jobs and our community.

“We are seeing strong signs that Ballina is the North Coast’s retail hub, and new retailers choosing our town shows the confidence businesses have in our community.

“It’s another sign that Ballina is moving ahead,” Ms Paskins said.

‘Moving Ahead’: Chamber President Joeline Paskins

Main image and above, the latest ‘look’ inside and out of the 175-year old business that keeps re-inventing. (photos: Harris Scarfe)

A different kind of department store

Ballina already has discount department stores such as Big W, Kmart and TK Maxx.

But Harris Scarfe sits in a different space.

The retailer offers a more traditional department store mix, focusing on established Australian brands across homewares, manchester, kitchenware and fashion.

It also combines in-store shopping with a strong online offering, including click-and-collect options for customers.

Familiar name, new chapter

While not as widely known in New South Wales, Harris Scarfe is one of the long-standing family names in department store retail, particularly familiar to shoppers in South Australia.

The business dates back to 1849, when it began as an ironmongery before evolving into a department store chain.

Today, it operates 56 stores nationwide and stocks a mix of national brands and private label ranges.

Where it all began in Adelaide (photo Harris Scarfe/Facebook)

The company shuttered many of its regional stores and went into administration in 2020 before being acquired by Spotlight Group in 2021.

Since then, it has repositioned itself for growth, with a renewed focus on customer experience and expansion into high-growth locations.

That group is already active in Ballina through Spotlight at the Homemaker Centre, meaning it is familiar with the strength of the local market.

The new Harvey Norman ‘megastore’ is now nearing completion after more than six years planning and construction.

Location yet to be confirmed

Harris Scarfe has not formally announced where its Ballina store will be located.

However, retail insiders expect it will take over a large-format retail space adjacent to Spotlight once Harvey Norman relocates to its new premises nearby.

Construction of Harvey Norman’s new “mega store” is nearing completion.

Ballina News Daily has contacted Harris Scarfe for comment.

A return to ‘the place to shop’

For many Australians, the department store was once the centre of a shopping trip.

Stores like Grace Bros and Farmers offered everything under one roof, creating a retail experience that has largely faded in the era of online shopping and specialty chains.

Even major players such as Myer and David Jones have closed stores and scaled back floor space in recent years.

That makes Harris Scarfe’s move into Ballina notable.

At a time when the traditional department store model is under pressure, Ballina appears ready and able to welcome it back.