Whitcoulls History

Whitcoulls is a major national retailer with over 55 stores around the country - offering a wide selection of books, stationery, 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 proudly New Zealand owned by the James Pascoe Group which includes The Farmers Trading Co, Stevens, Pascoes the Jewellers, Stewart Dawsons and Goldmark.