James Richardson Group Corporate Profile

James Richardson is a family owned group with its head office in Melbourne. The group has diversified interests:

  • It has an important presence in Duty Free retailing industry in Australasia and the Middle East.
  • It is one of Australia's leading importers and distributors of Furniture, Office Systems and Textiles.
  • It has an extensive Property Portfolio and Finance Investments including Mortgage Lending.

James Richardson has enjoyed success over its long history and is listed in Australia's top 500 private companies
(BRW Magazine) and in 2009 was listed as number 88 of Australia's top private companies.

1892/
Founded by hotelier Jimmy Richardson.

1953/
The wholesale wines and spirits business
was acquired by present owner
Mr David Mandie AM, OBE.

1955/
Merger of James Richardson and the
Mandie Stores tobacco businesses into
Melbourne's leading tobacco, wines and
spirits distributor.

1956/                                                                 
 Commenced furniture importing, assembling
and distribution.

1972/
Entry into Duty Free retailing at Brisbane Airport.

1972/
Commenced distribution of perfumes and
cosmetics to Australian retail market.

1972-1995/
Expansion of Duty Free retailing in Australia
including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth
and Cairns Airports and 23 off airport stores in
all major cities.

1988/
Commenced international duty free retailing at
Ben Gurion Airport, Israel.

1995/
Sold Australian Duty Free operation to Swissair.

2000/
Commenced JR/Weave division importing and
selling textiles for the commercial markets.

2002/
James Richardson opens new purpose built
showroom in Sydney for JR/Sit, JR/Work
and JR/Weave divisions. 

2004/
Commenced JR/Work as an extension of the
JR/Sit division. JR/Sit imports and distributes
contract quality furniture to commercial markets. JR/Work division of James Richardson specializes
in supplying office systems to commercial markets.

2004/
James Richardson in Israel successfully wins tender
to retain licence to operate Duty Free Store at new Airport Terminal for 10 years. One of the world's largest single duty free stores is opened in
November 2004.

2005/
James Richardson opens their new Distribution
Centre at Campbellfield Melbourne.

2005-2006/
James Richardson, trading as JR/Duty Free
re-enters the Duty Free Industry in Australia
opening off-airport stores in Swanston Street Melbourne, Hay Street Perth and King William
Street Adelaide.

2006/
JR/Duty Free successfully bids for the Duty Free
licence at Darwin Airport and commences a
10 year contract on 1 February 2007.

2008/
JR/Duty Free opens an off-airport store in
Adelaide St Brisbane.

2009/
JR/Duty Free successfully bids for the
Duty Free licence at Auckland Airport and
commences a 10 year contract on 1 July 2009.

2009/
JR/Duty Free purchases the Regency brand,
Duty Free at Wellington airport, Discover
New Zealand business at Christchurch and
Wellington from Nuance Group and begins
operating on 1 July 2009.

2009/
JR/Duty Free successfully tenders for 8 year
contract at Christchurch International Airport, commencing from 1 July 2010