The Home of Christmas for 182 years
There is no other time like Christmas and no other store that cherishes it like David Jones. From the perspective of looking out, not in; this festive season we celebrate 182 years of shoppers peering through our Christmas windows as a sense of joy and delight unites the years.
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There is no other time like Christmas and no other store that cherishes it like David Jones. From the perspective of looking out, not in; this festive season we celebrate 182 years of shoppers peering through our Christmas windows, a sense of joy and delight uniting the years.
The History Of Christmas at David Jones
Embracing the magic of the season since 1838, we look forward to counting every Christmas with joy and wonder.
This Christmas, we invite you to take a nostalgic journey filled with heritage and heart as you watch a story that spans generations. Set within the windows of our iconic Christmas displays, delight in a spirit that is as vivid and extraordinary as our182-year history.
This Christmas, we invite you to take a nostalgic journey filled with heritage and heart as you watch a story that spans generations. Set within the windows of our iconic Christmas displays, delight in a spirit that is as vivid and extraordinary as our
1838
Having established Australia’s first department store in Sydney on the 24th of May, Mr. David Jones and staff begin to find their flow before diving into the Christmas spirit and world-class festive magic that would charm generations to come.
1938-1947
100 Year Anniversary
A century in and against all odds, Christmas at David Jones continues to hold the promise of this spirit as it unites Australians in all things style and joy; remaining open throughout World War II, grand piano and all. In 1947, out of wartime frugality came international acclaim as David Jones brought Sydney out of the post-war doldrums with haute-couture by Christian Dior in what was the prolific designers first showing beyond Paris. The world was now watching.
The piano has always played an iconic role in the David Jones experience
1950-1967
The magic of the David Jones story continued to travel far and wide; in 1954, Queen Elizabeth II became the first British Monarch to step foot on Australian soil, dining at the Great Restaurant on the 7th Floor of David Jones Elizabeth Street for a State Banquet in her honour.
Queen Elizabeth II visits David Jones in Sydney in 1954
As electric optimism filled the years to come, so too did an inspired Christmas cheer with the introduction of the David Jones staff Christmas choir in Elizabeth St, an initiative of chairman Sir Charles Lloyd in 1951. From here on out, Christmas shopping would not be without carols and a sea of shopping bags branded with the soon to be iconic David Jones Houndstooth. Distinctive and versatile, the DJ Houndstooth was an instant hit, introduced by young Charles Lloyd Jones in 1966 following the inspiration taken from the packaging on his mother’s Miss Dior perfume.
Queen Elizabeth II visits David Jones in Sydney in 1954
1982
David Jones continued to shape the lives and style of Australians as stores were introduced in Victoria, Queensland, Australian Capital Territory and South Australia with 1982 seeing the acquisition of the iconic Bourke St store that is known and loved today. Gracing the new stores that festive season was the reindeer, a Christmas character synonymous with our adored window displays at the time.
The revamp of the David Jones Food Hall featuring four eateries, a grill, a coffee shop and an oyster bar, the ultimate Christmas food destination.
1994
By now David Jones was synonymous with the details, continuously making Christmas beautifully easy with the introduction of new, world-renowned brands.
2000
Over the course of the 2000s, Australians were reminded of their own home-grown luxury, embodied by the likes of Megan Gale. Quintessentially Australian and adored around the world, Megan paved the way for the best of David Jones fashion on the world stage, ushering in an era of world-class fashion shows and designers to match.
David Jones Celebrates 175 Years
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2020
After a year expecting the unexpected, the joy and wonder of Christmas are more important than ever. From a nostalgic look back at 182 Christmases to the charming native Australian bowerbird representing the magic of the season, in 2020 David Jones invites you to let your spirit soar and make this Christmas one to remember.
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