H&J Smith's Invercargill and Queenstown department stores will close for the final time today at 3pm (18 Nov), after 123 years serving generations of Southland families.

The Invercargill store's Mooch and Copper Kettle eateries will be serving drinks and limited cabinet food until 2:30pm. 

The iconic Southland Department stores closure was proposed on 17th May this year.

The news was greeted with widespread stock and sadness by customers and fellow retailers.

Group Managing Director Jason Smith and Chief Executive Officer John Green cited systemic changes within the retail sector, including shopping preferences and supply chain issues, making it difficult for the independent retailer to continue to trade.

Several areas of the department's business have subsequently been sold off and will now trade as individual entities.