At least 20 people have lost their jobs at iconic Christchurch decor store Millers.

The owners of Harvey Furnishings, which has had a long association with the company, acquired Millers from the Millers family on 30th June 2020.

Harvey Furnishings Director Wade Glass told Chris Lynch “Millers has a 95-year history in Canterbury, but the company was facing a decline in profitability on the back of onerous lease obligations and higher operating cost bases than its competitors.”

Leslie Miller founded the company in 1924.

Harvey Furnishings directors decided that to create a sustainable business all manufacturing should be moved to other locations of Harvey Furnishings within New Zealand.

Machinists and administration staff at Millers are among those who have lost their jobs.

Wade Glass said it was decided the premises footprint should be reduced to reduce operating costs.

Product lines will be aligned with Harvey Furnishings and procurement should be aligned with Harvey Furnishings .

Mr Glass said “the acquisition was completed during a time of considerable uncertainty arising from Covid, but the owners of Harvey were committed to seeing the successful rebirth of Millers and the preservation of this historic Canterbury brand.”

“The owners of Harvey Furnishings support local manufacturing and did not want to see Millers acquired by competitors who choose to outsource their manufacturing overseas.”

He said “the long cooperation between Harveys and Millers made this merger a logical succession strategy for the previous owners.”

“The existing management team, government services, and retail teams have remained with the business under new ownership and all employees made redundant received significant redundancy entitlements Millers has moved to new premises and looks forward to another long period of serving its customers in the region.”