The John Martin’s Story South Australia’s Beloved Department Store

Join Paul Flavel, researcher and author, as he shares the story from his research of one of South Australia's iconic department stores, John Martin's. 

Thanks to the stories from former staff and customers, the doors to John Martin's are open once more. Rarely seen photographs and Paul's research fill the pages of his new book, John Martin's: the story of South Australia's beloved department store. They tell, for the very first time, the history of a beloved and iconic department store.

The passing of years has not dulled South Australians' love for 'Johnnies', with memories of thousands of people who worked and shopped there. Did you know that John Martin's brought The Beatles to Adelaide? The store delighted generations of children with its iconic Magic Cave and Christmas Pageant. 

Run by the illustrious Hayward family for most of its existence, John Martin's & Co gave everything it had to the people of South Australia through its unwavering generosity and strong sense of community.

Book signing

After the talk you are welcome to purchase a book and have it signed. 

More to explore

You can explore and research the John Martin's & Co Business Report Group, which is held by the State Library of SA. We also have an extensive photography collection featuring the store and its history.

Purchase a signed copy after the event for your home library or as a gift.

Image: book cover of John Martin's The story of South Australia's beloved department store.