To celebrate our 170th anniversary, we proudly present a collection of limited-edition items curated by our expert buying team. Each piece is selected to highlight our heritage, quality, and innovation. We are delighted to offer these exclusive items to you, our valued customers. Thank you for being a part of our journey.

The 170th anniversary bear, aptly named Esther – celebrates the legacy and longevity of Ballantynes Department Store.

Esther Clarkson was trained as a milliner. After arriving in Christchurch, she imported two cases of straw hats which she sold, along with items of clothing, from the front room of her home on Cashel St. Seeing how well she was doing, her husband David built a small gabled shop for her, which extended out to the street frontage. This small business gradually expanded into Dunstable House in 1854 and was renamed as Ballantynes 18 years later.

Esther Bear’s soft fur and plush filling are made from recycled materials, while an embroidered B to her paw, rendered in Ballantynes signature blue and gold, celebrates the 170-year milestone achievement. A removable limited-edition Karen Walker Electric Medow twilly bow, exudes feminine flair with a nod to our relationships with New Zealand designer brands.

• 20cm Tall
• Material Filling: 100 % Recycled Polyester
• Not only incredibly soft and cozy to cuddle, this soft toy is also made from 100% recycled polyester from plastic waste and weighted with recycled glass beads.
• Karen Walker Electric Medow Twilly Scalf - 70% Viscose, 30% Silk.
• Hand washing reccomended. Silk Scarf - Dry-Clean Only (P).
• Suitable For Ages 3+