Hallenstein Brothers (often shortened to Hallensteins) is a men's fashion, street and lifestyle retailer. It sells a range of men's fashion, clothing, footwear and accessories, ranging from street and lifestyle wear to contemporary formal dress. The company also designs and produces the in-house brands Hallensteins and HBrothers. It has 46 stores across New Zealand and Australia, including 5 in Auckland.[1]
Hallenstein Brothers is a stockist, designer and developer of Ekocycle, a line of environmentally conscious suits crafted by using a blend of recycled materials, sophisticated shapes and refined cuts. The Hallenstein Brothers brand HBrothers, The Coca-Cola Corporation and musician Will.i.am[3][4][5] developed the Ekocycle project as an investment in and exploration of the future of international sustainable and environmentally friendly retailing.[6]
In 2015 the HBrothers brand in conjunction with Harrods launched an exclusive new range in further support of the Ekocycle line.[citation needed]
Hallenstein Glasson Holdings Limited was formed in 1985 through the merger between Hallensteins and Glassons.[7][8]
During the initial COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand, Hallensteins Glassons staff received $5.18 million in wage subsidies from the New Zealand Government, with $2.48 million going to staff in Hallenstein Brothers stores.[9] The company posted $28 million in profit in the 2019-20 financial year and paid a dividend to shareholders, but did not repay the subsidy.[9][10][11]
Hallenstein Brothers has launched several campaigns[17][18] featuring collaborations between musicians The Script filmed in Cuba[19][20][21] and motorcross rider Carey Hart filmed at the Bonneville Salt Flats.[22] In 2019 the company launched a campaign with model Laura Evans at the forefront, inviting women to wear their skinny fit suits.[23]
Glassons was founded in Christchurch in 1918 by JH Glasson, later joined by his brother CV Glasson. The business was originally a mail-order clothing supplier, but began manufacturing its own clothing, with a focus on womenswear. The original Glassons store operated as a warehouse, selling to the public below retail pricing. Through the mid-20th century, the business expanded to sell clothing for all ages and genders.[24]
In 1958 the business was taken over by JV Glasson, son of the founder. He expanded Glassons to multiple stores in Christchurch. RD Glasson - the widow of JV Glasson - took over the business in 1964. Her son Tim Glasson took over the business in the 1960s and transformed Glassons into a women's fashion retailer with relatively inexpensive pricing. Throughout the later decades of the 20th century, Glassons expanded around New Zealand and to Australia.[25]
