Since 1949 Johnson's Grocers has been a part of the Christchurch food scene. I remember "Old Mr Johnson", Colin's father, and Colin dressed in their spotless white coats and aprons, in Colombo Street, north of Cathedral Square. Old Mr Johnson retired some years ago. Colin continued the business, selling imported and local delicacies to Christchurch locals and visitors. If you couldn't get what you wanted anywhere, odds on Johnson's would have it. He had things in his shop years ago that many Christchurch people had never seen. His range of imported sweets, biscuits and cheeses was legendary. Cheese was cut to your requirements and wrapped in brown paper. Christmas was particularly busy, with tins and jars piled high. It was the perfect place to buy a special gift. In a past life I walked by Johnson's several times a day, from the cafe to the restaurant and back. Colin always had a friendly wave. We were neighbours, apart from one shop between.
When the earthquakes shook the Christchurch CBD to its knees in 2010 and 2011 Colin's shop was damaged. The shop, in the CBD, was off limits, because it was behind the cordon, in the Red Zone.
But all was not lost. Thanks to some forward thinking businessmen a new pop up mall was started in Cashel Street in a collection of brightly painted shipping containers. Colin picked up the pieces and moved his business into what is known as Re:Start Mall. I visited him in the Re:Start Mall recently. He remembered my name, and that of our daughter who was with me. She knew him from the age of 6. His memory for names and faces is second to none.
Now though, after being part of the Christchurch food and retail scene for more years than he says he likes to think about, he is hanging up his apron at the end of January. Well done Colin. You are a real gentleman. Thank you. We wish you a very happy and well deserved retirement. You will be missed.
When the earthquakes shook the Christchurch CBD to its knees in 2010 and 2011 Colin's shop was damaged. The shop, in the CBD, was off limits, because it was behind the cordon, in the Red Zone.
But all was not lost. Thanks to some forward thinking businessmen a new pop up mall was started in Cashel Street in a collection of brightly painted shipping containers. Colin picked up the pieces and moved his business into what is known as Re:Start Mall. I visited him in the Re:Start Mall recently. He remembered my name, and that of our daughter who was with me. She knew him from the age of 6. His memory for names and faces is second to none.
Now though, after being part of the Christchurch food and retail scene for more years than he says he likes to think about, he is hanging up his apron at the end of January. Well done Colin. You are a real gentleman. Thank you. We wish you a very happy and well deserved retirement. You will be missed.
Colin Johnson, looking after a customer in his Re:Start Mall shop.
The sign outside Colin's shipping container shop in Christchurch's Re:Start Mall.
RSS Feed