Who we are:
A well-shod legacy
We are a true family business dating back to our founder
James McDiarmid who commenced an apprenticeship as a boot maker with local footwear
manufacturer John Allen in 1884. He later formed a partnership with his colleague
Samuel McDonald in 1897 and called the business McDonald & McDiarmid.
During their partnership, branches were opened in Waimate, Timaru &
Ashburton and an additional store was opened in Thames Street Oamaru. The
factory had over 40 staff and all footwear was finished by hand.
In 1899 James bought out McDonald and at the toss of a coin he
relocated to Invercargill to set up his own business. The manufacturing side of
the business ceased in 1916.
James McDiarmid passed management of McDiarmid’s to his son
Ewart in 1920 and he built the current premises in 1928. The site was well
known for its prominent sign in the shape of a boot.
McDiarmid’s is Oamaru’s longest operating family business
and is in its fourth generation of family ownership.
Locally focused, nationally trusted, quality assured, independently sourced.
James McDiarmid
Founder
Ewart (Son of James)
Ken (Son of Ewart)
Grant McDiarmid
Current Owner - 4th Generation
MacAllan House 1893
McDiarmid's iconic boot 1948