Proudly displaying their beautiful homeware selections, Hirsch’s Homestores have been an anchor tenant and part of the furniture at the East Coast Radio House + Garden Show for as long as the show itself has been running. For four decades, Hirsch’s Homestores have been a major drawcard for the show, sharing some of the finest appliances and kitchen accessories as well as the latest in designs, trends and brands.
Allan Hirsch, Founder & Chairman of Hirsch’s Homestores, has attended almost every single show since its inception; be it serving customers, or chatting to the public about the latest trends and innovations. “I remember the first House and Garden Show that we participated in. People came onto our stand and asked what we were selling. I said that we were selling Microwave Ovens. They were fascinated by this new technology and wanted to know more about them. How things have evolved on the technology front since then – and we’re as excited for this year’s event as we were back then to showcase some of the latest, cutting-edge appliances and technology we have on hand,” says Allan.
Making it a family affair – Allan and Margaret’s son Richard who is the CEO of Hirsch’s Homestores, has also been a regular feature on the Hirsch’s stand since he was a young boy. “I remember my job was to sell the new Phillips electric razors. At that stage I wasn’t even shaving myself! I have wonderful memories of growing up at the House and Garden Show and helping out during school holidays. Whether it was carrying boxes to clients’ cars as a teenager or working in sales in my early 20’s, it was very much part of my life,” Richard recalls.
Richard’s sister Luci Hirsch Jackson, Brand Manager with the company, has also been part of the successful Hirsch’s Homestores family business, and she shares her fond memories too of being part of the House and Garden Show when she was growing up. “It was always a highlight of my July school holidays! I loved spending time at the show as I always got to hang out with my friends who were visiting the show with their parents. I used to help out with demonstrating certain appliances and also worked as a packer – assisting the cashiers and re-packing the shelves. There has always been such a fun vibe around Durban during show days – back then it was mornings on the beach watching the Gunston 500 surfing competition and then spending the rest of the afternoons at the House and Garden Show,” reminisces Luci.
“I really love the show and meeting all our loyal customers that have been visiting us for years and years and benefitting from the exciting discounts we usually offer on stand. Our mission in life is to serve our customers to the best of our ability. That’s why the theme for Hirsch’s stand at this year’s Show – and with a nod to Wimbledon tennis which is taking place at the same time as the show – is ‘to SERVE’,” Richard explains.
This year’s East Coast Radio House + Garden Show is set to be another ‘showstopper’ presentation for Hirsch’s, and the excitement is heating up as they gear towards offering some fantastic deals and celebrating World Bunny Chow Day. “We are dedicating a week to some fun events from the 26th of June, which is World Bunny Chow Day, to the 2nd of July when the winner of the best Bunny Chow in Durban will be chosen. There will be some fantastic chefs and influencers cooking up a storm, including popular Masterchef contestant from 2022 and Durban resident, Dr. Harri, and a past winner of Masterchef, Deena Naidoo,” adds Richard.
According to Allan, Hirsch’s Homestores really missed being part of the popular East Coast Radio House + Garden Show for the past two years due to the pandemic and are ready to celebrate the 40th year of the show with a bang! “We have some fantastic deals at this year’s Show and we look forward to welcoming old and new customers back to our stand. Thanks to the added platform and reach that the East Coast Radio House + Garden Show brings – Hirsch’s have grown and thrived over the years. The reality is that we wouldn’t be here without the wonderful KZN community supporting us and we are exceptionally grateful to them – particularly after some very challenging times in recent years”, says Allan.
The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show has broadened its offering over the years and now, more than just being a platform to show off household goods, it is also sharing the latest indoor and outdoor trends directly from industry experts and celebrities like Tanya Visser and Jane-Linley Thomas to name a few in its Garden + Lifestyle Theatre. The carnival-inspired celebrations will be going full-steam ahead with lots of craft and food stands, music and gin bars to enjoy and discounts and competitions for the public to take advantage of. Keeping things family-friendly, the kids will also have lots to look forward to with a Melissa & Doug focused kids’ play area, as well as various other entertainment for all ages.
This year’s East Coast Radio House + Garden show theme is all about celebrating 40 years of creative spaces as the show highlights its achievement of being 40 years as one of Durban’s iconic tourist attractions. Brought to you by Durban Tourism, the show will take place at the Durban Exhibition Centre during the July school holidays, from 24 June – 3 July 2022.
For more information about exhibiting or details about the show, visit the website www.housegardenshow.co.za or follow them on Instagram and Facebook using @housegardenshow.