Wallace Bishop (company)

Wallace Bishop is a specialty retailer of fine jewellery, timepieces and decorative arts in Australia.[1][2] In 2019, the company was inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame in recognition of its sustained leadership in jewellery making and retailing for over 100 years.[3]

Wallace Bishop jewellery store on the corner of Albert and Queen Streets, Brisbane, 1939

The jeweller Wallace Bishop arrived in Queensland, Australia in 1909 having already established an impressive reputation for jewellery craftsmanship and goldsmithing in England in the late 19th century. He was initially employed by jewellers in Queen Street in Brisbane, Queensland. Bishop established his own manufacturing business in 1917 laying the foundation for an enterprise now in its 5th generation. Design and manufacturing excellence which characterised the business from the beginning, continue to be at the heart of its modern day success.[4]

In 1934, Wallace Bishop's son, Carl Bishop, designed the now famous Wallace Bishop Loyal watch which continues to be marketed successfully today and which gave rise to the familiar advertising slogan – “The time by Wallace Bishop watch is …”[4]

Wallace Bishop Arcade, Albert Street, 1939

Opening of its iconic Wallace Bishop Arcade in King George Square coincided with the day World War II commenced in 1939, becoming a landmark business location in the city for 75 years. Wallace Bishop junior, known as Wal, joined the business in 1950, straight from school, later becoming chief executive officer in 1976. He drove strong growth in the business coinciding with the construction of major shopping malls across Queensland. Upon becoming chairman in 2010, Wal’s son Stuart became CEO, a position he presently occupies while younger family from the 5th generation are employed in the business in preparation for their roles as future leaders.[4]

Inside Wallace Bishop Arcade, 1939

Advertising by Wallace Bishop, 1954

With over 50 stores and more than 500 employees, Wallace Bishop is one of Australia’s oldest and most successful family businesses. In 1997, it acquired Hardy Brothers Jewellers, a 166 years old business, which now operates 7 stores across Australia. It provided the opportunity to manufacture and market high-end jewellery products, and, significantly, the Melbourne Cup, which was hand-crafted in Brisbane for 17 years.[4]

As of 2019, much of the company’s success lies in designing and manufacturing quality and customized jewellery pieces, especially diamond rings in its Newsteadheadquarters in Brisbane. Accompanying this are repair and manufacturing facilities unmatched in Australia. Together with a relentless focus on customer service the company continues to thrive in the face of the online shopping revolution and the changing role of shopping malls, under the successful leadership of Stuart Bishop and the wise guidance of Chairman, Wallace Bishop AM.[4]

For over 100 years, this proud Queensland business has led the jewellery manufacturing and retailing industries in Queensland and continues to be one of the leading businesses of its kind in Australia.[4]