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1900
1 June 1900
'The Call of Empire' House.
The call of Empire has been answered by tens of thousands. It is is repeated now from 'Empire House,' by which name Mr. A. H. Hardwick's drapery store next Crossing and Cox's office, will in future be known, and we advise our readers to answer the call, and inspect for themselves the splendid stock. In another column Mr. Hardwick announces some very special bargains1
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20 December 1900
The Empire House.
Hardwick's Empire House has always laid claim to substantiality in goods - nothing flimsy. An inspection of the stock makes the truth of this evident. The house is in a strong position to cope with the Christmas trade, and particular attention has been bestowed on the wants of the ladies. There are a number of special lines in muslins and prints, also in ladies' kid gloves. Ready-made blouses are there in every pattern and make. There is a perfect bevy of dolls, which were imported direct from the manufacturers in Germany. Of course it is known that Mr. Hardwick is a great photographic enthusiast, and he has prepared a large number of photo Christmas and New Year's cards. They are unique - first because of their local origin, and second because they consist of views of well-known local scenes. There is also something in the way of Xmas boxes, to wit, photo cameras and outfits2
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1901
15 April 1901
Empire House.
Looking in at this establishment reminds us that the cold weather is coming Mr. Hardwick has been working day and night since his return from Sydney, marking off and finding room in the shelves for his large purchases for the coming winter season. Ladies will find plenty of new and seasonable lines to choose from. Dress goods are very much in evidence, in all colors and in latest and most fashionable materials. Ladies' and maids' jackets are being shown in some very pretty styles, Flannelettes are a specialty, and are shown in great variety. Every department in the drapery is well represented, and prices are reasonable all round3
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1902
14 July 1902
Mr. Arthur Hardwick's Establishment. Mr. A. H. Hardwick, of Market street, is re-marking the whole of his stock in readiness for the great realization sale which will start on Saturday next. Mr. Hardwick tells us that he intends to give the public every benefit, and that all goods will be very greatly reduced in price4
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18 December 1902
A Call From Empire House.
We notice that some very pretty goods for the Christmas trade have just been opened at Hardwick's Empire House. Dress materials are shown in endless variety. There are some very choice patterns in floral muslins, and a very dainty line of silk striped floral delaines. A line of colored dress linens look pretty and serviceable. In fancy lines there are some pretty open work table centres and tray cloths, also a very choice lot of embroidered handkerchiefs, besides dozens of pretty and useful lines suit able for presentation. The laces shown at this establishment are worth inspection5
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1906
20 December 1906
Empire House.
This Market-street drapery establishment, conducted by Mr. A. H. Hardwick, though unassuming in appearance, maintains a constant trade. Provision has been made for those in search of Christmas presents. A pretty line of fancy handkerchiefs and blouses has been opened, and a heavy stock of general drapery is on hand. Mr. Hardwick does a big trade in cameras, and stocks all photographic requisites, particulars of which will be posted to anyone desiring information concerning them6
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1921