Australians and David Jones go way back – 180 years to be precise. The much-loved department store first set up shop in 1838, a mere 50 years after we became a colony. David Jones is one of the oldest stores in the world – surprisingly years ahead of fellow department stores Harrods (1849), Bloomingdale’s (1872), Selfridges (1909) and Galeries Lafayette (1893).

A loyal following was near immediate for the company – while the original David Jones was erected at the corner of George and Barracks Streets in Sydney, the one-storey space was soon far too small for its burgeoning clientele, rebuilding into a five-storey offering and reopened in 1887. Since then the brand has become an Australian institution, with a handful of stores in every capital city and scattered throughout regional districts.

David Jones has played a key role in every Australian’s life, a store supplying everything from school shoes to wedding dresses, and (since 2018) your groceries with the introduction of the jaw-dropping David Jones Food Hall. Influenced by chef Neil Perry, the food emporium extended beyond its petite edible offering of yesteryear to include cafes, restaurants and its own line of produce.

The store certainly has ample reason to celebrate its achievements. The Australian public has been invited to the party with a series of in-store special offerings taking place from 5-9pm on its official birthday, May 24. Flagship stores in Sydney and Melbourne will become home to a lengthy number of special offers.

Sydney’s Market Street store, in particular, will hold plenty of interest for the foodie. The Food Hall will welcome Bun Coffee tastings (of both coffee and hot chocolate) partnered with Byron Bay Cookies and Fardoulis. Upstairs, there will be a DJ and Prosecco Bar accompanied by David Jones birthday cupcakes. There will also be a San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna Bar, Hartshorn Vodka Martini Tasting Bar, hotdogs at The Academy Brand, free Levi’s customisation, free styling sessions at a handful of retailers and other complimentary beauty treatments to pamper customers.

Down south at Melbourne’s Bourke Street Women’s section, there’ll be the same DJ and Prosecco Bar with cupcakes. Stellar edtior-in-chief Sarrah Le Marquand and David Jones ambassador Jessica Gomes will join guests for a Champagne toast on the main stage. Beauty counters will treat visitors to complimentary pamper sessions, with a number of retailers offering customisation of anything purchased on the night (including leather painting courtesy of Mimco). Food is again a central theme with free Pidapipó ice cream at Viktoria & Woods, Gelato Messina at GUESS, cookies at Camilla and Marc, and ciders at The Fifth Label.

In short, it’s a party you don’t want to miss.