Our Heritage
“Living our values and ethics since 1895”
We are incredibly proud that Wallaces is a fourth-generation run family business and one of the oldest in Ballina.
When you enter Wallaces, you’re entering a store that’s been dressing locals since your grandfather was a boy and with that comes pride and passion for delivering the best possible service, with a personal touch. Whenever you shop with us at Wallaces, we want you to feel that joy that comes from engaging with a local, family business and hope you’ll leave with a smile. Wallaces is ingrained in the local Ballina and Northern Rivers community and has been so for over 120 years.
1860s - Wallaces Clothing founded by Thomas Wallace first established in Wauchope, NSW.
1895 - Wallaces moves to Casino, NSW and Thomas’ three sons take the reins of the local business.
1921 - Thomas’ son William moves Wallaces, now named Wallace & Co, from Casino to River Street, Ballina, NSW. The store remains there over 95 years later.
Today - Thomas’ great granddaughter Debbie proudly manages Wallaces.
How Wallaces came to Ballina
It’s thanks to a seven-year old and a flip of a coin that the Wallaces Clothing store moved to Ballina back in the early 1920’s from Casino, NSW. Story has it that William Wallace (the son of founder Thomas Wallace) asked his seven-year-old sister Mary to flip a coin to decide between Kyogle and Ballina — and the rest, as they say, is history.
Wallaces Today
Wallaces still remains in the same location as where it first started. If you walk through the doors of Wallaces today you’ll be greeted by Debbie Carter (nee Wallace) who runs the store alongside Manager Sam Miles.
Although the store has evolved with the times, Wallaces still stocks one of the biggest ranges of clothing and accessories in Ballina. Today you’ll see classic Australian brands like RM Williams and Akubra that likely graced the store in its youth alongside contemporary brands like Levi’s, Dr Marten’s and Industrie. It’s a go-to for customers of all ages needing to update their wardrobes.
