R.M. Hall was founded in 1914 by Mr. Raymond Morgan Hall. In its infancy the business was both wholesale and retail and was located at 261 Chapel Street, Prahran. The companies letterhead announced it to be an “Importer of Picture Framers Supplies, Crockery, Glass, China, Cutlery and Kitchen Ironmongery “.
Those early years from 1914 to 1930 were very much pioneering years. In World War I, Ray Hall served as a Captain in the Light Horse in Palestine. On his return from the war, the import side of the business was established with most of the products being sourced from the UK. It must have been very difficult to establish a business when the costs and time taken to travel to and from Europe by sea were so demanding.
On the distribution side much of the traveling within Victoria was done by train. The sales representative would pack large cane hampers with samples, stopping at the main country towns to set up displays in sample rooms then packing up and moving to the next town. In 1923 the company moved to larger premises in Queen Street, Melbourne.
In 1924 Ray Hall made his first trip to Japan, and began a 48 year association with the Noritake Company.
The period from the 1930’s to the 1950’s was equally eventful. The company survived the depression, with considerable ‘belt tightening’. Staff numbers were maintained as everyone agreed to take pay cuts to support each other.
Ray’s sons Bruce and Max joined him in the business in 1941 and 1942 respectively. All three Hall’s and several of the staff saw service in the Second World War. In their absence the business continued under the trusted care of its employees.
Post war, the company began decorating pottery. Imports were very scarce as Europe and Japan undertook the enormous task of re-building. Slowly, during the 50’s trade and access to supplies became easier and the business consolidated its customer base and reputation with its overseas suppliers.
The 1970’s saw many changes to the company. The founder Ray Hall, passed away in 1971. That year also marked the beginning of the third generation, with Peter Hall joining the company and a year later his older brother John Hall coming on board. The buildings in Queen Street and Kings Way were sold and new consolidated premises were purchased in Dudley Street, West Melbourne. In 1972, after a 48 year association, Noritake took the decision to open their own sales office in Australia. At that stage Noritake represented about 60% of Hall’s turnover.
The period 1970 to 2000 had seen the further development of national distribution and exclusive agencies. The thumb print of the company remained in importing and distributing quality china, glass and giftware from all parts of the world. The need to be more specific and specialised has driven the company and R.M. Hall has exclusively represented overseas companies such as Florence Sculture D’arte figurines, Fenton Art Glass, Nikko dinnerware and several other products in the decorative homewares field on the Australian market.
Over the past 20 years the number of competitors in the giftware importing and distribution industry has increased enormously. There is also a trend for large overseas manufacturers to establish their own distribution companies in Australia. Companies such as Waterford Wedgwood, Noritake, Villeroy & Boch and Lladro have all moved to direct representation.
As a trading company, we have always relied on our ability to buy and market the right products for an ever changing market, both in fashion tastes and price relevance. The company's aim is to keep a large, active customer base - and not rely too heavily on the support of the department and chain store groups.
The decade commencing 2000 has seen further developments in the evolving company. The 4th generation entered the business in this decade, Tom Hall in 2000, Kate Hall in 2002 (initially through our retail venture Madeleine Hall) and Adam Vincent in 2003.
With the influence of the younger generation the product style changed and a more contemporary design influence was evident. New agencies, including Viceversa, Bernardaud, Laguiole, Gien, Khala, Lekue, & Point a la Ligne were secured, and have performed exceptionally well through all distribution channels, while other more traditional agencies have remained under the RM Hall umbrella.
Since 1914 RM Hall has maintained its reputation as a leader in its field offering the best available products from around the globe, focusing on design, functionality and customer service. We will continue to focus on building awareness of our distributed brands to our markets, offering the best possible outlets to achieve our mutual goals. Equally important is building long term relationships with our suppliers, working as closely as possible with one another to build brand awareness and achieve our sales goals.
