LV Martin & Son Limited has been a member of the Wellington business community since 1934, and expanded into the Rotorua region in 2006. It was owned by the Martin family until November 2004 when it was purchased by Smiths City Limited in conjunction with Chief Executive, Trevor Douthett.

It has always been innovative with its marketing approach and always with the same focus - Customer Service.

When Television first began broadcast in New Zealand, Alan Martin saw the opportunity to take a real step forward in this area. He gained New Zealand Icon status by personally fronting television commercials stating, "It is the putting right that counts, and if it's not put right ask for me."

Neil Martin (Alan's son) launched Mail Order and Direct Response Television marketing into the LV Martin mix, and grew another facet of the business.

A strategic review of the business in 2001 saw the company decide to return to its historic strength of home appliance and consumer electronics retailing. It then sold its direct marketing business.

The underlying focus of the company and its people has remained unchanged throughout its history - The Customer. In Appliance and Consumer Electronics Retailing this has fostered long term relationships based on advice, trust and service. In May 2003, www.lvmartin.co.nz was launched. Due to customer demand, the site was expanded in October 2004 to provide online shopping. This gives our customers the convenience of shopping with us at a time and from a location that is most convenient to them.

In December 2004, the Company opened a new store in the Mega Centre in Porirua. Then, in January 2005, a new central city appliance store was opened. This 930 sq metre store is the largest central city appliance store in Wellington's CBD, and is jam-packed with the latest and greatest in technology, with a wide range of whiteware and small appliances.

In August 2006, LV Martin expanded into the Bay of Plenty with a new store in Rotorua’s Central Mall (formerly Star 100%). This brings the total number of LV Martin stores to 6.

The Company will go forward on the strength of further enhanced Customer Service. Today's Chief Executive Trevor Douthett continues the tradition of offering personal involvement to "Put it Right."