Hanafins is a name that has been associated with Christchurch retail for over 80 years. James George Hanafin first set up Hanafins pharmacy in the triangular building at the corner of Hereford and High streets about 1920, and processed black and white film in a dark room. His son, George, took over the pharmacy and eventually Brian, George’s son, last operated the pharmacy before it was sold outside the family. The pharmacy still trades under the name Hanafins Pharmacy.

Out of the pharmacy was born Christchurch’s first One hour photo store, started by Lawry, George Hanafins other son, in 1981. The first Hanafins one hour photo store started, and still exists, where the family first started trading over 80 years ago, and is still neighbored by Hanafins Pharmacy and Hanafins Hearing Aid Clinic.

Since 1981 Hanafins Camera and Video has expanded nationwide responding to the demand for specialist photo stores. It now has 6 stores, with 4 in Christchurch, 1 in Nelson that is franchised, and 1 in Auckland.