Our beginnings go back to the opening of Paul's Home Centre in November 1972, in what was then the new commercial area of Phillip, ACT. This store presented an innovative combination of traditional hardware lines together with home dècor and houseware products.

In 1976, we opened our second Paul's store in the north Canberra centre of Belconnen. Further expansion occurred in 1982 with the takeover of a hardware store in Goulburn, NSW and the development in 1985, of the first Magnet Mart store in Queanbeyan.

The opening of the Queanbeyan Magnet Mart store marked another innovation in hardware retailing as it was the first warehouse store to open in Australia. We changed our name to Magnet Mart, aggressively launching our new brand, becoming known throughout the region for our extensive product range and competitive pricing.

Meanwhile another store was opened in 1992 in Bowral, NSW, bringing our total to five. All stores were converted to the Magnet Mart name in 1993.

In 2002 we moved into large format warehouse retailing with the opening of a 13,500 square metre complex in the new Canberra development of Gungahlin.

"The Gungahlin store combined warehouse flexibility and low operating costs with the proven product range that has distinguished all Magnet Mart stores since the early days of Paul's Home Centres."

The end result is unique to home improvement retailing in Australia, we've won widespread acclaim with the hardware industry's top awards two years in a row (2002 and 2003 NSW Hardware Industry Association and TABMA Awards).

We're also responsible corporate citizens, from eco friendly store layouts and design to local community concerns. We're very much involved – sponsoring and assisting many local charities, clubs and sporting groups.

"After all, it’s our community too!"

Start Smart at Magnet Mart