Unusually—perhaps uniquely—Murdoch's began as a store selling menswear. Opened in 1893 as "Murdoch's, Hatter and Mercer" on Park Street, Sydney, it catered exclusively to men and boys for the first thirty years of its life. (They advertised a wonderful line of goods for "Our Boys in the Trenches!" during the First World War.) Women began to edge into the picture in the 1920s by way of ladies' "Surfo" brand "bathing costumes". By the end of the decade it was possible to buy women's accessories from Murdoch's, including gloves, handkerchiefs, handbags and perfume!
Murdoch's was no doubt aware that women did a lot of the purchasing for their menfolk when they placed this advertisement in 1939:
Ladies! When you alight from the tram, train or 'bus at Park Street to meet a friend, make Murdoch's Rest Room, on the Second Floor, your rendezvous.
Murdoch's introduced a ladies' tailoring department in July 1939, but it seems to have only fully embraced selling women's clothes during World War II. Perhaps with so many men off fighting, or "making-do" with the clothes they had at home, Murdoch needed to find new customers.
THE LASS IN PINK—wears a most attractive frock of Sundek linen ... a splendid garment for everyday, Summer wear. Built on tailored lines, with smart V piece inlet into bodice. Trimmed with covered buttons.
HER COMPANION looks smart in frock of Striped Wemco Sheer. Popular shirtmaker style with pockets, contrast buttons and buckle. Pleat in back of bodice to give extra freedom.
THE YOUNG LADY on the extreme right is smartly clad in a guaranteed "Betterknit" frock... an up-to-the-minute style that you won't be able to resist! Beautifully cut in shirt style, with two-way neck.
R.A.A.F.—(As illustrated on front cover.) Craftsman's Blue Cheviot tunic and trousers.
Murdoch's was purchased by Waltons Department Store in 1951, which was in turn taken over by Sears Roebuck (yes, the American firm) in 1955. Walton-Sears continued trading at Murdoch's old address until it closed in 1987.
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