This week features an old photograph showcasing the well-known South African paint and home décor company Shave, along with its first store located at 412 West Street (now Dr Pixley kaSeme). This image was sourced from a Pinterest board featuring old Durban photographs.
George Codner Shave opened a shop selling paints, wallpapers, glass, and porcelain on April 1, 1910, under the trade name GC Shave. After World War I, his two sons, Jack and Arthur, who served in the South African infantry, joined him.
The Shave company quickly evolved from a simple import business. By opening a second store on Prince Edward Street, they established paint factories in Bellair, and later in Jacobs. The grandchildren, two from each son, expanded production of decorative, industrial, restoration, and automotive paints. Soon, branches appeared in most major towns and settlements across the country.
In 1969, aiming to become part of a JSE-listed company, the business was sold to Protea Holdings. Shortly thereafter, Protea merged its paint interests with Dulux, leading to the birth of Prolux in 1971.
In the early 1980s, Richard Shave acquired the Dulux Paint and Paper store in Pinetown from AECI and restored the Shave name. Pinetown became a solid base for growth. In the 1990s, the Plascon brand and its products were added, offering customers even greater choice. Under the leadership of Nick Shave, more branches were opened in Springfield Park, Umhlanga, Hillcrest, Ballito, Bluff, Boxburg, and Amanzimtoti. The family business continues to operate to this day.
Today, a three-story building stands on this site, which serves as the office for Dr MI Mdluli, situated above a pharmacy.