Sidney Myer arrived in Melbourne in 1899 as a penniless Russian immigrant and ended up creating one of the largest retail businesses in Australia.
He and his brother worked briefly at a drapery store in Flinders Lane before moving to Bendigo where they opened the first Myer store in 1900. They continued to prosper and opened another Myer store in 1908.
In 1911 Sidney bought a drapery store
in Bourke St, Melbourne. After buying up a number of the adjoining properties
he built a department store on the site called Myer Emporium.
After establishing himself in Melbourne, Sidney expanded the business setting up in Adelaide and later across Australia.
In 1920 he married Merlyn Baillieu, the 22 year old daughter of an established Queenscliff family. Not only did Sidney Myer achieve great business success, he also became a leading philanthropist.
Myer took over Grace Brothers in 1983. Delisted 26th July 1995 (taken over by Silbury Pty Ltd on 15th January 1986). Now known as Coles Myer. Coles Myer Ltd had changed names from G J Coles & Co Ltd on 13th February 1986.