Wringer washing machines to early colour TVs - retiring salesman has seen it all over five decades

April 2, 2019

Seven Sharp's Michael Holland caught up with Colin Johnston.

He reckons he's sold $45 million worth of home appliances, but after 52 years in the industry Colin Johnston has just called it a day.

Colin starting out as a 17-year-old retail appliance salesman in 1967 at what was then the Farmer co-op in New Plymouth.

"Everything was so new to me then. I was selling black and white TVs," he told TVNZ1's Seven Sharp.

Then he moved on to spend 32 years with Mason Appliances in New Plymouth, until deciding to retire.

"I've spent 52 years in appliance retail and in that time I estimate I have sold round about $45 million worth of appliances."

Washing machines that meant you still had to put the clothes through the wringer were "the bees knees" in their day, Colin said.

He's been through the wringer himself of home appliance technology advances and gimmicks.

He recalled selling the 'K9' colour TV set that everyone wanted and there was a waiting list for.

Colin said he's loved every minute of the job and has never been bored.

"Things are changing all the time so you have got to keep up with that."

And it's no urban myth that the old Fisher and Paykel Gentle Annie washing machine played the national anthem.

"They still do now with the Smartdrive machine," said the salesman who's seen it all.

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