Camberwell Electrics

The History of Camberwell Electrics

Camberwell Electrics, acknowledged as one of the oldest electrical retailers in Victoria, if not the oldest, commenced trading on the cnr of Camberwell Road and Glen Iris Road in 1952. The founder and owner was Gus Jansson, a war veteran.

In 1962, Gus moved the business to it's current site on the corner of Camberwell and Toorak Roads.

In 1977, Gus retired and sold the business to five employees, Graeme Hawkesford, John Stent, Ev Johnson, Ron Smith and Murray Cahill.

One year later, Murray Cahill moved on and left the other four as equal partners.

Ten years later in 1988, John Stent and Ev Johnson retired and two salesmen, David Evans and Hans Vanderstat bought in as minority partners.

By this time Camberwell Electrics was recognised as a leading retailer in all facets of the industry and particularly in the area of air conditioning which is still a very prominent area of this highly competitive business.

A decade later in 1998, David Evans moved to Queensland and Hans Vanderstadt purchased some shares to become equal partner with Graeme Hawkesford and Ron Smith.

Six years later in 2004, Ron Smith retired and the two remaining partners Graeme Hawkesford and Hans Vanderstat became equal partners.
In August 2017, Graeme Hawkesford retired and Hans Vanderstat became the owner.

Camberwell Electrics continues to service its many loyal customers, their children and their relatives, who value the friendly, knowledgeable staff who go to great lengths to continue to provide the best products at the best prices.