For Mother’s Day: “The Baby Factory” Founder Helen Lowe
A Mother’s Day story. When Loo Oy Shang and her young daughter arrived as refugees from Japanese-occupied Guandong in 1939, they faced an uncertain future. For seven-year-old Helen, it was especially wrenching. She’d left behind the comforts of a large home and the stability and security of a good school. Now in New Zealand, Helen found herself in an unfamiliar place and unable to communicate with her much younger English-speaking classmates. She was also keenly aware of her mother’s sadness and grief over all she’d lost.
RICE SACK RAINCOATS
Making their home in a barn, the family cooked over an open fire, sustaining themselves on their own private garden. The weather also took some time to adjust to. To deal with the cold, wet winter they made raincoats out of rice sacks. From the perspective of those difficult beginnings, it is hard to imagine that Helen would go on to found a company that is a household name across New Zealand, The Baby Factory.
Helen (age 5) and her mother in 1937.
TRUE INNOVATION MOTIVATED BY A MOTHER’S LOVE
It began when her husband Gordon Lowe invested in a baby wear shop which Helen managed. It was truly innovative. At the time, New Zealanders bought prams from bike shops and cribs from furniture stores. Inspired by her love of children, Helen created a one-stop shop, selling baby clothes, cribs, prams and everything else a young mother may need. By 1987 the company went public and has grown into a chain with 25 outlets nationwide. Helen’s own six children benefited from her love for family and the value she placed on education. All graduated from university as doctors and accountants. Helen’s daughter Glenda remarked on her mother’s enduring heritage. “She has left her legacy of love of family, with 16 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, who absolutely adored her.”
Helen with the manager of The Baby Factory’s Botany store in 2021.
Helen and Gordon were happily married for 66 years, partners in business, in family and in life. Helen passed away October 31, 2023, at the age of 91. Gordon visits her resting place at Purewa almost daily.
Gordon and Helen upon their engagement in 1956.
