Frederick Loeser & Co.
| Industry | Retail |
|---|---|
| Founded | Brooklyn, New York (1860) |
| Founder | Frederick Loeser |
| Defunct | February 13, 1952 |
| Fate | Bankrupt |
Number of locations | 5 (during peak) |
Area served | New York City |
| Revenue | $25M (1951)[1] |
| -$600,000 (1951)[1] | |
| Owner | Frederick Loeser |
Number of employees | 1,400 (1952)[1] |
Frederick Loeser & Co. was a large department store in Brooklyn, New York.[1] Their flagship store on 484 Fulton Street served as one of Brooklyn's major landmarks for 65 years. The store closed down in February 1952.
History
Founded in 1860 as Loeser and Dinkelspiel by German immigrant Frederick Loeser (1833-1911); the company started out as an embroidery and trimmings business. The original store was situated at 277 Fulton Street, roughly a block from today's Borough Hall. The company grew relatively quickly, buying out competitors and partners.[2]
In 1870 the company opened a larger second store near the present-day intersection of Fulton Street and Boerum Place.[3] In March 1887, the store was moved to 484 Fulton Street, a new five-story building.[4] The building included all modern convenience including electric lights, telephone services, elevators, restrooms, fitting rooms, and luxury duplex escalators. The bottom three floors were used for sales, the fourth floor held administrative offices. The upper floor was used for restrooms, ladies' fitting rooms, buyer's samples, and various other applications.[4]
During the early 1900s, The company also provided china for the immigration station at Ellis Island.
References
- ^ a b c d "RETAIL TRADE: Out of Business". Article. Time Magazine. Feb 18, 1952. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
- ^ "A. I. NAMM & SON DEPARTMENT STORE, 450-458 Fulton Street (aka 1-7 Hoyt Street), Brooklyn. Built 1924-25 and 1928-29; Robert D. Kohn and Charles Butler, architects" (PDF). New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. March 15, 2005. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
- ^ "Frederick Loeser, 279 Fulton Street". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. January 6, 1870. p. 2.
- ^ a b "An Immense Establishment. A View of Frederick Loeser & Co.'s New Store". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. March 22, 1887. p. 1.
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