Perhaps nothing, or no one, personifies Detroit retailing history as much as the J.L. Hudson Company did for 102 years at their downtown location. Formed in 1881 by Joseph L. Hudson and first operating out of the old Detroit Opera House, its flagship store was constructed in stages until the mid-1920s, when the familiar 25-story building with the nation's second-largest telephone switchboard (second only to the Pentagon) became a true fixture. Traditions sprung from this location that many on our Facebook site still fondly remember, especially the Thanksgiving Day parades as well as their priceless Christmas displays.
Many lament the eventual decline and loss of the downtown location, while placing blame on the chain's move to the outer suburbs, beginning with Northland Mall in Southfield. Not too long after its 1954 opening, Hudson's would locate a store at the corner of Fort and Emmons as the new anchor chain at the Lincoln Park Plaza, Downriver's first major mall. It replaced People's Outfitters at that location by 1959, where People's had only operated for about three years. This location operated until being replaced by the Southland Mall location upon its grand opening in the summer of 1970. (The Lincoln Park location would eventually evolve into a Farmer Jack, which lasted there for over 35 additional years.)
The Southland location is still going strong; allbeit under different names since Dayton-Hudson changed names to Target Corporation in 2000 and re-branded the stand-alone stores as Marshall Fields outlets. Through another merger and purchase by Federated Department Stores, the name would once again change to Macy's by 2006.
Many lament the eventual decline and loss of the downtown location, while placing blame on the chain's move to the outer suburbs, beginning with Northland Mall in Southfield. Not too long after its 1954 opening, Hudson's would locate a store at the corner of Fort and Emmons as the new anchor chain at the Lincoln Park Plaza, Downriver's first major mall. It replaced People's Outfitters at that location by 1959, where People's had only operated for about three years. This location operated until being replaced by the Southland Mall location upon its grand opening in the summer of 1970. (The Lincoln Park location would eventually evolve into a Farmer Jack, which lasted there for over 35 additional years.)
The Southland location is still going strong; allbeit under different names since Dayton-Hudson changed names to Target Corporation in 2000 and re-branded the stand-alone stores as Marshall Fields outlets. Through another merger and purchase by Federated Department Stores, the name would once again change to Macy's by 2006.
German-born immigrant Frederick Sanders (Schmidt was his actual last name) followed through with his childhood dream and would open his first candy store, pre-1871, near downtown Chicago. However, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 wiped out the original business, which would result in Sanders relocating to Michigan. With nothing material on hand except one barrel of borrowed sugar, he opened his first Michigan location at Woodward & Gratiot on June 17, 1875.
It would not take long for Sanders' first hallmark to take precedent. Of the many who claimed to have invented the ice cream soda, Sanders' story has some credence. One summer day in 1876, he found the fresh cream used in his sodas had gone stale. Not wanting to disappoint the huge crowd in his store, he simply substituted a scoop of ice cream instead. Word spread quickly of this new concoction and, by 1891, the "Pavilion of Sweets," his landmark Detroit store, would open downtown.
Business would quickly expand, particularly after World War II. Within a decade, Sanders shops began appearing Downriver, helping anchor both Sears Lincoln Park Plaza as well as Southgate Shopping Center when they opened in 1956 and 1958, respectively. By 1962, it was reported the chain was 111 stores strong and was bringing in up to $20 million annually.
A third well-patronized location would open at Southland Mall in 1970, which was the beginning of the end of the chain's first "boom" period. In the mid-1970s, competition in the field became fierce and Sanders began losing ground. Closing their hallmark Detroit location sometime in the 1980s, the writing was on the wall. The Downriver mall locations would last somewhat longer; Southgate's was likely the longest lasting into the early 1990s, when an entire section of the center was razed to make room for a Farmer Jack superstore.
Sanders did not completely fade from view, as they concentrated mostly on being a supplier to various grocery and specialty stores; their hot fudge being a staple during this time along with their famous bumpy cake. In 2002, the firm was taken over by Michigan-based Morley Candy Brands, and would eventually debut its new generation of stores. Today, the downtown Wyandotte location is one of nine stores currently in operation through Metro Detroit.
It would not take long for Sanders' first hallmark to take precedent. Of the many who claimed to have invented the ice cream soda, Sanders' story has some credence. One summer day in 1876, he found the fresh cream used in his sodas had gone stale. Not wanting to disappoint the huge crowd in his store, he simply substituted a scoop of ice cream instead. Word spread quickly of this new concoction and, by 1891, the "Pavilion of Sweets," his landmark Detroit store, would open downtown.
Business would quickly expand, particularly after World War II. Within a decade, Sanders shops began appearing Downriver, helping anchor both Sears Lincoln Park Plaza as well as Southgate Shopping Center when they opened in 1956 and 1958, respectively. By 1962, it was reported the chain was 111 stores strong and was bringing in up to $20 million annually.
A third well-patronized location would open at Southland Mall in 1970, which was the beginning of the end of the chain's first "boom" period. In the mid-1970s, competition in the field became fierce and Sanders began losing ground. Closing their hallmark Detroit location sometime in the 1980s, the writing was on the wall. The Downriver mall locations would last somewhat longer; Southgate's was likely the longest lasting into the early 1990s, when an entire section of the center was razed to make room for a Farmer Jack superstore.
Sanders did not completely fade from view, as they concentrated mostly on being a supplier to various grocery and specialty stores; their hot fudge being a staple during this time along with their famous bumpy cake. In 2002, the firm was taken over by Michigan-based Morley Candy Brands, and would eventually debut its new generation of stores. Today, the downtown Wyandotte location is one of nine stores currently in operation through Metro Detroit.
F.W. Woolworth becomes the third five and dime chain to make the Downriver Things Hall of Fame, although they were the firm to actually introduce the concept when it was officially formed by Frank Winfield Woolworth on February 22, 1878. Originally incorporated in Utica, New York, it would find much more lasting success starting over in Lancaster, Pennsylvania under the additional tutledge of his brother, Charles Sumner Woolworth. Through one of the first mass uses of the franchisee idea, the company was officially reorganized into the F.W. Woolworth Co. in 1912 involving 596 total stores.
To say that the Woolworth brothers introduced simply the five and dime concept is a pure understatement. They are widely given credit for many staples of a store's operation today: everything from merchandising and direct purchasing to sales and customer service can trace its roots - at least in part - to this chain. Even the modern shopping mall draw of a food court can trace its lineage to Woolworth's famous lunch counter, originally made popular at a United Kingdom store.
As the dime store idea matured into becoming the discount department store format in the 1960s (not long after Downriver Woolworth stores began appearing), the chain would respond by creating Woolco. Some TV ads of the early 1970s in fact named the chain "Woolworth and Woolco" together. By the late 1970s, it became the largest department store chain in the world. But this would work against its long-term success as the company's focus moved away from its initial offerings, concentrating - much like E.J. Korvette - in areas it did not know as well.
A restructuring plan was taken as of October 15, 1993 which closed half of its 800 general merchandise stores; chief among these were likely the Downriver locations operating at that time. The end came on July 17, 1997 as the remaining nationwide stores closed and the company was renamed Venator. Finally in 2001 it would take the name of its most successful retail performer; we know it today as Foot Locker.
To say that the Woolworth brothers introduced simply the five and dime concept is a pure understatement. They are widely given credit for many staples of a store's operation today: everything from merchandising and direct purchasing to sales and customer service can trace its roots - at least in part - to this chain. Even the modern shopping mall draw of a food court can trace its lineage to Woolworth's famous lunch counter, originally made popular at a United Kingdom store.
As the dime store idea matured into becoming the discount department store format in the 1960s (not long after Downriver Woolworth stores began appearing), the chain would respond by creating Woolco. Some TV ads of the early 1970s in fact named the chain "Woolworth and Woolco" together. By the late 1970s, it became the largest department store chain in the world. But this would work against its long-term success as the company's focus moved away from its initial offerings, concentrating - much like E.J. Korvette - in areas it did not know as well.
A restructuring plan was taken as of October 15, 1993 which closed half of its 800 general merchandise stores; chief among these were likely the Downriver locations operating at that time. The end came on July 17, 1997 as the remaining nationwide stores closed and the company was renamed Venator. Finally in 2001 it would take the name of its most successful retail performer; we know it today as Foot Locker.
It all began with a shipment of beautiful, yet unwanted, watches. Something about them caught Richard Warren Sears' eye in North Redwood, Minnesota, and he would pedal these alongside his regular job for a handsome profit. From this, he would open up a mail catalog business selling an increased amount of watches. Soon after Alvah Curtis Roebuck joined Sears in the expansion of the business, they developed the forerunner of the Sears, Roebuck and Co. catalog (in 1888) remembered fondly by millions today. The duo firmly established listing their dry goods at specifically marked prices, versus relying on an individual's good character only.
By 1933, Sears would begin issuing its Christmas catalog, remembered by all as the "Wishbook." At this time, the bulk of their business was still rural-based, with farmers having been the basic customer since the chain began. Sears began to be dwarfed by up-and-coming firms which reached the urban customer, but this would change when Robert Wood assumed the company presidency.
Between the 1920s and 1950s, Sears began to build stores in these areas and assume a lofty position at the top of the retailing chain, which it would hold for decades. Some may remember their first local foray: the classic building on Biddle Avenue in Wyandotte held a Sears store until 1977 and has been recently restored as living quarters. But their hallmark store would open by 1957 in neighboring Lincoln Park. The company CEOs at the Chicago headquarters were no doubt pleased to see the numbers the Lincoln Park store brought in. It would become the chain's most successful location during the middle 1960s.
Time has changed some of the methods Sears has used in order to continue prospering in more difficult economic times. It was under the Sears umbrella that Allstate Insurance, Dean Witter-Reynolds and the Discover Card came about. Most of these were spun off by the early 1990s in order to focus on the general business, which was starting to lose market share. The Lincoln Park Sears store was not only facing competition from other firms, but also from its newer location at Fairlane Town Center in Dearborn, which had a much larger selling space.
Today, in spite of taking some hits in the press by being taken over by K-Mart (forming Sears Holdings) and lower overall numbers, Sears continues to make a name on the market. The Lincoln Park store, however, appears to be a shadow of its former self: its accompanying strip mall is near total vacancy.
By 1933, Sears would begin issuing its Christmas catalog, remembered by all as the "Wishbook." At this time, the bulk of their business was still rural-based, with farmers having been the basic customer since the chain began. Sears began to be dwarfed by up-and-coming firms which reached the urban customer, but this would change when Robert Wood assumed the company presidency.
Between the 1920s and 1950s, Sears began to build stores in these areas and assume a lofty position at the top of the retailing chain, which it would hold for decades. Some may remember their first local foray: the classic building on Biddle Avenue in Wyandotte held a Sears store until 1977 and has been recently restored as living quarters. But their hallmark store would open by 1957 in neighboring Lincoln Park. The company CEOs at the Chicago headquarters were no doubt pleased to see the numbers the Lincoln Park store brought in. It would become the chain's most successful location during the middle 1960s.
Time has changed some of the methods Sears has used in order to continue prospering in more difficult economic times. It was under the Sears umbrella that Allstate Insurance, Dean Witter-Reynolds and the Discover Card came about. Most of these were spun off by the early 1990s in order to focus on the general business, which was starting to lose market share. The Lincoln Park Sears store was not only facing competition from other firms, but also from its newer location at Fairlane Town Center in Dearborn, which had a much larger selling space.
Today, in spite of taking some hits in the press by being taken over by K-Mart (forming Sears Holdings) and lower overall numbers, Sears continues to make a name on the market. The Lincoln Park store, however, appears to be a shadow of its former self: its accompanying strip mall is near total vacancy.
One of the more beloved, smaller department stores of the day was the Winkleman's Toggery franchise started by brothers Isadore and Leon Winkleman in 1928. Isadore had originally planned to become an engineer but began a small men's clothing store in the Detroit area. Falling in love with the city and atmosphere, he convinced his family (who had moved up north) to come south.
After the family sold their house in Manistque, with the help of a loan or two, they began the Toggery still selling men's clothing, but it was decided rather quickly that women constituted the bigger clothing market, and switched focus. One focus they had that many other stores did not was a clear plan to gear toward suburbia versus the inner city, as many cities in the Midwest were witnessing successful cities of themselves being built around them.
By the late 1970s, Winkleman's surged to 86 stores in three states, anchored by their headquarters on Fort Street in Detroit. Many Downriver stores would pop up from the late 1950s onward as many customers counted this business as a breath of fresh air, away from what was then referred to as big-box retail. Throughout their working life, the brothers made it their goal to provide elegance and personalized service at a minimal cost.
The brick-and-mortar chain, which would eventually peak at over 100 stores, would last until the 1990s when the family divested itself of the business. However, much like Montgomery Ward has, Winkleman's has found a second life on the internet. Winklemans.com has been in existence since at least 2003 and still features top women's fashions and - presumably - the same great quality customer care, even if no longer face-to-face.
After the family sold their house in Manistque, with the help of a loan or two, they began the Toggery still selling men's clothing, but it was decided rather quickly that women constituted the bigger clothing market, and switched focus. One focus they had that many other stores did not was a clear plan to gear toward suburbia versus the inner city, as many cities in the Midwest were witnessing successful cities of themselves being built around them.
By the late 1970s, Winkleman's surged to 86 stores in three states, anchored by their headquarters on Fort Street in Detroit. Many Downriver stores would pop up from the late 1950s onward as many customers counted this business as a breath of fresh air, away from what was then referred to as big-box retail. Throughout their working life, the brothers made it their goal to provide elegance and personalized service at a minimal cost.
The brick-and-mortar chain, which would eventually peak at over 100 stores, would last until the 1990s when the family divested itself of the business. However, much like Montgomery Ward has, Winkleman's has found a second life on the internet. Winklemans.com has been in existence since at least 2003 and still features top women's fashions and - presumably - the same great quality customer care, even if no longer face-to-face.
OFFICIAL TABLULATED RESULTS FOR THE 2016 BUSINESS CLASS
CONTEST CONDUCTED: September 2016
TOTAL VOTES CAST: 415
ENSHRINEMENT CUTOFF: Twenty-five votes guaranteed victory
TOTAL VOTES CAST: 415
ENSHRINEMENT CUTOFF: Twenty-five votes guaranteed victory
For this particular contest, the format for voting was changed. We made use of a Facebook Polling option which grouped the answers differently. Most voters who voted via Facebook chose the grid-option which tabulated the numbers automatically. Many also favored the runners-up from the 2014 vote.
Business Class 2016
J.L. Hudson Co. 92 Sanders 71 Woolworth 64 Sears Roebuck 35 Winkleman's 27 |
Others, multiple votes
K-Mart 21 F&M Discount 20 Bob-Jo's Custard 10 Robert Hall 9 Fisher's Apparel 8 Wyandotte Theater 6 Clemente's 5 Harmony House 4 |
Hartman's 4 Epps Sporting Goods 4 Arlan's 3 Chiarelli's 3 Corrigan's 3 Farmer Jack 3 Chelsea 2 |
Businesses receiving one vote:
A&P, A&W, Andy's Farm Market, Baldo's, Carter's Hamburgers, Christopher's Restaurant, Fantasy Roller Rink, Flannery Ford, Forest City, Frank's Nursery, Hughes & Hatcher, Jack & Jill Outfitters, Jelly Donut, Mazzola's, McDonald's, Norton Drugstore, Peppina's, Top Hat Hamburgers, Watkins Hamburgers, Wong's (Lincoln Park).
A&P, A&W, Andy's Farm Market, Baldo's, Carter's Hamburgers, Christopher's Restaurant, Fantasy Roller Rink, Flannery Ford, Forest City, Frank's Nursery, Hughes & Hatcher, Jack & Jill Outfitters, Jelly Donut, Mazzola's, McDonald's, Norton Drugstore, Peppina's, Top Hat Hamburgers, Watkins Hamburgers, Wong's (Lincoln Park).