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THE 5 RINGS OF FASHION Chapter 1.8

Writer's picture: Roberto CorbelliRoberto Corbelli


The First Ring: Roots

 

CHRONICLES

Chapter 1.8


Germany and USA


In Germany, department stores have played a pivotal role in blending tradition with innovation, becoming an integral part of urban culture.


KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westens) (Berlin): Established in 1907, KaDeWe is one of the largest and most prestigious department stores in Europe. Renowned for its luxury products and its iconic gourmet food department on the sixth floor, it is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and connoisseurs. The store’s architecture and interior design illustrate the evolution of department stores as social, cultural, and commercial spaces. Today, KaDeWe is part of the La Rinascente group, which is controlled by the Filipino conglomerate SM Investments Corporation.

 

Galeria Kaufhof: As one of Germany’s leading department store chains, Galeria Kaufhof is distinguished by its extensive product range, spanning fashion, home goods, electronics, and more. It provides a comprehensive shopping experience tailored to families and urban consumers alike.

 

Karstadt: Founded in 1881, Karstadt remains a cornerstone of the German retail landscape. Despite facing significant challenges over the years, including fierce competition from e-commerce, Karstadt has maintained its relevance through continuous innovation and a commitment to meeting customer needs.

 

Peek & Cloppenburg is a chain of department stores in Germany, founded in 1901 in Düsseldorf and Hamburg. The history of the company dates back to 1869, when Johann Theodor Peek and Heinrich Cloppenburg opened the first store in Rotterdam. Over the years, the chain has expanded into various European countries, including Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Poland.

 

Currently, Peek & Cloppenburg is facing financial challenges and has filed for creditor protection in Germany. However, its operations abroad, including those in Austria, have not been affected. The chain continues to operate its stores and is seeking to reorganize itself to adapt to the new market conditions.

 

USA

The oldest department stores in the United States have played a fundamental role in the development of retail, becoming iconic locations for shopping and customer service innovation. Here are some of the most notable and historically significant examples:


Macy’s (1858) – New York City: Founded by Rowland Hussey Macy, Macy’s began as a small shop in Manhattan. In 1902, it moved to its current location on 34th Street, near Herald Square, which became the largest department store in the world. Macy’s is renowned for its iconic events, such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which started in 1924, and its elaborate Christmas window displays. It remains one of the few department stores with a strong national presence.


Lord & Taylor (1826) – New York City: As one of America’s oldest department stores, Lord & Taylor was founded by Samuel Lord and George Washington Taylor. The store became known for its elegance and high-quality products, with its flagship store on Fifth Avenue serving as a symbol of luxury and refinement. While financial struggles led to the closure of many locations, the brand was relaunched as an e-commerce platform in 2020.


Bloomingdale’s (1861) – New York City: Established by brothers Joseph and Lyman Bloomingdale, the store initially specialized in women’s clothing. Over time, Bloomingdale’s transformed into a luxury department store, celebrated for its innovative design and collaborations with top fashion brands. It remains a symbol of style and trends, with a significant international presence.


Sears, Roebuck & Co. (1893) – Chicago: Originally a mail-order company founded by Richard Warren Sears and Alvah Roebuck, Sears revolutionized retail with its innovative catalogs, bringing a wide array of products to rural American families. Its first physical store opened in 1925. Although Sears has declined in recent years, it left an enduring legacy in American retail history.


Marshall Field’s (1852) – Chicago: Known for introducing innovative concepts such as the right to return and spacious salesrooms, Marshall Field’s flagship store in Chicago’s Loop was famous for its architecture and iconic clock. Acquired by Macy’s in 2006, the brand has since been phased out.


Wanamaker’s (1876) – Philadelphia: John Wanamaker is often credited as the father of the modern department store. His Philadelphia store was the first to be fully electrified and to offer services such as home delivery and music salons. The building, which houses the world-famous Wanamaker organ, now serves as a Macy’s location.


Neiman Marcus (1907) – Dallas, Texas: Founded by Herbert Marcus, Carrie Marcus Neiman, and Abraham Lincoln Neiman, this luxury department store chain distinguished itself with exclusive goods and exceptional customer service. Neiman Marcus introduced European fashion collections to the U.S. in the 1920s and is famous for its “Christmas Book”, a holiday catalog of exclusive gifts launched in the 1930s. Despite recent financial struggles, including bankruptcy during the 2020 pandemic, the brand has reorganized and remains a symbol of American luxury with both physical stores and a strong online presence.


The Neiman Marcus Fashion Award, established in 1938 by Stanley Marcus, became known as the "Oscar of Fashion." It recognized influential figures in the fashion industry, such as Elsa Schiaparelli and Christian Dior. Although awarded regularly until 1995, it remains a historical reference point for excellence in fashion, underscoring Neiman Marcus’s role as a champion of designers and a benchmark in the luxury market.


To be continued...


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