Kaufmann's: The Big Store in Pittsburgh Landmarks

Kaufmann's was a landmark department store in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1871 by Jacob Kaufmann and his brother Isaac. The store was originally located on Market Street in downtown Pittsburgh, but it moved to its iconic location on Fifth Avenue in 1913. Kaufmann's was known for its high-quality merchandise, its elegant atmosphere, and its exceptional customer service.

Kaufmann's: The Big Store in Pittsburgh (Landmarks)

by Margaret Coombs

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7552 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	160 pages

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In its heyday, Kaufmann's was one of the most popular department stores in the country. It was a destination for shoppers from all over the region, and it was often featured in national magazines and newspapers. Kaufmann's was also a major employer in Pittsburgh, and it played an important role in the city's economy.

However, the retail landscape changed dramatically in the late 20th century. The rise of suburban shopping malls and big-box stores led to a decline in downtown department stores. Kaufmann's was hit hard by this trend, and it filed for bankruptcy in 1992. The store was eventually sold to Macy's, which closed it in 2006.

The closure of Kaufmann's was a major loss for Pittsburgh. The store was a beloved landmark, and it played an important role in the city's history and culture. However, the legacy of Kaufmann's lives on. The building that housed the store is now a national historic landmark, and it is being redeveloped into a mixed-use complex.

The Early Years

Jacob Kaufmann was born in Germany in 1841. He immigrated to the United States in 1865, and he settled in Pittsburgh. In 1871, he opened a small dry goods store on Market Street. The store was successful, and Kaufmann soon expanded it.

In 1887, Kaufmann's moved to a larger location on Fifth Avenue. The new store was a grand affair, with marble floors, mahogany fixtures, and a stained-glass ceiling. It was one of the most elegant department stores in the country.

Kaufmann's quickly became a popular destination for shoppers. The store offered a wide variety of high-quality merchandise, including clothing, furniture, and jewelry. Kaufmann's was also known for its exceptional customer service. The sales staff was friendly and helpful, and they were always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that customers were satisfied.

The Golden Age

The early 20th century was a golden age for Kaufmann's. The store continued to expand, and it added new departments and services. In 1913, Kaufmann's opened its iconic Fifth Avenue flagship store. The store was a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts architecture, and it was one of the largest department stores in the world.

Kaufmann's continued to thrive in the decades that followed. The store was a popular destination for shoppers from all over the region, and it was often featured in national magazines and newspapers. Kaufmann's was also a major employer in Pittsburgh, and it played an important role in the city's economy.

The Decline

However, the retail landscape changed dramatically in the late 20th century. The rise of suburban shopping malls and big-box stores led to a decline in downtown department stores. Kaufmann's was hit hard by this trend, and it filed for bankruptcy in 1992. The store was eventually sold to Macy's, which closed it in 2006.

The Legacy

The closure of Kaufmann's was a major loss for Pittsburgh. The store was a beloved landmark, and it played an important role in the city's history and culture. However, the legacy of Kaufmann's lives on. The building that housed the store is now a national historic landmark, and it is being redeveloped into a mixed-use complex.

Kaufmann's was more than just a store. It was a gathering place for the community, and it played an important role in the lives of many Pittsburghers. The store's closing was a sad day for the city, but its legacy will continue to live on.

Kaufmann's: The Big Store in Pittsburgh (Landmarks)

by Margaret Coombs

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7552 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	160 pages

FREE