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Step Inside the Legendary Kaufmann's: Pittsburgh's Retail Landmark

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Published in Kaufmann S: The Big Store In Pittsburgh (Landmarks)

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A Journey into the History of America's Most Iconic Department Store

Kaufmann's: The Big Store in Pittsburgh is a captivating journey into the history of one of America's most iconic department stores. This richly illustrated volume explores the evolution of Kaufmann's, from its humble beginnings as a dry goods store in 1871 to its transformation into a retail giant and cultural landmark in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh.

With captivating prose and stunning visuals, Kaufmann's: The Big Store in Pittsburgh brings the city's beloved institution to life. Through archival photographs, architectural drawings, and firsthand accounts, the book reveals the fascinating story behind the grand dame of Pittsburgh retail.

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

The Early Years: From Dry Goods to Department Store

Kaufmann's was founded in 1871 by Jacob Kaufmann, a German immigrant with a keen eye for business. Starting out as a modest dry goods store on Smithfield Street, Kaufmann's quickly expanded its offerings to include a wide range of merchandise, from clothing and accessories to furniture and home goods.

In 1893, Kaufmann's moved into a new building on Fifth Avenue, which would become the store's flagship location for the next century. The new building was a marvel of its time, featuring an ornate facade, a grand staircase, and a vast atrium that soared to the height of the building.

The Golden Age of Kaufmann's

The early 20th century was a golden age for Kaufmann's. The store continued to grow and expand, adding new departments and services to meet the needs of its discerning clientele. Kaufmann's became known for its high-quality merchandise, its fashionable displays, and its impeccable customer service.

In 1916, Kaufmann's opened a new annex on Smithfield Street, which doubled the size of the store. The annex featured a state-of-the-art auditorium, which hosted fashion shows, concerts, and other special events.

The Kaufmann's Clock: A Pittsburgh Icon

One of the most iconic features of Kaufmann's is its clock, which has stood proudly above the Fifth Avenue entrance since 1916. The clock is a masterpiece of horology, featuring a four-sided clock face and a intricate mechanism that chimes the hour and plays a variety of tunes.

The Kaufmann's Clock has become a beloved landmark in Pittsburgh, and is often used as a meeting place or a starting point for tours of the city.

Kaufmann's: A Cultural Landmark

Over the years, Kaufmann's has been more than just a department store. It has been a cultural landmark, a gathering place for the community, and a symbol of Pittsburgh's rich history.

Kaufmann's has hosted countless events, from fashion shows to art exhibitions to concerts. The store has also been a major supporter of the arts, sponsoring local theater groups and museums.

Kaufmann's Today

Today, Kaufmann's is still a thriving department store, albeit under a different name. In 2006, Kaufmann's was acquired by Macy's, Inc. and was rebranded as Macy's. However, the store's iconic building and its legacy as Pittsburgh's "Big Store" remain intact.

Kaufmann's: The Big Store in Pittsburgh is a must-have for anyone interested in the history of Pittsburgh, architecture, or retail. This beautifully illustrated volume brings the city's beloved institution to life, making it a perfect addition to any library or coffee table.