From A Basement Boutique to The Largest Department Store Chain in The World

1865. After the war, the Straus family relocates to Harlem, NY. L. Straus and Sons, a glassware and chinaware import company, is born

1874. Lazarus Straus convinces Rowland Macy, the founder of Macy’s, to allow them to sell their goods in the store’s 1,800 square-ft. basement. It is a success.

1888. Isidor and his brother Nathan became Macy’s partners

1896. The brothers gain full ownership of what would become the largest department store chain in the world.

(Photo Public Domain)