Altman’s Catalog, 1969
Known for its luxurious merchandise and elegant shopping experience, B. Altman’s department store was founded by Benjamin Altman, a Bavarian immigrant, in 1865. The first store on 10th Avenue in New York sold mostly dry goods, fabrics, clothing, and household items.
The store expanded and moved to its iconic location on Fifth Avenue, occupying a Beaux-Arts-styled building designed by architects Trowbridge & Livingston. The store’s fancy logo was designed by George Abrams. The New York-born artist also created graphics for Godiva Chocolates.
The store was a New York fixture for decades and featured luxury brands, imported goods, and a wide range of products, including clothing, jewelry, home furnishings, and art - all of which brought in high-profile clientele.
The store was nominated for the Merchandise Mart Hall of Fame in 1954.
Under the ownership of Australian parent company L.J. Hooker, B. Altman's struggled toward the late 1980s, along with a number of other high-profile retail names; Saks, Bonwitt Teller, Bloomingdale’s, and Marshall Field.
eventually filed for bankruptcy in 1989 and closed its doors in 1990.
