{"id":49,"date":"2016-02-24T20:22:52","date_gmt":"2016-02-24T20:22:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/137.148.11.35\/wordpress\/lets-go-shopping\/?post_type=chapter&p=49"},"modified":"2018-11-28T13:53:40","modified_gmt":"2018-11-28T18:53:40","slug":"best-quality-lowest-prices-its-got-to-be-higbees","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/chapter\/best-quality-lowest-prices-its-got-to-be-higbees\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Quality, Lowest Prices: It’s Got to be Higbee’s"},"content":{"raw":"Hower & Higbee\u00a0Dry Goods\u00a0began in September 1860 when two young enterprising businessmen John G. Hower (1827-1897) of Burbank, Ohio and Edwin Converse Higbee (1831-1906) of Lodi, Ohio pooled their resources to open their first retail shop at 237 Superior Avenue.[footnote]\u201cNew Advertisement.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 21, 1860.[\/footnote] Both men believed in \u201chonor, liberality and courtesy backed by efficient capital, experience and good will.\u201d\u00a0 Initially specializing in broadloom carpets and fine linens, Hower & Higbee quickly expanded its merchandise lines to include affordable clothing.\u00a0 It also introduced the city\u2019s first dress department.\u00a0 Knowledgeable sales clerks assisted customers in selecting just the right dress for that very special occasion.\r\n\r\nThese innovative businessmen took the local shopping experience to an entirely new level when they decided to treat their customers like family.\u00a0 They also gained a well-earned reputation for their generous contributions to local charities.\u00a0 This generosity began as early as 1865 when they donated $25.00 to the Huron Road\u00a0Hospital building fund.\u00a0 They also supported a host of other worthwhile causes such as the Ladies Temperance League\u00a0and the American Red Cross.[footnote]\u201cAmusement, A Card.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 14, 1875.[\/footnote]\u00a0 When news reached Cleveland, in 1871, that a huge fire had consumed much of downtown Chicago, Hower & Higbee\u00a0sent merchandise to the victims.\u00a0 The citizens of Chicago publicly thanked them for their generosity.\r\n\r\nHower & Higbee\u00a0scored a number of retail firsts.\u00a0 For example, they advertised nearly every day during the Civil War.\u00a0 No other local retailer did that.\u00a0 They also set a precedent in 1869 when they eliminated jobbers.\u00a0 A third innovation involved ordering and picking up merchandise.\u00a0 Hower & Higbee afforded their customers the opportunity of placing merchandise orders in the morning for pickup later that same day.\u00a0 Shoppers also greatly appreciated the store\u2019s central sales counter which sped up the procurement of merchandise. These highly resourceful retailers in the mid-1870s became the envy of their competitors when they became the sole agents for the Cheney Brothers\u00a0of Hartford, CT.\u00a0 Cheney Brothers manufactured fine quality silk garments.\r\n\r\nHower & Higbee\u2019s achievements did not end there.\u00a0 It was the first local department store, in the 1880s, to offer customer phone service.\u00a0 This retailer also led the pack in providing courtesy home deliveries.\u00a0 However, their success involved much more than outguessing what other retailers might do.\u00a0 These businessmen knew the importance of honesty and integrity.\u00a0 They set a good example for others to follow.\u00a0 Their wholeheartedly support of community-based services such as the Committee on Promotion of the Board of Trade distinguished them from others.\u00a0 They also gave assistance to other enterprising Clevelanders who wanted to expand their business network.[footnote]\u201cSecured the Sum.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 23, 1892.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nFollowing the untimely death, in 1897, of John G. Hower, Edwin Higbee assumed control of the store.[footnote]\u201cShocking Death Mr. J.G. Hower, the Merchant, Instantly Killed.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 11, 1897.[\/footnote]\u00a0 With the assistance of William T. Higbee, Herman Mierke, William Foster\u00a0and Alexander Caskey, Higbee brought the store into the 20th century.\u00a0 The company\u2019s cash flow, in 1902, for the first time, exceeded $500,000.[footnote]\u201cThe Higbee Company is Formed.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 20, 1902.[\/footnote] Increasing profits and decreasing debt over the next decade enabled officials to expand their clothing and accessories lines.\u00a0 The board\u2019s decision to cater primarily to Cleveland\u2019s upper middle class definitely produced great financial rewards.\r\n\r\nOfficials and staff, in 1906, mourned the loss of their founder Edwin C. Higbee.\u00a0 The store\u2019s new President William T. Higbee\u00a0authorized further expansion of its clothing lines and specialty items.\u00a0 His efforts soon paid-off.\u00a0 Higbee proudly announced, in 1910, that his retail establishment had broken all previous sales records.\u00a0 With assets of $315,875, board members decided to capitalize on their recent good fortune through several targeted promotions.[footnote]\u201cTax Returns Show Millions Increase.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 28, 1911. \u201cIn Business Forty Years.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 4, 1910.[\/footnote]\u00a0 They ran the gamut from distributing to customers a 50th anniversary booklet and purchasing hard-to-get tailored women\u2019s suits to carrying fine imported linens and other one of-a-kind items.[footnote]\u201cHigbee\u2019s Tailored Suits for Women at $25 and $39.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 8, 1908. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Thanksgiving Linens.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nEqually important, officials determined that the bulk of their retail trade originated with Cleveland\u2019s upper middle class.\u00a0 This prompted them to sponsor a re-evaluation of current retail practices with the intention of better serving their new, sophisticated shoppers.\u00a0 This re-evaluation process began by assessing current pricing practices and, when appropriate, remarking certain items to insure maximum future profit.\u00a0 However, it did not end there.\u00a0 In fact, much of the board\u2019s efforts concerned determining which items sold well and which ones did not.\u00a0 Once they figured out the shelf-life of products then they began the arduous task of eliminating slow moving items and replacing them with the kind of merchandise desired most by their patrons.\u00a0 Board members remained cognizant of the fact that the future growth and prosperity of Higbee\u2019s depended on the new policies they initiated today.\r\n\r\nThe board unanimously agreed that one of the most effective ways to counter growing competition was for Higbee\u2019s to build its-own modern department store.\u00a0 Officials further concurred that their new emporium must be a part of the emerging upper Euclid Avenue retail district called Playhouse Square.\u00a0 With these thoughts in mind, the Board of Directors, in 1910, authorized the construction of a new modern building at 1331 Euclid Avenue.\u00a0 Located on the site of the Amasa Stone mansion, this $150,000, nine-story structure included 250,000 square feet of retail space.[footnote]\u201cHigbee\u2019s to Have 9-Floor Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 3, 1913.[\/footnote] A popular Cleveland architect and son of a U.S. President Abram Garfield\u00a0(1872-1958) designed it.\u00a0 The public loved shopping there.\u00a0 Needing additional space to meet its expanding customer-base, its legal counsel, in 1919, signed a 10-year $10,000 lease with Bailey Realty\u00a0to rent an adjacent building located on East 13th Street.\u00a0 It provided Higbee\u2019s additional floor space totaling 10,184 square feet.\r\n\r\nA national promoter and retailer named John Claflin, in 1913, purchased Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 As head of the New York-based H.B. Claflin Company, he had controlling interest in a number of well-known department stores.\u00a0 They included Lord & Taylor, & Company, O\u2019Neill-Adams Company, Stewart & Company\u00a0and Gunther Sons.\u00a0 Claflin knew what business steps needed to be taken to guarantee Higbee\u2019s long-term success.\u00a0 Restructuring its corporate structure represented a formidable challenge requiring immediate attention.\u00a0 John Claflin\u00a0discarded the conservative business model first instituted by Hower and Higbee, in the 1870s, and replaced it with his own business form.\u00a0 This new model not only precisely measured the store\u2019s financial gains and losses; but also, accurately predicted future retail returns based on present trends.\r\n\r\nHis actions, in 1914, resulted in the formation of the Higbee Company of Delaware.\u00a0 That new corporation\u00a0controlled more than $1,000,000 in capital stock.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Company Passes into New Control.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 30, 1913.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Created primarily for tax purposes, this model of business efficiency\u00a0remained in place for twenty years.\u00a0 Most importantly, it helped to produce impressive year-end results.\u00a0 For example, Higbee\u2019s earnings from 1917 to 1920 exceeded $322,802 per year.\u00a0 That incredible figure represented five times the required dividend requirements for the current issue of stock.\u00a0 Also, all new stock issues were exempted from federal and state taxes.\u00a0 Claflin\u2019s astute business practices and retail connections served Higbee\u2019s well for the short-term.\u00a0 Higbee buyers used his business connections to purchase quality merchandise from the same European houses frequented by major New York, London\u00a0and Paris retailers.\u00a0 Other Cleveland department stores could not say the same thing.\r\n\r\nA major New York business concern for almost a century, H.B. Claflin Company\u00a0over extended itself financially during the first decade of the 20th century.\u00a0 Unable to meet its growing financial obligations, it declared bankruptcy in June 1914.\u00a0 The federal bankruptcy court placed this holding company into receivership.[footnote]\u201cClaflin Stores May Pay Their Own Notes.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 28, 1914.[\/footnote] Court-appointed receivers determined that affiliates including Higbee\u2019s could remain open provided they could show that they were profitability.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s had no problem and it remained open.\r\n\r\nHigbee officials learned a valuable lesson from the Claflin experience.\u00a0 They realized that their future depended on their ability to anticipate the needs and wants of their shoppers far beyond today.\u00a0 This realization led the board to introduce a wide array of new departments.\u00a0 Each sold a specific item or provided a service.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, by 1923, boasted more than sixty departments.[footnote]\u201cThe Higbee Company 63rd Anniversary Sale.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 30, 1923.[\/footnote] They ranged from bedding, cosmetics, furniture and jewelry to radios, record players, toys and travel services.\u00a0 The store also provided its-own 2,000 car garage, free gift wrapping, Santa Claus\u00a0at Christmas and an acoustically-sound rehearsal hall for concerts.\r\n\r\nRetail innovations were seen everywhere.\u00a0 For example, during the First World War, executives introduced a new credit system amply called Savings Checks.\u00a0 Under this arrangement, customers purchased small metal disks of various denominations which they then deposited in participating banks.\u00a0 Those banks, in turn, would issue them credit slips.\u00a0 These slips spelled out the amount of funds available for spending at Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 Untouched accounts accrued 4% interest.\r\n\r\nWith credit slips in hand, shoppers purchased merchandise at Higbee\u2019s up to their credit line.\u00a0 In many ways, this system emulated modern-day debit cards in that payment transfers were deducted automatically from depositors\u2019 accounts at the end of every business day.\u00a0 Also, like today\u2019s debit cards, depositors received notification of all deposits and payment transfers through -monthly bank statements and store bills.\u00a0 Participating shoppers received an additional 2% discount on all Higbee\u2019s purchases.[footnote]\u201cThe Higbee Company, We Return in Savings Checks 2% of Your Purchase.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 27, 1915.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nUnder the capable leadership of Asa Shiverick\u00a0(1877-1937), Higbee\u2019s continued to capitalize on its reputation for honesty and integrity.\u00a0 Hoping to lower overall buying costs, the Board of Directors, in the 1920s, enthusiastically supported a new cooperative venture that called for participating stores to pool their capital to purchase large volumes of merchandise at much reduced cost.\u00a0 Although only marginally successful, it set the stage for greater cooperation among downtown department stores in the 1930s and 1940s.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s also actively participated in the Cleveland Retail Credit Association.\u00a0 This group regulated local retail activities and promoted ethical business practices.\r\n\r\nThe phenomenal growth of Higbee\u2019s during the First World War\u00a0convinced board members to renovate their store.\u00a0 To illustrate this last point, the First Trust & Savings Company\u00a0of Cleveland, OH, in April 1920, offered 8% on Higbee\u2019s Cumulative First Preferred Stock.[footnote]\u201cNew Issue, Tax Exempt in Ohio and Exempt from Normal Federal Income Tax, 8% Cumulative Preferred Stock.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 6, 1920.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Total store assets increased from $3,581,252 in 1918 to $4,285,252 by 1919.\u00a0 This led board members to approve a $1,000,000 expansion and remodeling program in 1922 that included revamping the auditorium, creating additional floor space and improving the annex.\u00a0 Other improvements such as a new, fireproof terra-cotta exterior veneer, additional elevators, thick soundproof windows and a wider driveway for truck deliveries brought Higbee\u2019s into the modern age.[footnote]Monnett, J. G. Jr. \u201cHigbee Expansion to Cost Millions.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 25, 1922.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nNineteen twenty-three proved to be very profitable.\u00a0 Cleveland\u2019s Union Trust Company\u00a0issued $1,500,000 in new preferred stock.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Company Stock is Offered to Public.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 13, 1923.[\/footnote]\u00a0 The Board of Directors also secured additional capital by retiring $923,000 of its outstanding preferred stock.\u00a0 Those stocks sold at par with a 7% accrued dividend.\u00a0 Union Trust proclaimed Higbee\u2019s Department Store\u00a0to be one of Ohio\u2019s best investment opportunities.\u00a0 Store earnings from 1920 through 1923 increased from $6,609,869 to $8,038,377.\u00a0 The dividends paid on $1,500,000 on 1st preferred stock averaged $403,723.\u00a0 Everyone made money then.\r\n\r\nMuch of Higbee\u2019s financial success in the \u201cRoaring Twenties\u201d resulted from its-own special promotional activities.\u00a0 Such things as fashion shows hosted by WJAX-radio\u00a0gained a big following especially among young women.[footnote]\u201cThe Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 18, 1924.[\/footnote] Free decorating lessons also appealed to a great many. Higbee\u2019s enterprising board received praise from the local press when it donated $500.00 towards the establishment of two new hospitals for unwed mothers.[footnote]\u201cArmy to Start Two Hospitals Now.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 30, 1928.[\/footnote] Customers also flocked regularly to Higbee\u2019s circulation library.\u00a0 The economic catastrophe wrought by the Stock Market Crash, in October 1929, did not dampen store spirits.\u00a0 In fact, Christmas sales that year topped the previous year.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s preferred stock also continued to pay 6% dividends.[footnote]\u201cPreferred Issues Lead in Activity.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 15, 1929.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nNineteen-thirty was a conundrum for Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 Sales of First Preferred Stock opened in 1930 at 101 for 100 shares.\u00a0 It continued to rise during the first six months of 1930 reaching 105\u00bd for 100 shares.\u00a0 Through a 3% sinking fund the $1,500,000 authorized issue was reduced to $1,230,000 payable on a 30-day notice at 107\u00bd.\u00a0 It sold in July 1931 for 90 for 100 shares.[footnote]\u201cCleveland Stock Quotations.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 26, 1931.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nA small group of wealthy customers, seemingly unaffected by recent downturns in the economy, continued to purchase the store\u2019s many high quality goods and services\u00a0at a feverous pace.\u00a0 Their spending kept Higbee\u2019s financially afloat.\u00a0 However, as the Depression worsened many of those affluent customers saw their fortunes evaporate.\u00a0 Their inability to maintain their posh lifestyles adversely affected Higbee\u2019s bottom line.\u00a0 In its wake, the number of poor grew at an alarming rate.\u00a0 Many of the unemployed were, in fact, former middle and upper class customers.\u00a0 Store officials reacted to these hard times in the only way they knew how.\u00a0 They continued to offer high quality merchandise at standard prices to a dwindling number of shoppers.\u00a0 They also provided special sales periodically to stimulate business.\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s Board of Directors initiated some austerity measures, beginning in 1931, when they furloughed many of their full-time employees.\u00a0 Hoping to soften this economic blow, board members offered full-time employees part-time work during special sales.[footnote]\u201cThe Higbee Company Requires Former Employees Wishing to Help in Special Sales to Call Between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 23, 1930.[\/footnote] However, that opportunity lasted briefly as the U.S. economy worsened.\u00a0 Regarding customer credit, store officials held fast to traditional policies.\u00a0 No major innovations burst onto the scene to help those less fortunate.\r\n\r\nRevising traditional credit and installment buying programs was not an option.\u00a0 It was not a part of the grand scheme of things.\u00a0 That did not mean that Higbee\u2019s Board of Directors lacked empathy for those shoppers who had lost their jobs.\u00a0 They cared very much about their customers.\u00a0 However, as everyone soon found out, Higbee\u2019s was not a charity.\u00a0 Store officials remained committed to the bottom line: maximum profit at minimum cost.\u00a0 That business principle guided Higbee\u2019s in its first seventy years and would continue to do so into the future.\r\n\r\nHowever, worsening economic conditions forced the board to reconsider their earlier harsh action.\u00a0 Board members, in October 1931, offered their customers some marginal relief through what they called a \u201cModified Budget Plan.\u201d\u00a0 Under this initiative, customers made an initial down payment of 10% on all items purchased and then paid-off the balance in 24 equivalent payments, one per month, for the next two years.[footnote]\u201cNow at the new Higbee Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 18, 1931.[\/footnote] Promoted as a reasonable alternative to earlier, less lenient credit plans, few utilized it.\r\n\r\nRetailers nationwide had no way of knowing, in the 1920s, that the nation\u2019s prosperity was about to end.\u00a0 Economic forecasts throughout that decade remained optimistic even though mounting inventories\u00a0and increased business bankruptcies suggested a bleaker economic picture ahead.\u00a0 Yet, financial experts remained calm throughout.\u00a0 The majority believed that any-and-all business irregularities occurring within the stock market could be easily handled by competent business leaders, nimble financiers and knowledgeable investors.\u00a0 Two weeks prior to the Great Stock Market Crash of 1929 the noted U.S. Neo-Classic economist Irving Fisher\u00a0(1867-1947) proudly proclaimed that the price of stocks had attained what he called \u201ca permanently high plateau.\u201d\r\n\r\nMajor retail establishments such as Higbee\u2019s saw no reason not to take full advantage of the nation\u2019s expanding economy.\u00a0 This kind of positive thinking prompted Higbee\u2019s executives, in 1928, to approve plans for a new magnificent department store to be located in the heart of Public Square.\u00a0 A part of the $160,000,000 office and rail center called Union Terminal, this $10,000,000 department store became an integral part of downtown retailing for the next seventy years.[footnote]Cox, Dale. \u201c2000 to Work on New Higbee Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 18, 1930. \u201cVan\u2019s Group Here Among Largest Deals in Realty.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 4, 1931.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s Board of Directors worked closely with Van Sweringen Development Corporation\u00a0to make it a reality.\u00a0 The Metropolitan Life Insurance Corporation (MetLife)\u00a0financed Higbee\u2019s portion of this project through a special $5,000,000 mortgage bond.[footnote]\u201cDreary Pay-Off Year Behind Us.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 2, 1932.[\/footnote]\u00a0 This beautiful department store opened its doors on September 8, 1931.[footnote]\u201cTo the New Higbee Store on Public Square Open Today.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 8, 1931.[\/footnote] Nearly 360,000 customers visited the new store on opening day.\u00a0 A twelve--story, 1,035,459 square foot Indiana limestone, marble and terra-cotta clad building it contained more than $5,000,000 worth of merchandise and employed 3,500.[footnote]\u201cExpect Great Things.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 4, 1931.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s expected to make more than $50,000,000 annually from its investment.[footnote]\u201cService, The New Higbee Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 6, 1931.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nPraised by the local press for its sixty-four dazzling display windows, highly polished white marble floors, wide aisles, and crystal display cases, the new Higbee\u2019s represented the quintessential department store of the early 20th century.\u00a0 Its nationally-recognized coin and stamp counter and professional art gallery impressed many.\u00a0 A well-respected New York-based bookseller Brentani opened a branch there.[footnote]Ibid.<\/em>[\/footnote] Beautifully detailed elevators and sturdy escalators carried 6,000 to 8,000 persons an hour between floors.\u00a0 What a beautiful building!\u00a0 What a fantastic achievement!\r\n\r\nA popular Cleveland architect named Phillip Small\u00a0(1890-1963) designed its 10th floor Art-Deco styled restaurant called the Silver Grille.[footnote]Strawbridge, Herbert. \"Remembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences.\" Cleveland: Western Reserve Historical Society, 2004, pp. 67.[\/footnote] This award winning, restaurant remained a favorite of Clevelanders for years.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s also led its downtown competitors by offering one of the region\u2019s first full-service bargain basement stores.\u00a0 Known as the Cash Basement, it catered to customers who wanted to purchase either overstocks or inventories\u00a0at much reduced prices.[footnote]\u201cHigbee 71st Anniversary, A Fine New Store with Fine Old Traditions.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 18, 1931.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s also became the new home for the CBS\u00a0affiliate in Cleveland WHK-radio.[footnote]Stephan, Robert S. \u201cWHK to Build New Studios on Higbee Roof in Terminal.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 8, 1931.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe Board of Directors, in February 1931, approved the dissolution of its original Ohio charter for tax purposes.\u00a0[footnote]\u201cHigbee Under New Charter.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 20, 1931.[\/footnote] Store executives, a year later, took customer service to another level when they introduced a full-service car repair and tire shop in Union Terminal.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Service Department in Terminal Garage Drive in Today!\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 31, 1932.[\/footnote] They publicized its grand opening by exhibiting a brand new shiny Ford V-8.\u00a0 From the day it opened, Higbee\u2019s at Public Square welcomed numerous civic and community communities to use their auditorium and various lounges for special events.\u00a0 Events covered the gamut from private social gatherings, political debates and intellectual lectures to civics lessons, charity balls and religious retreats.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s also provided quality catering services.\r\n\r\nHigbee officials along with other prominent business and government leaders worked diligently in the early 1930s to bring the World\u2019s Fair to Cleveland.\u00a0 They secured it in 1935.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s sponsored the Art-Deco Higbee Tower\u00a0at the Great Lakes Exposition\u00a0the following two summers.\u00a0 Bathed in bright light, this 3,600 square foot structure featured six foot lettering spelling Higbee on four of its eight sides.\u00a0 Flashing red lights surrounded by bright chrome yellow lights, offset by black and silver aluminum shields, complimented this imposing structure.[footnote]Bergman, Oscar A. \u201cAt the Stores and Shops.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 26, 1936. Bergman, Oscar A. \u201cHigbee Tower Stands Near Exposition Center,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 5, 1936.[\/footnote] Higbee\u2019s sales staff sold thousands of souvenirs to eager tourists.\u00a0 They also handled sportswear accessories, hosiery, toys, beach sandals, toiletries, handkerchiefs, candies and men\u2019s accessories.\u00a0 The public loved the Globe Theatre pageant held in Higbee\u2019s Silver Grille\u00a0restaurant.[footnote]\u201cGlobe Theatre at the Great Lakes Exposition.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 19, 1936.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nOne of the major issues facing the Board of Directors, during the Great Depression of the 1930s, involved disposing of its Euclid Avenue site.\u00a0\u00a0 Had the 1930s been a decade of economic growth and prosperity, many retailers would have jumped at the chance to occupy it.\u00a0 Unfortunately, these were anything but normal economic times.\u00a0 After much deliberation, Higbee executives authorized a storewide liquidation sale for mid-July 1931.[footnote]\u201cNow in Full Swing, The Long Awaited Event, the Great Higbee Removal Sales.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 21, 1931.[\/footnote]\u00a0 This sale gave shoppers an excellent opportunity to purchase quality merchandise at much reduced prices and also to say their last good-byes to their beloved store.\r\n\r\nThis site remained vacant for the next six months.\u00a0 The Board of Directors announced, in January 1932, that General Motors Corporation\u00a0planned to display its latest automobile lines on its main floor during the first week of April.\u00a0 The success of this auto show convinced Detroit\u2019s largest automaker to sponsor several other events there over the next several years.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, that autumn, converted several floors into a new wholesale food distribution\u00a0center and warehouse.\u00a0 These same premises housed the Cleveland Auto Show\u00a0and Ripley\u2019s Believe It or Not Show.\u00a0 Rumors circulated in the spring of 1934 that outside investors were seriously considering opening a French caf\u00e9 on its main floor.\u00a0 However, nothing materialized.\r\n\r\nA major sale, held in September 1931, featured a fine array of china sets; stemware, sweaters, skirts and comforters.\u00a0 Officials publicized the fact that this new merchandise was priced to sell well.[footnote]\u201cNew Merchandise at Sales Prices.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 7, 1934.[\/footnote]\u00a0 One major on-site event received national acclaim.\u00a0 Store officials, in September 1934, conducted the largest single art auction in Cleveland\u2019s 137-year history.\u00a0 The bankrupt Guenther Gallery\u00a0needed to sell its collection quickly and Higbee\u2019s won the bid.\u00a0 Sales from that auction exceeded $200,000.\u00a0 What especially impressed the national art community was that Higbee\u2019s staff not only properly prepared the various pieces of art for sale, but also, secured some of the nation\u2019s best auctioneers to sell them.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. District Court\u00a0of Appeals, in January 1936, upheld an earlier court decision against Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 The building\u2019s leaseholders claimed that Higbee\u2019s still owed them back rent on its Euclid Avenue site.\u00a0 The court awarded plaintiffs compensation totaling $717,100.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Suit is Upheld.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 21, 1936.[\/footnote] They argued that their earlier investments were worthless due to Higbee\u2019s refusal to pay back rents owed.\u00a0 The Ohio Supreme Court, in July 1936, overturned the lower court decision claiming that Higbee\u2019s was not liable for unpaid rents.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s trustees, later that same month, under the auspices of the Cleveland Trust Holding Company\u00a0paid $10,000 to lay claim to the sheriff\u2019s deed on the property.\u00a0 This Ohio Supreme Court decision ended a long-term battle between investors and the department store concerning the owner\u2019s legal obligations to investors.\r\n\r\nThe problem stemmed back to the early 1920s with the original leasing agreements.\u00a0 Arbitrators, in 1922, had awarded ownership privileges and leasing rights to a holding company called Crowell & Little Securities.\u00a0 It quickly transferred all property privileges and rights to the Cleveland Trust Company.\u00a0 Under this special transfer agreement, the Higbee Realty\u00a0Company and Women\u2019s City Club\u00a0each received subleases to the property in question. At the same time, Cleveland Trust awarded Higbee Realty full rights to issue a 99-year renewable lease to Higbee\u2019s Department Store\u00a0with the understanding that it must renew this lease every ten years.\u00a0 Store officials also agreed to pay $168,000 in rent annually.\u00a0 This special business agreement remained in effect until the summer of 1931.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s relocation to Public Square made the earlier lease void.[footnote]\u201cRules for Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 16, 1936.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nCleveland Trust, in the autumn of 1936, assumed control of the lease.\u00a0 Its bankers requested Cuyahoga County\u00a0auditors to lower its assessed value.\u00a0 They claimed that the income generated from this site had dropped appreciably from $165,000 in 1930\/31 to $52,068 by 1934.\u00a0 Cuyahoga County lowered the assessed value from $1,741,410 to $1,269,410.[footnote]Monnett, James G. Jr. \u201cUnion Club Asks $298,510 Tax Cut, Former John Hartness Brown and Higbee Building also in Hearing.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 8, 1936.[\/footnote] Common Pleas Judge Frank J. Merrick\u00a0in 1938 approved Cleveland Trust\u2019s application for a $750,000 loan to refurbish the building\u2019s interior.\r\n\r\nRumors circulated following the Pearl Harbor\u00a0bombing that the Armed Services\u00a0planned to establish an account and supply branch office in downtown Cleveland.\u00a0 However, nothing further happened until October 1942 when the U.S. Navy\u00a0announced plans to move into the former Higbee building.[footnote]Monnett, James G. Jr. \u201cNavy Will Take Over Old Higbee Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 27, 1942.[\/footnote] That site fitted their needs.\u00a0 Local contractor Samuel W. Emerson Company\u00a0renovated it quickly and the Navy moved into its new quarters.\u00a0 The federal government spent nearly $330,000 to modernize it.\u00a0 Of that $330,000, over $90,000 of it went towards upgrading its heating and plumbing systems.\u00a0 An alternate electrical system with efficient light fixtures cost an additional $55,000, while repainting its interior and renovating its antiquated elevators totaled $60,000.[footnote]Monnett, James G. Jr. \u201cNavy Quarters Ready Monday.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 30, 1943.[\/footnote] The U.S. Navy spent the remaining funds on plaster removal, new furniture and office supplies.\r\n\r\nThe federal government, in late 1945, vacated the building.\u00a0 A real estate firm called the Hum Company, in July 1946, purchased the site from Cleveland Trust Company\u00a0for $3,175,000.[footnote]Rider, Adin C. \u201cOld Higbee Building Sold.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 3, 1946.[\/footnote] Its assessed value that same year stood at about $1,527,500.\u00a0 Allied Stores, in September 1947, unveiled its plans to move its newly acquired Sterling-Linder Department Store and W.B. Davis & Company\u00a0into that building.[footnote]\u201cChain Reported Buying Lindner\u2019s, Allied Negotiations Linked with Old Higbee Site.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 29, 1947. \u201cNew Lindner\u2019s to Become General Department Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 30, 1947.[\/footnote] However, nothing happened until 1948 when W.B. Davis\u2019s lease at 333 Euclid Avenue expired.\u00a0 An upscale New York-based chain named Bonwit Teller\u00a0occupied the Lindner site for the next twenty years.\r\n\r\nThe Board of Directors, throughout the 1930s, sponsored popular events and services within their premises.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s Annual Fall Festival\u00a0enabled shoppers to buy the freshest preserves and jellies at reasonable cost.[footnote]Curtiss, Cornelia. \u201cGarden Clubs Are Holding Fall Festival of Four Days in Former Higbee Building.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 6, 1932.[\/footnote] The new baked goods and candy shop, found on the store\u2019s street level, afforded customers the opportunity of buying something sweet for their families.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Company Will Sell McNally-Doyle Products.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 1, 1933.[\/footnote]\u00a0 The puppet shows in its Children\u2019s Theatre\u00a0delighted thousands of youngsters, while the End of the Month Sales encouraged patrons to buy quality closeout items.[footnote]\u201cParking.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 31, 1933.[\/footnote] Higbee\u2019s also offered through its Silver Grille\u00a0restaurant special $.45 daily luncheon specials and tasty fountain drinks for only $.20.[footnote]\u201cHigbee A La Carte Luncheon Feature $.45.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 3, 1933.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nOther Higbee firsts during the Great Depression of the 1930s included cashing customer bank checks; revitalizing shoes and sneakers in Higbee\u2019s \u201cShoe Hospital\u201d and learning typewriting.[footnote]\u201cNew Higbee Shoe Hospital.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 11, 1933. \u201cPay off Checks.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 27, 1933. \u201cOffer Typewriting School.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 7, 1933.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Store officials also exhibited handmade quilts, featured big band shows often with the Fred Waring orchestra\u00a0and holding special Kindergarten\u00a0classes.\u00a0 Dance lessons, car contests, stamp exhibits, fashion shows and a reliable in-house optician rounded out the bill.\u00a0 In addition, Higbee\u2019s offered cooking classes, aviation exhibitions, photography lessons and groceries.\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s Board of Directors in the mid-1930s approved its first in-house remodeling plans.\u00a0 Executives also tried to bolster sagging sales by introducing less expensive merchandise.\u00a0 Officials eliminated overstocks and inventories\u00a0from its basement store and replaced them with ready-to-wear clothing.[footnote]\u201cWiden Basement Lines, Higbee Company Departments to be Expanded Monday.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 23, 1935.[\/footnote] This resulted in greater sales.\u00a0 Women\u2019s fashions, home furnishings, coats, millinery, and children\u2019s accessories also received renovations.\r\n\r\nThis downtown department store led competitors in other important ways.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, in 1936, proudly sponsored the nation\u2019s first exhibition dedicated to Cleveland public school art teachers.[footnote]Kelly, Grace V. \u201cArt Teachers Today Show Own Prints and Paintings.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 18, 1936.[\/footnote]\u00a0 The store also hosted a benefit ball to fight polio along with an Arts and Craft festival\u00a0and Cleveland\u2019s Rose Show.\u00a0 The nation\u2019s First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt\u00a0and popular tennis star Eleanor Tennant\u00a0also visited Higbee\u2019s as did Arnold\u2019s Traveling Circus.[footnote]Curtiss, Cornelia. \u201cFind first Lady\u2019s Greetings Genuine.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 12, 1936. Clarage, Eleanor. \u201cMain Street Meditations.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 20, 1936.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe mid-1930s represented a crucial period in the store\u2019s history.\u00a0 The economic hardships at that time greatly impacted store operations.\u00a0 Unable to meet its growing mortgage obligations, Higbee stockholders weighed their options.\u00a0 After some deliberation, George A. Ball, a majority stockholder and Executor of the George & Frances Ball Foundation\u00a0of Muncie, Indiana, announced plans to sell the bulk of his stock worth $6,375,000 to Robert R. Young\u00a0of New York, NY; Allan P. Kirby\u00a0(1893-1973) of Wilkes-Barre, PA\u00a0and Frank A. Kolbe\u00a0of New York, NY.[footnote]Lawrence, Charles W. \u201cBall Representing his Foundation, Transfers Mid America\u2019s Holding.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 27, 1937.[\/footnote] Two outspoken members of the board Charles L. Bradley\u00a0(1885-1943) and John P. Murphy\u00a0(1887-1969) led the fight against this hostile takeover.[footnote]\u201cRemains Cleveland-Owned.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 29, 1937.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nWith the assistance of the highly respected Cleveland law firm of Jones, Day, Coakley & Reavis, the Board of Directors, in 1937, submitted a reorganization plan to the U.S. District Court.[footnote]\u201cNew Higbee Plan Upholds Woods, Percent Rent Provided with Lower Minimal.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 29, 1940.[\/footnote] This action ended current foreclosure procedures.\u00a0 Under this special arrangement, the store\u2019s legal counsel drew up a new 25-year store lease that included 3% of net sales above $16,500,000, but with $350,000 annual minimum for the first five years, and not less than $400,000 the remaining years.\r\n\r\nOn net sales above $20,000,000, the rental percentage remained fixed at 2\u00be.\u00a0 Holders of the $591,930 senior bank indebtedness and $846,922 senior rent indebtedness were to receive 4% notes of the Higbee Company scheduled to mature in three to seven years.\u00a0 Those with $1,551,041 junior indebtedness (plus interest) were to get $600,000 in new 4% notes scheduled to mature in ten years and common stock at one share for each $100 after deducting the $600,000 in outstanding notes.\r\n\r\nThis reorganization plan called for the George & Frances Ball Foundation\u00a0to receive $500,000 and Warren L. Morris\u00a0of the Vaness Company\u00a0$100,000.\u00a0 It further stipulated that Charles L. Bradley\u00a0and John P. Murphy\u00a0were to obtain common stock shares upon the purchase of the store\u2019s debt from the Ball Foundation.\u00a0 Holders of preferred stock would receive a guaranteed one share of new preferred and common stock at the rate of one share for each $100 of dividends accumulated up to the date.\u00a0 This plan was confirmed by the courts.\r\n\r\nHolders of the old second preferred stock were to acquire new preferred and common stock at the same rate.\u00a0 The new preferred stock with a par value of $100 entitled its holders to $5.00 annual dividends culminated from the date of the final payment of the notes to be issued for senior and junior indebtedness.\u00a0 But, in any event, it would be cumulative on February 1, 1951.\u00a0 Preferred stockholders would be able to redeem stocks on a 30-day notice at $100 a share plus accumulated dividends to the date of call.\u00a0 The new agreement further stipulated that the Board of Directors was to be elected by its membership at its annual meeting held each June.\u00a0\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, in April 1938, filed an amended plan with the U.S. District Court.\u00a0 It called for the division of creditors and stockholders into different classes based on the nature of their respective claims and interests.[footnote]\u201cLegal Notice, District Court of U.S. Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, No. 36. 119.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 20, 1938.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nA minority of Higbee stockholders criticized the reorganization plan.\u00a0 They contended that it gave preferential treatment to the old guard leadership.\u00a0 However, the U.S. District Court\u00a0approved the plan.\u00a0 Following the untimely death in July 1937 of Asa Shiverick, Charles L. Bradley\u00a0became the store\u2019s new President.[footnote]\u201cShiverick, Rites to be Tomorrow.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 2, 1937.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, in 1938, won a major battle in the courts to reduce its annual rent from $600,000 to $320,000.\u00a0[footnote]\u201cHigbee Company Wins Rent Reduction.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 4, 1938.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nRobert R. Young\u00a0and Allan Kirby, in May 1941, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court\u00a0in order to gain control of Higbee\u2019s. The plaintiffs claimed that Ball, Bradley and Murphy had demanded their support without offering them just compensation, and that Ball, Bradley and Murphy had fraudulently entered into a conspiracy to deprive them control.\u00a0 Young and Kirby further contended that the Ball Foundation and its subsidiary Allegany Corporation\u00a0had conspired to sell Higbee securities for $600,000.\u00a0 The terms and conditions of this sale favored Bradley and Murphy.\u00a0 Federal District Judge Paul Jones\u00a0(1880-1965) in October 1941 found in favor of the defendants.\u00a0 Judge Jones upheld Higbee\u2019s reorganization plan claiming that it worked.\u00a0 Store sales, between 1936 and 1941, had increased about 40%, while its debt had decreased from $1,750,000 to $591,000.[footnote]\u201cFile Suit to Gain Higbee Ownership.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 29, 1941. \u201cHigbee Plan Confirmed.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 8, 1941.[\/footnote] A similar suit filed by Young and Kirby, in 1942, in Indianapolis was also thrown out.[footnote]\u201cAdvertise Block of Higbee Stock, Young and Kirby Indicate Control of Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 5, 1942.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe late 1930s represented a time of significant growth and change for this important downtown department store.\u00a0 Under the able leadership of Charles L. Bradley, Higbee\u2019s expanded its community service activities.\u00a0 They included such things as Parliamentary Law classes; opera appreciation lessons, bridge parties, kennel club gatherings and Higbee\u2019s Little Town Hall series.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, in 1939, proudly introduced a new dimension in radio.\u00a0 Manufactured by Farnsworth, they were adaptable to television.[footnote]\u201cNew Farnsworth Radio.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 9, 1939.[\/footnote] National celebrities such as Kate Smith, Joe E. Brown, Marlene Dietrich, Alice Roosevelt Longworth, Louis Rich, Joseph Schuster, Jerry Siegel\u00a0and Mrs. Eliot Ness\u00a0bought there.\u00a0 The store also sold a fine array of domestic and foreign cigars and handcrafted English pipes along with an excellent selection of sharp cheeses and sparkling wines.\u00a0 Photographers loved their modern photo processing lab and art connoisseurs enjoyed the many exhibitions held in the gallery.\u00a0 State-of-the-art steam rooms and a well-equipped beauty salon provided weary customers with the ultimate shopping experience.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s also initiated a new telephone service to speed up customer orders.[footnote]\u201cNow a Super New Telephone Service.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 4, 1940.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThis retailer enjoyed a period of sustained growth and prosperity during the Second World War.\u00a0 Market analysts in 1940 boldly projected that Higbee\u2019s would easily achieve its targeted ratio of better than $4.00 of quick assets for each $1.00 of liability incurred.\u00a0 Book assets in the $245 range backed every share of preferred stock issued, while book assets around $76 supported common shares.\u00a0 Net earnings in 1940 were more than four times greater than basic dividend requirements.\u00a0 This enabled Higbee\u2019s to pay-off all its outstanding merchandise bills plus staff salaries, rental costs and taxes.[footnote]Monnett, James J. \u201cWoods Approves Higbee Company Plan.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 2, 1941.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nStore\u2019s earnings continued to grow through the 1941-42 shopping season.\u00a0 After fulfilling its dividend requirements on 15,155 shares of 5% preferred, dividends on common stock stood at $15.34.\u00a0 Net earnings at the end of 1942 totaled $8,000,000.\u00a0 That included depreciation and interest charges of $185,213.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s also negotiated a loan from National City Bank that eliminated $520,000 of its $1,120,000 outstanding notes due on or before March 1, 1948.\u00a0 Store officials paid a 1st quarter stock dividend of $1.25.[footnote]Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Company Declares $1.25.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 25, 1943.[\/footnote] Higbee\u2019s Board of Directors, in May 1942, authorized aggregate accumulated dividends to be paid on new preferred stock at $5.69 a share.[footnote]Ibid<\/em>.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Board members proudly declared a $.75 dividend on common stock in December 1943 and again in March 1944.\u00a0 Back to back dividend payments, like that, had not occurred since 1930.[footnote]Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cEarnings of Higbee Company Up Sharply Past Year.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 3, 1943. Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cHigbee to Pay 75 Cents.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 17, 1943.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nWith the outbreak of the Second World War, Higbee\u2019s began to sell war bonds.\u00a0 The Board of Directors, in February 1944, boasted that their store had already sold $600,000 bonds.[footnote]Gleason, Euguene F. \u201cBond Piper Plays $69,599,325 Tune, Big Money Rolls Out at Auction of War Relics.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 2, 1944.[\/footnote] Executives also sponsored war rallies, American Red Cross\u00a0disaster relief efforts, victory gardens and conservation programs.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, in an effort to conserve natural resources, announced on St. Patrick\u2019s Day\u00a01943 that it had shortened store hours from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. depending on the day.[footnote]\u201cThe Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 17, 1943.[\/footnote] Board members, the same year, donated $25,000 to the War Chest.\u00a0 The store also encouraged the Women\u2019s Club of Charity Hospital\u00a0to use their lounge to make surgical dressings to be shipped overseas.\r\n\r\nThe Board of Directors, in 1943, chose John P. Murphy\u00a0to serve as interim President following the untimely death of Charles L. Bradley.[footnote]\u201cJohn P. Murphy Is Higbee President.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 15, 1944.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Board members on March 15, 1944 unanimously elected him to that post.\u00a0\u00a0 The Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, that same month, elected George E. Merrifield\u00a0(1884-1974) to its board.[footnote]\u201cElected New Members of the Board of Directors of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 12, 1944.[\/footnote] Merrifield was Higbee\u2019s Vice President and Treasurer.\u00a0 The U.S. Navy, in September 1944, launched the U.S.S. Higbee.\u00a0 It was named after Mrs. Higbee the first women Superintendent of the U.S. Navy Nursing Corp.[footnote]\u201cQuiz\u2019 em A News Question Answer Game.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 24, 1944.[\/footnote] Ms. Dorothy Fuldheim, a nationally-recognized news analysis and writer and a frequent speaker at Higbee forums, spoke that October on current events.[footnote]\u201cWith the Speakers.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 23, 1944.[\/footnote] There was always something interesting happening at Higbee\u2019s.\r\n\r\nStore profits continued to soar with dividends in December 1944 reaching $1.00 per common share.[footnote]Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cBorrowers Pay Loans Rapidly.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 31, 1944.[\/footnote] This trend carried over into the next year with dividends in March 1945 exceeding $3.00 a share.\u00a0 When sales records topped $26,075,969, investors decided to split stocks five-to-one.\u00a0 This action whereby the value of its most recent issued stock equaled $6.17 a share was a stroke of genius.\u00a0 Not only did it furnish high dividends, but also, more capital.\u00a0 Equally important, it symbolized a new versatile approach to capital restructuring that more realistically reflected the needs of this growing company.[footnote]Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cHigbee Would Split Shares, Exercise Option on Building.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 29, 1945.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s new President John P. Murphy\u00a0unequivocally supported the board\u2019s action.\u00a0 He believed that the next logical step was to purchase its Public Square site.[footnote]Ibid<\/em>.[\/footnote]\u00a0 The board, in 1944, set the groundwork for this move.\u00a0 Not only had officials retired a ten year, 2\u00bc% interest bearing loan four years ahead of its due date, but then, earmarked an additional $2,000,000 to purchase their 15-year old building.\u00a0 Murphy believed that now was the right time to negotiate.\u00a0 The Board of Directors and MetLife, in the spring of 1945, began talks.\u00a0 Unfortunately, neither side indicated any willingness to compromise on major crucial issues and negotiations soon ended.\u00a0 Discussions remained in limbo for nearly four years.\r\n\r\nWhen talks resumed in 1949, Higbee\u2019s officials made it quite clear that they wanted a reasonable lease-to-buy offer, and that they planned to work diligently with MetLife representatives to make it a reality.\u00a0 The subsequent $8,700,000 buyout package included an immediate price reduction of $322,453.\u00a0 In addition, all rentals paid by the store in excess of pre-set interest rates on the net option price would serve to reduce that initial cost even further.\u00a0 The store\u2019s eligibility to receive title to the property without additional payment allocations to MetLife would depend on the company\u2019s willingness to fulfill all its minimum rental payments to MetLife as determined by current leasing agreements.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, later in 1949, took possession of the building by borrowing $2,000,000 in loans from several local banks and by lowering its price to $3,503,043.\u00a0 Higbee officials also secured another 15-year $3,500,000 loan from MetLife at a 3% interest rate.[footnote]Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Earns $1,922,505 for Year Despite Area Strikes.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 26, 1950.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThis prestigious department store, in June 1945, joined a new credit system called \u201cCharga-Plate.\u201d[footnote]\u201cSix Stores Adopt Charga-Plates.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 9, 1945.[\/footnote] All major retailers used it.\u00a0 Under this agreement, over 240,000 charge account customers from all participating stores received a new metal identification plate embossed with their name, address and account number.\u00a0 This plate could be used anytime in any store.\u00a0 Participating retailers firmly believed that this new system would help to sped up checkout and eliminate delivery errors.\u00a0 Customers used these plates into the 1960s.\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s, in January 1946, dropped its affiliation with the Syndicate Alliance Trading Company (SATC)\u00a0to join a more prestigious organization known as the Associated Merchandising Corporation (AMC).[footnote]Strawbridge. \u201cRemembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences.\u201d pp. 159.[\/footnote] AMC membership opened up a whole new world of retail opportunities for Higbee\u2019s in three important ways.\u00a0 First, it lowered overhead retail costs, while encouraging store buyers to expand their merchandise lines.\u00a0 Second, it benefited shoppers by enabling them to buy nationally-recognized items at reduced cost.\u00a0 Third, it offered Higbee executives an inside track concerning the latest operational procedures and national merchandise trends.\u00a0 Other AMC members included Hudson\u2019s, Lazarus\u2019s, Rich\u2019s\u00a0and Joseph Horne\u2019s.\r\n\r\nThe Board of Directors, in May 1946, approved a four-for-one split of common stock that guaranteed $.50 dividends per share on all re-issued stock.\u00a0 Officials encouraged full-time employees to participate in this bonanza.\u00a0 Some staff members received bonuses equivalent to 10% of their annual salaries.\u00a0 Sales for 1945 topped $28,572,116, an increase of $2,572,116 over a year ago.\u00a0 During that same time frame, taxable profits decreased to $234,694, while net income increased to $950,414.[footnote]Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cHigbee Earns $6.22 Share Past Year.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 26, 1946.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nWith the war now over, Higbee\u2019s focused even more on the needs and wants of its customers.\u00a0 Officials, in July 1946, launched a special promotion campaign emphasizing the store\u2019s high quality fabrics.\u00a0 Its most recent slogan \u201cIts Higbee\u2019s for Fabrics\u201d said it all.\u00a0 Other new promotional activities included hosting an aluminum products exhibition, displaying rare watches and sponsoring a Parade of Silver.\u00a0 Public service events ranged from a Romania exhibit and discussions on public health problems to beautiful photographic displays and dazzling model homes.\r\n\r\nApparently, these promotional efforts paid-off.\u00a0 President John P. Murphy\u00a0commented that he had never seen so much pre-Christmas buying before.\u00a0 In fact, store sales for 1946 reached a new record breaking level of $9,138,171.\u00a0 That represented a 32% increase over the previous year\u2019s figures.\u00a0 That significant boost in sales led the Board of Directors to declare a year-end dividend of $.12 \u00bd a share on common stock equal to $1.25 a share on preferred.[footnote]Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cHigbee Company Votes Dividends.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 21, 1946.[\/footnote] Higbee\u2019s also raised the salaries of its employees by 10%.\r\n\r\nThis highly innovative retailer, in 1947, led the pack by installing air-conditioning.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s in cooperation with Time Magazine\u00a0sponsored the \u201cTime for Music\u201d exhibition.\u00a0 It also commemorated the 1947-48 Cleveland Orchestra\u2019s season.\u00a0 Hoping to expand into FM-radio and Television, WHK-radio\u00a0moved its headquarters and studio from Higbee\u2019s to a remodeled facility located at 5000 Euclid Avenue.[footnote]Strawbridge. \u201cRemembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences.\u201d pp. 73. \u201cEuclid Avenue Building Group to House WHK.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 3, 1947.[\/footnote] That same year, Frank E. Joseph, a partner in the law firm of Jones, Day, Coakley and Reavis, replaced his colleague Gardner Abbott\u00a0on the board.\u00a0 Stockholders, in December 1947, approved a year-end dividend of $.25 per share on common stock and $1.25 on preferred.[footnote]Hinton, Allan. \u201cPays $22.50 Dividends.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 17, 1947.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nNew high profile efforts in 1948 made Higbee\u2019s a very special place.\u00a0 Store executives proudly unveiled the latest breakthrough in television by RCA.\u00a0 They also sponsored the first model airplane contest and celebrated Army Day.[footnote]\u201cHundreds Set for Model Plane Test.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 11, 1948. \u201cCelebrating Army Day.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 7, 1948.[\/footnote] Many customers participated in that year\u2019s Design Contest for Young Women.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s officials also launched their new Sports Goods Center\u00a0conveniently located in the Terminal Tower\u00a0concourse.[footnote]Strawbridge. \u201cRemembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences.\u201d pp. 76. \u201cSportsmen, the Event of the Year.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 21, 1948.[\/footnote] This center not only sold sports goods and related paraphernalia, but also, cameras, photo supplies and auto accessories.\u00a0 Salary increases, mounting delivery costs and expensive customer services reduced 1948 net profits to $2,131,766.\u00a0 That represented a drop of $74,516 from a year ago.\u00a0 Sales, in 1948, reached $41,997,301 up $2,326,194 from the previous year.\u00a0 Net income, that year, was $2,400,304 equal to $4.11 a share.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s current liabilities stood at $5,141,426.[footnote]Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Annual Sales Hit $41,997,301 All-Time Peak.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 27, 1949.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nOn a positive note, this well-run department store retired $300,000 of its recently incurred bank debt.\u00a0 Its working capital increased by $967,827, while its net worth reached $1,636,883.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, in 1949, unveiled its state-of-the-art TV & radio Center.\u00a0 Located on the 7th floor and decorated in royal burgundy with gray and green carpeting and special recessed lighting, this expanded department featured a television studio.\u00a0 Its sound-proof listening rooms enabled customers to hear their records before purchasing them.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s also offered children a special toy phonograph with its-own plastic records.\u00a0 Net sales, in 1949, dropped to $39,399,728, while net profits, over the same time span, remained constant at $1,922,505 equal to $3.27 a share.[footnote]Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Earns $1,922,505 for Year.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 26, 1950.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nParaphrasing CEI\u2019s popular motto of the day \u201cCleveland Is the Best Location in the Nation,\u201d store officials proudly proclaimed that \u201cHigbee\u2019s is the Best Location in Cleveland.\u201d[footnote]\u201cBecause Cleveland is the Best Location in the Nation Higbee\u2019s is the Best Location in Cleveland.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 14, 1949.[\/footnote] The fabulous fifties represented a period of enormous energy and growth for this Cleveland department store.\u00a0 It started as early as February 1950 when Higbee\u2019s sponsored its-own fifteen minute fashion show on WXEL-TV\u00a0Channel 9.\u00a0 Exciting new items that year included china table lamps for only $8.95, installed AMC television antenna for $255.00 and durable rain coats beginning at $15.00.\u00a0 A seven--story Christmas tree with green lights bedecked the main fa\u00e7ade on Public Square that December.[footnote]\u201cChristmas Season to Open on Santa Square Saturday.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 12, 1950.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nNineteen fifty-one began with a well-publicized dance party.\u00a0 With the assistance of WJMO--radio, this event brought hundreds of teenage shoppers to Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 Store officials also subsidized an International Photo exhibition and produced one of the city\u2019s first Color TV shows, courtesy of WEWS-TV\u00a0Channel 5.\u00a0 The Board of Directors, that same year, eagerly promoted an Irish linen festival, Engineers Wives Association Hospitality Day\u00a0and luxury tours to Europe courtesy of its-own travel agency.\u00a0 Board members also offered a special Preparatory Music School\u00a0for children out of their new Music Center.[footnote]\u201cHigbee\u2019s to Open New Music Center.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 9, 1951.[\/footnote] Led by Clarence Jones, the former director of the American Piano\u00a0Company, this center provided music lessons for the modest price of $10.00 per child!\r\n\r\nThe Board of Directors, that December, declared dividends of $.25 on common stock and $1.25 on preferred stock.[footnote]Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cExperts C. & O. \u201951 Profit Will Equal $4.45 a Share.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 20, 1951.[\/footnote] Higbee\u2019s, in 1951, broke all previous sales records at $44,335,533.\u00a0 Net profits that same year totaled $1,453,710 or $2.44 a share as compared with $2,172,690 or $3.71 a share in 1950.[footnote]Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cHigbee $44,335,533 Sales Are Largest in 92 Years.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 2, 1952.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Much of the credit for this substantial growth belonged to the store\u2019s dedicated Board of Directors.\u00a0 Board Members that year included John P. Murphy\u00a0as President; George E. Merrifield\u00a0as Vice-President and Treasurer; Cornelius Eerkes\u00a0as Vice-President\/Superintendent; William C. Miller\u00a0as Merchandise Manager; William T. Higbee\u00a0as Vice President and Harvey O. Mierke\u00a0as Secretary.\r\n\r\nThe National Labor Relations Board in January 1952 ordered the American Federation of Labor to stop harassing Higbee\u2019s employees.\u00a0[footnote]\u201cNLRB Warns Two Unions.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 2, 1952.[\/footnote] \u00a0Specifically, it ordered Local #6 of the Painter\u2019s Union\u00a0and Local #725 of the Furniture Finishers Union\u00a0to discontinue all activities designed to discouraged or restrained Higbee\u2019s union employees from forming their-own organizations or participating directly in collective bargaining.\u00a0 Employees had filed a grievance previously with the National Labor Relations Board.\u00a0 Store employees wanted these locals to be de-certified as their bargaining agents.\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s and the Henry Ford\u00a0that same year co-sponsored a successful exhibition called \u201cIndustrial Progress USA.\u201d\u00a0 The Cleveland Trust Company\u00a0also elected John P. Murphy\u00a0to its board.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s sales in 1952 posted substantial gains for its third consecutive year at $46,070,632.\u00a0 Net profits, that year, stood at $1,453,710 with long-term debt hovering at about 14% of capital. High employment and a flush economy led to this spurt in sales.[footnote]Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cHigbee Sales Rise Third Year to Peak at $46,070,632.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 26, 1953.[\/footnote] A new credit plan enabling qualified customers to purchase items equaling $50.00 or more and then allowing them to pay-off the remainder-owed in six monthly payments also assisted.\r\n\r\nStockholders, in 1953, appointed Alva Bradley\u00a0II\u00a0(1916-1961) to its board.\u00a0 Young Bradley succeeded his late uncle Alva Bradley\u00a0(d. 1953).[footnote]\u201cAlva Bradley II Gets Highest Post.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 4, 1953.[\/footnote] Board members approved plans to remodel the store\u2019s auditorium.\u00a0 This resulted in a special banquet serving station, additional private dining rooms and special fiberglass ceiling tiles.[footnote]Wadovick, J. A. \u201cHigbee to Open Hall Thursday.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 4, 1953.[\/footnote]\u00a0 The Cleveland Dental Society, that autumn, proudly held its annual luncheon at the newly refurbished auditorium.[footnote]\u201cWomen\u2019s Group, Cleveland Dental Society.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 14, 1954.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Vogue Magazine\u00a0staged a major fashion show there that Christmas.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s Board of Directors, in December 1953, declared an extra $.25 dividend.[footnote]Bryan, John E. \u201cVote Extra Dividend.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 18, 1953.[\/footnote] The store recorded its greatest sales volume yet.\u00a0 Sales, in 1953, peaked at $47,391,145.\u00a0 That symbolized a 2.8% increase over 1952 levels.\u00a0 The store\u2019s working capital increased by 6.9% following a $560,000 deduction for capital improvements.[footnote]\u201cRecord Volume of 94 Year History, Reported by Higbee.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 28, 1954.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s Board of Directors, that August, announced the grand opening of a personalized card shop and in September launched Higbee\u2019s first Diabetes Drive.[footnote]\u201cPersonalized Christmas Card Shop.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 23, 1954.[\/footnote] Officials took great pains in pointing out the many quality items found in its new housewares department.\u00a0 Advertisements, in 1954, further emphasized that Higbee\u2019s was the first Ohio department store to offer extra heavy, affordable wool rugs in a multitude of colors.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s that same year hired Henry W. Alexander to head its Advertising Department.\u00a0 A well-respected public relations expert from California, Henry Alexander\u00a0replaced Walter Powers\u00a0who took a similar post at the growing May Company in Los Angeles, CA.[footnote]\u201cAlexander New Higbee Ad Chief.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 2, 1954.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s, in January 1955, handed every child entering its store their-own Cleveland Transit System (CTS) souvenir button.\u00a0 It commemorated the grand opening of the city\u2019s new light rail service.[footnote]\u201cHigbee\u2019s is the Store with More.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 14, 1955.[\/footnote] Later that same year, Holiday Magazine\u00a0published a special spread on Cleveland.\u00a0 This magazine praised the City of Cleveland.\u00a0 It considered it a first-rate cultural center equal in every way to New York, San Francisco\u00a0and New Orleans.[footnote]\u201cHigbee\u2019s Speaker Rates Cleveland as Cultured City.\u201d\u00a0The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 2, 1955.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s took this opportunity to offer a new credit option.\u00a0 Cardholders now could purchase merchandise up to twelve times their fixed -monthly payment with no down payment.\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, earlier forecasts of record breaking sales in 1954 never materialized.\u00a0 In fact, retail sales decreased by 3.22% over 1953 levels.\u00a0 Net income stood at $1,400,922 equal to $2.35 a common share.\u00a0 Common stock equity represented 81.8% of the store\u2019s total capital with 45% of that equity being net working assets.[footnote]Bryan, John E. \u201cHigbee Annual Sales Are Second Highest in History.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 28, 1955.[\/footnote] Severe winter weather and a mid-year recession led to this drop in sales.\u00a0 However, this loss did not prevent Higbee\u2019s from expanding its working capital to $301,552 and increasing its ratio of assets to liabilities from 3.27-to-1.00 to 3.42-to-1.00.\u00a0 Working capital capped at $11,724,045, while its long-term debt decreased by $200,000 from $2,700,000 to $2,500,000.\r\n\r\nSpecial events during the 1955 shopping season included the Cleveland Rose Show and Davy Crockett Club.[footnote]\u201cDavy Crockett looking for Pals.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 31, 1955.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Visits by national celebrities such as Bennett Cerf, Arlene Frances, Dr. Benjamin Spock\u00a0and Eddie Fisher\u00a0brought thousands to Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 Board members decided, that August, to redeem all outstanding 5% preferred stock.\u00a0 That represented 4,145 shares with an aggregate par value of $1,414,500.\u00a0 Its retirement would only leave outstanding common stock.\u00a0 The head of Higbee\u2019s Boy\u2019s Department Girard D. Bond\u00a0also received the much coveted \u201cReilley\u201d Award\u00a0for his many contributions to the apparel industry over the years.[footnote]\u201cCleveland Rose Society to Display Blooms at Higbee\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 5, 1955.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nBoard members, in August, authorized redemption on 11\/1 of all outstanding shares of 5% preferred stock.[footnote]\u201cPreferred is Retired.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 23, 1955[\/footnote] Sales figures for 1955 reached $50,469,347, a 10% increase over the previous year.\u00a0 Other Cleveland department stores did not do nearly as well with most averaging about a 7% increase over 1954 figures.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s common stock that year increased by 33.8% equal to $3.25 a share.[footnote]Bryan, John E. \u201cHigbee Sales Reach Record 50 Million.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 23, 1956.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Officials successfully negotiated a long-term $1,000,000 loan with MetLife, while stockholders authorized an increase in common stock from 566,054 shares to 1,000,000.\u00a0 Stockholders also declared 5% dividends in addition to the $.30 quarterly cash payment per share.[footnote]\u201cHigbee\u2019s Hikes Shares.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 12, 1956.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nAlways on the cutting edge of innovation, Higbee\u2019s, in 1956, experimented with a new RCA\u00a0computer system called the Bizmac.[footnote]Strawbridge. \u201cRemembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences.\u201d pp. 86.[\/footnote] Regrettably, this point-of-sale computer device never worked properly and was soon dropped.\u00a0 The board that same year approved major renovations downtown.\u00a0 This represented the first in a series of changes intended to streamline store management and improve merchandise quality.\u00a0 Valentine\u2019s Day\u00a01956 brought an upsurge in sales due partially to the store\u2019s catchy new slogan \u201cCupid goes to the Heart of Cleveland Higbee\u2019s the Store with More.\u201d\u00a0 A special RCA\u00a0record promotion that March led Higbee\u2019s to unveil another popular motto \u201cIt Means More When Its from Higbee\u2019s.\u201d\r\n\r\nFinancial World, in July 1956, awarded Higbee\u2019s, for the 5th year in a row, its merit award for the store\u2019s accurate annual report.[footnote]\u201cWins Merit Award.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 28, 1956.[\/footnote]\u00a0 To commemorate the opening of the first leg of the St. Lawrence Seaway, Higbee\u2019s sponsored its-own import fair.\u00a0 This extravaganza became an annual event.\u00a0 Other firsts introduced that year included new escalators; a popular fast food restaurant appropriately named the Pronto Room\u00a0and a special retail feature aired daily on KYW-TV\u00a0Channel 3 called \u201cHigbee\u2019s Shopping News.\u201d[footnote]\u201cKeep Abreast of Shopping News.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 2, 1956.[\/footnote] Popular recording star Vaughn Monroe\u00a0sang with the Higbee Choral Club\u00a0on NBC\u2019s Monitor-radio\u00a0on December 22nd.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Choir, Monroe on Monitor Today.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 22, 1956.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nNineteen fifty-seven began with the board electing Marc Jonas\u00a0(1906-1989) as its new Advertising Director.\u00a0 Jonas replaced Henry Alexander.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s that March proudly hosted the 20th Annual Regional Scholastic Art Awards ceremony.[footnote]\u201cMarc Jonas to Direct Higbee\u2019s Advertising.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 1, 1957.[\/footnote] The store also sponsored a June music school recital.\u00a0 The Board of Director\u2019s reported that net profits for 1956 were 3.61% above 1955 levels at $1,942,790 equal to $3.27 a share vs. $1,875,143 or $3.10 a share the previous year.[footnote]\u201cScholastic Art Winners Here receive Citations.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 12, 1957.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s paid $696,135 in stock dividends the previous year.[footnote]\u201cSales of Higbee Company Climb to New Highs.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 23, 1957.\u201d[\/footnote] Its new hip slogan \u201cIt\u2019s Cool at Higbee\u2019s\u201d reflected the store\u2019s growing optimism.[footnote]\u201cJuly Savers.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 30, 1957.[\/footnote] Higbee\u2019s led the pack with pre-assembled furniture, later Thursday night hours, affordable electric shavers for women and import fair\u00a0souvenirs.\u00a0 The board also donated to the City of Cleveland a new Public Square musical shell.\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s won national acclaim in January 1958 for its advertising campaign that promoted Metropolitan Opera Week\u00a0in Cleveland.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Company Wins National Award for Advertising.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 19, 1958.[\/footnote] President John P. Murphy\u00a0that April said that the board was seriously considering building a premier suburban store on the former site of the Severance estate\u00a0in Cleveland Hts., OH.[footnote]Melnick, Norman and Martin T. Ranta. \u201cHeights Ends Bar to New Big Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 8, 1958.[\/footnote] Higbee\u2019s Merchandise Manager William C. Miller, later that same month, resigned his post to become the new Executive Vice President at Lord & Taylor\u2019s.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, in 1957, declared its second best sales record ever.\u00a0 Net sales stood at $52,418,903, while net income totaled $1,631,663 equal to $2.62 a common share.\u00a0 The all-time sales record was $53,267,704 in 1956.\u00a0 Also, the ratio of assets to liabilities increased slightly from 3.1 to 3.6.[footnote]Bryan, John E. \u201cHigbee Company Reports Another Good Year.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 21, 1958.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nNew marketing strategies, for the 1958 shopping season, included better fashions through better figures, Family Shopping Nights\u00a0and band concerts from the music shell located in Public Square.[footnote]\u201cTonight is Family Night at Higbee\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 29, 1958. \u201cHigbee Bands Give Concert in Square.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 30, 1958.[\/footnote] The store also unveiled three new customer payment plans.\u00a0 The first one involved no down payment on any items purchased with monthly installments as low as $5.00 per month.\u00a0 A second choice called for a 25% down payment with the balance being paid-off in equal weekly or monthly payments between the date of purchase and November 1st.\u00a0 A third possibility required a charge card account.\u00a0 Under this arrangement, store officials placed purchased items in layaway\u00a0until the end of October when Higbee\u2019s billed the customer for the full amount owed.\u00a0 The board in August 1958 elected Edwin K. Hoffman\u00a0as Vice President followed in December with the appointment of Trusdell E. Wismer\u00a0as Controller.[footnote]\u201cElected Higbee V.P.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 29, 1958. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Names New Controller.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 3, 1958.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe National Retail Merchants Association\u00a0of New York proudly announced in January 1959 the election of John P. Murphy\u00a0to its board.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Head Director of Retail Group.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 14, 1959.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s that February released plans for its first suburban store.[footnote]\u201cHeights Site of Higbee\u2019s First Branch.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 22, 1959.[\/footnote] This 400,000 square foot structure was part of a 50-store shopping center to be erected on the former site of the Severance estate\u00a0in Cleveland Hts., Ohio.\u00a0 Larry Smith\u00a0& Co. of Seattle, WA\u00a0financed this project, while Austin Construction\u00a0of Cleveland, OH built it.\r\n\r\nStore officials, that same month, proudly announced that Higbee\u2019s would be the first Cleveland department store to sell imported goods that has been shipped through the St. Lawrence Seaway.[footnote]\u201cHigbee\u2019s to be First.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 22, 1959.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Net sales, for 1959, totaled $47,857,538, while net earnings reached $1,456,022.\u00a0 That equaled $2.33 per common share.\u00a0 The store\u2019s working capital topped $14,611,474, an increase of $723,147 over 1958 levels, while its long-term debt decreased by $350,000.\u00a0 The value of its common stock rose from $33.54 to $34.72 per share.[footnote]\u201cJohn P. Murphy President of Higbee\u2019e Denied Rumors of a Merger with Federal Department Stores.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 19, 1959.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nJohn P. Murphy\u00a0denied all rumors of a possible merger with Federated Department Stores.[footnote]Bryan, John E. \u201cNew Chief Slated in Merger Plans of Industrial Rayon.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 22, 1959.[\/footnote] Significant change characterized the decade of the 1960s.\u00a0 Demographic downturns, increased world trade and changing customer tastes impacted Higbee\u2019s future.\u00a0 The Civil Rights Movement\u00a0and the youth culture also left their indelible marks on this venerable institution.\u00a0 The traditional, highly-popular local department store of the 1940s and 1950s was no more.\u00a0 In its wake, a new, more regionally-based Higbee\u2019s took center stage.\u00a0 The majority of the board throughout the turbulent 1960s could not predict with any certainty what lay ahead.\u00a0 Those with some insight into those matters found it next to impossible to institute any meaningful business changes.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s traditional leadership relied on standard business methods to guide them.\u00a0 In retrospect, their reluctance to adapt changes quickly may have been their saving grace during those chaotic times. It seemed the proper course to follow.\u00a0 These leaders had no way of knowing that their opaque business practices would result in greater economic dilemmas further down the road.\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s held a number of fantastic sales in the 1960 shopping season to commemorate its 100th Anniversary.[footnote]\u201cCosmetics, Notions, Stationary Event.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 10, 1960.[\/footnote] Sales began with household appliances and ski apparel in January and ended with women\u2019s dresses, sporting goods and jewelry the following December.\u00a0 Officials also opened a new fur salon; misses dress department and California fashion shop.\u00a0 Net sales rose by 10.2% during the first six months of 1960, while net earnings increased by 23.9%.\u00a0 Dividends, that year, were $2.89 a share as compared with $2.33 a share the previous year.[footnote]Bryan, John E. \u201cHigbee Earnings, Sales Hit Highs.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 25, 1960.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s, during the second half of 1960, proudly sponsored a major bridal show, popular record fair and special salute to the Summer Olympics.[footnote]\u201cOur Centennial Salute to 1960 Olympics.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 5, 1960.[\/footnote]\u00a0 This trend setting retailer also launched its Twixteen shop\u00a0and expanded its free customer phone service to other communities in Medina and Summit counties.\u00a0 Store officials also approved a $2,000,000 refurbishing of the downtown store by the acclaimed New York designer and fashion consultant Raymond Loewy\u00a0(1893-1986).[footnote]Strassmeyer, Mary. \u201cFifty-Year Stretch at Higbee\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 5, 1960.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe Cleveland Plain Dealer,\u00a0 praised Higbee\u2019s for its cheerfulness.\u00a0 Its pleasant atmosphere of elegance and excitement pleased many customers.[footnote] Princiotto, Ted. \u201cHigbee\u2019s marks 100 Cheerful Years.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 4, 1960.[\/footnote] Sales increases of 4.5% during the first six months of 1960 supported that assertion.\u00a0 Increasingly, a favorite spot for Cleveland\u2019s upper middle class, the store\u2019s leaders demanded the very best service from their sales staff.\u00a0 They expected their employees to go the extra mile.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s board members considered customer loyalty essential to their success, a loyalty forged by mutual respect and trust over the years.\r\n\r\nSpecial events in 1960 including the \u201cRhapsody of Steel,\u201d an exhibition focusing on the Cleveland steel industry; special Christmas displays and frequent visits by popular television cartoon characters such as Huckleberry Hound\u00a0and Quick-Draw McGraw.[footnote]\u201cSteel Exhibition to Open Monday at Higbee Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 5, 1960. \u201cHigbee World of Toys.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 8, 1960.[\/footnote] The Board of Directors in October proudly announced the purchase of the former Federal Department Store building at Westgate Shopping Center\u00a0in Fairview Park, OH.[footnote]Segal, Eugene. \u201cHigbee\u2019s to Open Westgate Branch.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 15, 1960.[\/footnote] Their plans called for a new full-service suburban store at that location beginning in 1961.\u00a0 The New York design team of Raymond Loewy\u00a0and William T. Smith\u00a0headed this $6,000,000 renovation effort.[footnote]\u201c$6 Million Westgate Plans Set by Higbee.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 7, 1961.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s, began 1961, by refurbishing a former government installation located at 3201 Harvard Avenue.[footnote]Rider, Adin C. \u201cOhio Crankshaft Building is Purchased by Higbee\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 5, 1961.[\/footnote] It became its new main warehouse.\u00a0 Other highlights that year included a visit by Liz Claiborne; introduction of Flap-Jac children\u2019s coats and wash-n-wear cord suits, exhibition of Newport antiques\u00a0and displays of fallout shelters.\u00a0 The board also introduced a new Revolving Charge Account.\u00a0 It resembled the store\u2019s regular 30-Day Charge Account with one notable exception.\u00a0 Qualified customers now could pay back the remainder over many months rather than within the traditionally-allowed thirty day time frame. Higbee\u2019s, on October 29, 1961, opened its first branch store at the Westgate Shopping Center.\u00a0 Board members appointed Wilmer D. Hill\u00a0as that store\u2019s first general manager.\u00a0 This ultra-modern, 180,000 square foot facility boasted more than $3,000,000 in merchandise.[footnote]\u201cHigbee\u2019s Westgate Is Opening Tomorrow.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 1, 1961.[\/footnote] Higbee\u2019s at Westgate always did well financially.\r\n\r\nHoping to capture an even greater percentage of Greater Cleveland Christmas sales, Higbee\u2019s launched its Twigbee Shop.[footnote]Strawbridge. \u201cRemembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences.\u201d pp. 167. \u201cA New Higbee Christmas Shoppers\u2019 Service.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 24, 1961.[\/footnote] This designated area in the downtown store enabled young children to purchase Christmas gifts without parental interference.\u00a0 It remained popular well into the 1970s.\u00a0 Expensive costs in renovating the Westgate premises negatively affected earnings during the first nine months of 1961.\u00a0 Net earnings decreased to $622,617, a drop of $99,057 from $721,674 the previous year.\u00a0 The value of common stock also declined during that same nine month period from $1.15 to $1.00 a share.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Nine-Month Net is $622,617.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 1, 1961.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s Board of Directors at their annual June meeting re-elected John P. Murphy\u00a0as President and elected Herbert W. Strawbridge\u00a0(1918-2000) as their Vice President.\u00a0 Murphy joined Higbee\u2019s staff in 1937 and Strawbridge in 1955.[footnote]Bryan, John E. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Shows Hike in Earnings.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 3, 1962.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s announced that its Severance Center\u00a0store, distinguished by its exterior veneer of earth toned and rubble fieldstone, would be opened in August 1963.[footnote]Rider, Adin C. \u201cSeverance Center to Have Bazaar Air.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 25, 1962.[\/footnote] Local connoisseurs, beginning in June 1962, flocked to Higbee\u2019s expanded wine and cheese shop.\u00a0 Other special attractions, during the 1962 shopping season, included a children\u2019s photo contest; remodeled Silver Grille\u00a0restaurant, improved Mickey Mouse Club\u00a0and free film series entitled \u201cThe Wonderful World of Golf.\u201d[footnote]\u201cHigbee\u2019s The Store With More.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 2, 1962.[\/footnote] Store sales for the first nine months of 1962 reached $15,305,365.\u00a0 That represented a $1,616,809 increase over $13,688,556 for the same period in 1961.\u00a0 Net income over that same time frame increased to $423,228 equal to $.67 per common share.\u00a0 That compared with $302,131 or $.48 per share a year ago.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Reports Sales, Profits Up.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 21, 1962.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nDespite the inclement winter weather and a three month newspaper strike, Higbee\u2019s posted its greatest sales gains ever.\u00a0 Net profits in 1962 topped $1,441,051 equal to $2.30 per common share as compared with $1,775,723 or $2.84 a share the previous year.[footnote]Bryan, John E. \u201cHigbee Annual Sales at Peak; Profit Dips.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 23, 1963.[\/footnote] High sales figures at the Westgate store helped to offset mounting financial difficulties downtown.[footnote]Ibid<\/em>.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s, in 1963, received praise from the local media for donating $15,000 towards the YMCA\u00a0building campaign.\u00a0 Customers loved to visit the new turnpike shop and attend the many exciting fashion shows.\u00a0 Other popular events that year included special music recitals, a housewares carnival and life broadcasts by two of WERE\u2019s popular-radio personalities Jeff Baxter\u00a0and Jack Riley.[footnote]\u201cChuckle-along with Jeff Baxter and Jack Riley.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 13, 1963.[\/footnote] The new Severance Center\u00a0store opened on August 5, 1963 to much fanfare.[footnote]\u201cHigbee\u2019s is Designed to Meet All Needs of Heights Shoppers.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 4, 1963.[\/footnote] Cleveland Hts. shoppers particularly enjoyed eating in the new upscale Hobnail Restaurant.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s net sales, in 1963, increased by 20.5% over 1962 levels.\r\n\r\nThe high costs involved in opening the Severance Center\u00a0branch led to a 7.2% drop in profits for the 2nd quarter of 1963 even though sales enjoyed a sizeable gain of 20.5%.[footnote]\u201cSales Gain at Higbee\u2019s Profits Dip.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 30, 1963.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Hoping to bolster those recent losses, the Board of Directors rehired Wyse Advertising Company.\u00a0 Wyse\u2019s clever advertising campaigns in the 1950s had increased store profits significantly.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Company Hires Wyse Ad Agency.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 14, 1963.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s also continued to support local charities especially during the Christmas season.\u00a0 The Annual Christmas Shopping Spree\u00a0for Children represented one such effort.[footnote]\u201cSantagrams to Go to a Half Million.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 18, 1963.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Sponsored jointly by Higbee\u2019s and the Cleveland Junior Chamber of Commerce, this charitable event provided needed clothing and toys to disadvantaged children throughout Greater Cleveland.\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s advertising department in 1964 unveiled its latest slogan, \u201cHigbee\u2019s has just the fashions for it.\u201d[footnote]\u201cHigbee\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 12, 1964.[\/footnote] Major events that year included the Greater Cleveland Doll Festival\u00a0and kickoff luncheon for the Greater Cleveland Cancer Crusade.[footnote]\u201c1700 Girl Scouts Will Dress Up Dolls for Service Project.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 29, 1964.[\/footnote] Higbee\u2019s that March opened its new electronic service department to rave reviews and its Dugout Club\u00a0where boys aged 8 to 14 won free admission to Indians games and other great prizes was also very popular.[footnote]\u201cIndian-Higbee Boy\u2019s Dugout Club Formed.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 1, 1964.[\/footnote] A 16% jump in store sales and a net income increase of 64% over 1963 figures convinced executives to build another suburban outlet this time at the Midway Mall\u00a0in Elyria, OH.[footnote]\u201cBoost in Sales Income Reported by Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 20, 1964. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Sears Plan Stores in Elyria Midway Mall.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 9, 1964.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe Board of Directors, in May, declared a dividend of $.30 on common stock.\u00a0 Two months later, they named Robert G. Wright\u00a0as Vice President of Suburban Store Operations and reassigned Westgate\u2019s General Manager Wilmer D. Hill\u00a0to Severance Center.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Realigns Branch Operations Makes Three Executive Appointments.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 3, 1964.[\/footnote] Higbee\u2019s Music Center that August offered affordable guitar lessons and the main art gallery began selling quality prints of master paintings.\u00a0 Personnel reassignments and expanded customer service paid-off handsomely as net sales for the 2nd quarter of 1964 soared by 18.3% and net profits increased by 41% over a year ago.[footnote]Bryan, John E. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Profits Rose By 41% for First Half of \u201964.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 30, 1964.[\/footnote] The Board of Directors also approved the hiring of Raymond Loewy\u00a0to refurbish the 5th floor of the downtown store.\u00a0 They were highly impressed with Loewy\u2019s recent renovation efforts.\u00a0 Store President John P. Murphy, that autumn, unveiled Higbee\u2019s ambitious expansion plans which called for adding a new store every year or two.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Plans to Add to area Stores.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 30, 1964.[\/footnote] December 1964 began on a sour note.\u00a0 The Federal Trade Commission\u00a0(FTC) charged that 25 national department stores including Higbee\u2019s had received preferential prices from suppliers through an affiliated New York syndicate.\u00a0 The discounts, allowances and rebates enjoyed by these retailers placed their competitors at a decidedly unfair disadvantage.\u00a0 The FTC said this must end immediately.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s officials did not comment on these accusations.[footnote]\u201cFTC Charges Price Favors to Higbee\u2019s Others.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 1, 1964.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nNineteen sixty-five and sixty-six represented two years of tremendous growth for this premier downtown department store.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s earnings, during the first three months of 1965, increased by 7.5% to $2,267,427 or $3.52 a common share.\u00a0 Net sales were up 7.1% over 1964 levels.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Company\u2019s Profits Soar 19.6%.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 24, 1965.[\/footnote] Stockholders responded to this positive news by declaring a $.05 increase in dividends from $.35 to $.40.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s remained extremely busy during the spring and summer of 1965.\u00a0 The Board of Directors that May approved plans to build a new, 185,000 square foot store as part of the revitalized Parmatown Shopping Center\u00a0in Parma, OH.[footnote]Kelly, Michael.\u201cHigbee\u2019s to Join New Parmatown Complex.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 21, 1965.[\/footnote] The growing popularity of South Park Mall\u00a0in Strongsville, OH\u00a0and Crocker Park\u00a0in Westlake, OH\u00a0along with a renovated Summit Mall\u00a0in Akron, OH\u00a0in recent years all but destroyed it.\u00a0 Unable to recoup losses, Phillip Edison & Company, in 2014, replaced Parmatown with the new \u201cShoppes at Parma.\u201d\u00a0 These shops cater more directly to the needs of modern-day customers.\r\n\r\nStore executives, in the summer of 1965, signed a long-term lease at Westgate.\u00a0 Officials also participated in groundbreaking ceremonies for its latest store at Midway Mall\u00a0as well as sponsor a \u201cCinderella Fantasia Breakfast\u201d for children.[footnote]\u201cGround Breaking Held at Elyria\u2019s Midway Mall.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 29, 1965. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Cinderella\u2019s Fantasia Breakfast.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 20, 1965.[\/footnote] Hoping to expand its customer-base even further, Higbee\u2019s officials approved extensive remodeling within its downtown facility.\u00a0 Dazzling crystal chandeliers designed by Raymond Loewy\u00a0provided a new sense of elegance and grace to the main floor.\u00a0 Store officials also inaugurated their-own \u201cU-Ask-It Information Service\u201d that Christmas.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Westgate Budget Store Has Official Opening Tomorrow.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 23, 1966.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s, in January 1966, opened its new budget store at Westgate.\u00a0 The store\u2019s downtown gallery, that same month, exhibited popular 18th and 19th century European oil paintings.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s net income in 1966 increased a whopping 24.5% to $2,775,780 equal to $4.31 a share vs. $2,230,019 or $3.40 the previous year.\u00a0 Sales were up 4.7% to $77,867,633.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Sales Income at All-Time Highs.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 17, 1966.[\/footnote] Higbee\u2019s, that June, announced a 5% stock dividend equaling one share for every twenty held since 1957.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Plans Stock Dividend, Expansion; Top Aide to retire.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 14, 1966.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe Board of Directors, in July 1966, authorized the construction of another full-service branch store this time in Canton, OH.\u00a0 Part of a $12,000,000 complex named Belden Village\u00a0this store generated sizeable profits for years.[footnote]\u201cCenter Planned Near Canton.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 8, 1966.[\/footnote] The 1966 football season saw young fans ages 7 to 15 flocking to Higbee\u2019s Browns Mascot Club.\u00a0 Guest appearances by popular Browns players added to their fun.\u00a0 High sales volume during the Christmas Season made it a very good year for this popular department store.\r\n\r\nNineteen sixty-seven began with a major announcement.\u00a0 The Board of Directors appointed the former mayor of Parma, OH\u00a0James W. Day\u00a0as the store\u2019s new Public Affairs Assistant Vice President.\u00a0 James Day was to work closely with Herbert Strawbridge\u00a0on a number of important projects.\u00a0 The stockholders that March approved a 3-for-2 split on all outstanding stock.\u00a0 The additional capital generated from this stock split went towards expansion and renovation efforts.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s sales, in 1966, hit an all-time record of $85,151,100.[footnote]Cleary, John J. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Proposes 3-for-2 Stock Split.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 30, 1967.[\/footnote] Severance Center\u00a0and Westgate stores accounted for much of it.\u00a0 Other major store developments in 1967 ranged from downsizing its downtown music center and sponsoring a special ballet called \u201cRhapsody in Blue\u201d to promoting its annual Model Plane Show\u00a0and hosting a festival dedicated to the State of Ohio.\u00a0 Known as Ohiorama, this lively event brought thousands of Clevelanders downtown.[footnote]Cleary, John. J. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Proposes 3-for-2 Stock Split.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 30, 1967.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe grand opening of Higbee\u2019s Parmatown store that same year gained much public attention.\u00a0 This new west side facility combined the best in department store merchandise with the kind of personalized service that characterized Higbee\u2019s.[footnote]\u201cShop Idea New with Higbee\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 4, 1967. \u201cCrowd Jam New Higbee Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 6, 1967.[\/footnote] The high expenses incurred in opening two new suburban stores negatively impacted store earnings.\u00a0 This downturn led stockholders, in 1967, to lower3rd quarter stock dividends to $.30 per share.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Dividend.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 28, 1967.[\/footnote] In terms of expanding existing store services, Higbee\u2019s that same year added a new Rent-A-Car Service\u00a0and an Arts and Crafts Center.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Auto Rentals Readied.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 4, 1967.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s, in January 1968, began building another store at Great Lakes Mall\u00a0in Mentor, OH.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Company Plans Store in Mentor.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 14, 1968.[\/footnote] Officials promised it would be opened in early 1969.\u00a0 One of Cleveland\u2019s foremost shopping center developers named Carl Milstein\u00a0announced in March that Higbee\u2019s planned to erect a store in Euclid, OH.[footnote]\u201c$100-Million Unit Urged for Euclid.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 13, 1968.[\/footnote] Higbee\u2019s net profits, for the 1st quarter of 1968, increased by 137.6% to $383,390 or $.34 a share vs. $161,369 or $.15 a share the previous year.[footnote]\u201cHigbee\u2019s Reports increase in Quarterly Profits, Sales.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 25, 1968.[\/footnote] Net sales were $98,666,022 in 1968 as compared to $86,634,526 a year ago.\u00a0 This major department store led the pack that summer when it opened a youth employment agency downtown.\u00a0 The board also endorsed plans by the Richard E. Jacobs Group, owners of Westgate Shopping Center, to enclose its shopping center.[footnote]\u201cEnclosed Mall Planned at Westgate Center.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 21, 1968.[\/footnote] The mall was demolished in 2006 and replaced by an open air shopping center.\u00a0 It included a Petco, Marshall\u2019s, Kay Jewelers\u00a0and Famous Footware.\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s directors, in February 1969, acquired Burrow Brothers Company.\u00a0 Founded in 1873 by Charles W. Burrows\u00a0(1850-1932) and Harris B. Burrows\u00a0(1855-1934), this respected retail chain sold books, stationary and office supplies.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s buyout specified that currently operating Burrow stores would retain their name at least for the foreseeable future.\u00a0 Officials at Higbee\u2019s expected to generate about $4,000,000 annually from this deal.\u00a0 The board elected Burrow\u2019s President Howard B. Klein as Vice President.[footnote]\u201cStore Link Up Unites 200 Years\u2019 Service.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 1, 1969.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThis action by the store\u2019s board represented the first of two major steps intended to insure Higbee\u2019s growth and prosperity for years to come.\u00a0 The second step involved venturing into an outside retail market.\u00a0 Stockholders in April 1969 approved the $4,800,000 purchase of G.M. McKelvey Department Store\u00a0of Youngstown, OH.\u00a0 Under this arrangement, McKelvey\u2019s stockholders received an equitable stock trade of $.62 in dividends for each share surrendered.\u00a0 With 700 employees, this Youngstown-based department store served about 400,000 customers. That merger projected $14,000,000 in additional sales annually.\u00a0 McKelvey\u2019s annual earnings stood at about $344,130 or $3.20 a share.[footnote]Bryan, John J. \u201cHigbee Reports Accord on Purchase of McKelvey.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 22, 1969.[\/footnote] Unfortunately, escalating overhead costs\u00a0at McKelvey\u2019s had significantly reduced profits recently.\u00a0 Unable to meet mounting debt, McKelvey\u2019s faced bankruptcy.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s officials saw their competitor\u2019s misfortune as a golden opportunity to expand their customer-base beyond the Cleveland-Akron market area.\r\n\r\nHigbee employees on July 15, 1969 mourned the passing of the store\u2019s long-time President John P. Murphy.\u00a0 He was 82 years old.\u00a0 Murphy had been a leader at Higbee\u2019s for over thirty years.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s and the Greater Cleveland United Appeal, that October, paid tribute to the American Olympic team through a special program they called \u201cExpo \u201969.\u201d[footnote]\u201cUA Display to Focus on Agency Services.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 21, 1969.[\/footnote] Board members in October 1969 appointed Jack McGinty\u00a0as the General Manager for the Great Lakes Mall\u00a0store.[footnote]\u201cServicing Lake County, Higbee\u2019s is Community Center.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 12, 1969.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nNet income for 1969 climbed to $928,314 equal to $.68 a share.\u00a0 That was an increase of $219,274 over the previous year\u2019s level of $709,040 or $.60 a share.\u00a0 Net sales that same year topped $87,949,396.\u00a0 That compared with $72,687,434 in 1968.[footnote]\u201cHigbee\u2019s Looks Forward to Bright Christmas.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 2, 1969.[\/footnote] Wyse\u2019s latest advertising campaign summed it up best when it said \u201cIf you haven\u2019t seen Higbee\u2019s today, you haven\u2019t seen Higbee\u2019s.\u201d[footnote]Strawbridge. \u201cRemembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences.\u201d pp. 157.[\/footnote] Store officials led by Herbert Strawbridge\u00a0reaffirmed their opposition to Sunday store hours.[footnote]Thoma, Pauline. \u201cBlue Law problems Taper Off.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 11, 1970.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe decade of the 1970s began with the U.S. Justice Department challenging the legality of the recent merger between Higbee\u2019s and Burrow\u2019s.\u00a0 Federal officials claimed that it violated the Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914.[footnote]Hellmuth, Ann. \u201cU.S. Moves to Break Up Higbee, Burrow Merger.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 23, 1969.[\/footnote] Board members, in January 1970, approved a new slate of officers.\u00a0 They included Henry G. Brownell\u00a0as Vice Chairman; Robert G. Wright\u00a0as Executive Vice President, Wilmer D. Hill\u00a0as Belden Village\u00a0Supervisor, R. Bruce Campbell\u00a0(1937-2012) as Belden Village General Manager, Ronald Eisaman as Severance Center\u00a0General Manager and James Brogan\u00a0as Westgate General Manager.[footnote]Cleary, John J. \u201cBrownell, Wright Earn Promotions at Higbee\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 31, 1970.[\/footnote] Higbee\u2019s profits in 1969 were up 20.2% to $3,433,226 or $2.63 a share as compared with $2,856,118 or $2.43 a share one year ago.\u00a0 Net sales were up by 22.5% reaching $132,137,522 vs. $107,896,874 in 1968.\u00a0 Net profit figures for 1969 did not include a loss of $119,901 from various real estate deals.[footnote]Bryan, John E. \u201cProfit Gain Due, Cleveland Trust Told.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 17, 1970.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nShareholders, in 1970, voted to elect board members on a three-year rotating basis.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s Vice President Marc Jonas, that July, told reporters that he was not surprised to learn that the Chicago-based Marshall Fields had purchased Halle\u2019s Brothers.[footnote]Cleary, John J. \u201cHalle Brothers to be Sold to Marshall Field and Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 25, 1970.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Rumors had been circulating for months of an impending deal between these retailers.\u00a0 He wished the new owners the best of luck.\r\n\r\nThe grand opening in July of Higbee\u2019s newest 195,000 square foot full service store in Canton, OH\u2019s Belden Village\u00a0received a great deal of fanfare.\u00a0 The debut of a separate Higbee store, a modified boutique called the Loft especially appealed to younger women.[footnote]\u201cHigbee\u2019s Opens Store in New Stark Mall.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 6, 1970.[\/footnote] Higbee\u2019s Board of Directors that October reaffirmed their commitment to no Sunday store hours.\u00a0 Shoppers that November flocked to Burrows Brothers\u00a0Pre-Christmas Savings Days.[footnote]\u201cPre-Christmas Savings Event.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 26, 1970.[\/footnote] Net sales, as reported in December 1970, increased by 10.5% to reach $138,802,118.\u00a0 That compared favorably with the $123,158,426 level one year earlier.\u00a0 Net income, for that period, was $1,426,519 or $1.03 a share vs. $3,442,733 or $2.74 a share in 1969.\u00a0 Land sales accounted for these recent losses.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Expects Healthy Profitable Holiday Sales.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 3, 1970.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nBoard members, in January 1971, re-elected Herbert Strawbridge\u00a0as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.\u00a0 They also appointed Henry G. Brownell\u00a0as President and General Manager.\u00a0 Later that same year, two Cleveland attorneys named Jack and Robert Turoff\u00a0filed a law suit in Common Pleas Court\u00a0against Higbee\u2019s, Halle\u2019s and the May Company.\u00a0 They alleged that these stores misled customers on what constituted fair interest rates and service charges.\u00a0 This $75,000,000 class action suit claimed that these three retailers charged excessive interest rates and exorbitant service charges.\r\n\r\nThe Common Pleas Court, in June 1971, found in favor of the plaintiffs.\u00a0 The court ordered the stores to give customers a one-month grace period before charging finance changes.\u00a0 It further stipulated that all customer bills must clearly explain restrictions, and that these retail establishments no longer had the right to collect finance charges on items returned.\u00a0 Federal officials followed that up by launching an antitrust suit against Higbee\u2019s based on the recent merger with Burrows.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s counsel agreed to enter into a consent decree to divest itself of all its interests in Burrows.[footnote]Cleary, John J. \u201cHigbee Company Agrees to Sell Burrows Brothers Chain.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 2, 1971.[\/footnote]\u00a0 The year ended with Higbee\u2019s announcing that five of its seven stores would be opened Sundays.[footnote]Miller, William F. \u201cFive Suburban Higbee Stores Set Pre-Christmas Sunday Opening.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 17, 1971.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nOne very clever promotion introduced that year involved Second Federal Savings & Loan Company.\u00a0 Any customer that opened a 5% per annum Second Federal Passbook\u00a0Savings Account of at least $1,000 would receive a $5.00 Higbee\u2019s Gift Certificate.[footnote]\u201cFree Higbee\u2019s Gift Certificate.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 3, 1972.[\/footnote] Customers enjoyed the Cleveland Music Institute\u2019s Carnival Benefit; Scandinavian Home Fashion Show\u00a0and 38th Annual Children\u2019s Photo Contest sponsored by Higbee\u2019s that year.[footnote]\u201cScandinavian Fortnight.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 1, 1972.[\/footnote] Other major events to occur in 1971 included the 17th Annual Import Fair, a visit by Democratic Presidential candidate U.S. Senator George S. McGovern\u00a0and diet workshops.\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s announced, in February 1972, that 65% to 70% of its customers charged their purchases.\u00a0 Net income for the one-year period ending on April 29, 1972 topped $2,419,489 equal to $1.74 a share vs. $1,640,484 or $1.18 a share the previous year.[footnote]\u201cEarnings Digest, Higbee Three-Month Net Rebounds.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 26, 1972.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Under the guidance of Herbert Strawbridge\u00a0and James Day, the Higbee Corporation, in December 1972, embarked upon an ambitious plan.\u00a0 An outgrowth of Gateway Project, its initial purpose was to create a new heritage park at the foot of Superior Avenue\u00a0hill.\u00a0\u00a0 It soon expanded into a full-service local development corporation.[footnote]\u201cLocal Firm Boosted for Gateway Deal.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 23, 1972.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nCommencing with the restoration of the historic Western Reserve building\u00a0in the 1970s and culminating with the development of the Flats\u00a0entertainment district in the 1990s, the Higbee Development Corporation\u2019s many innovative activities, programs and projects greatly improved the quality of life for Cleveland\u2019s downtown community.[footnote]For further details see Strawbridge, \u201cRemembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences.\u201d[\/footnote] Many Clevelanders today have no idea that without the determined efforts of Herbert Strawbridge\u00a0and James Day, none of this development would have occurred.\u00a0 Both leaders considered it their civic duty to fulfill the corporation\u2019s mission through the best and worst times.\r\n\r\nThe 1970s represented a time of great change and innovation for this leading Cleveland department store.\u00a0 New products continually filled store shelves.\u00a0 Items ranged from rare linens and fine silks to everyday kitchen gadgets and exotic perfumes.\u00a0 One item, porcelain figurines by the German artist Gunther Granget, sold particularly well during the 1972 Christmas season.[footnote]Penderson, Terry. \u201cTips for Buyers Collector\u2019s Art Calls for Caution.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 31, 1972.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Personalized stationary and knitted woolen hats and gloves proved popular that year.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s consistently high sales figures impressed retailers nationwide.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s prestige as a quality retailer reached an all-time high.[footnote]Bryan, John E. \u201cCovington Projects Computer Automation as a Winner.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 25, 1973.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nHowever, the store\u2019s continued success symbolized much more than high yearly sales levels.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s growing importance as a community leader accounted for much of its recent success.\u00a0 Its leaders contributed countless hours of public service, anything to improve the quality of life for all Clevelanders.\u00a0\u00a0 Herbert Strawbridge\u00a0as Chief Executive Officer dedicated much of his efforts towards business and civic improvements.\u00a0 This included helping minority businesses to succeed financially.\u00a0 Strawbridge, in 1973, received media praise for his work in establishing Cleveland\u2019s first minority-operated bank.[footnote]Ellison, Bruce. \u201cFive Black Leaders Here Form Downtown Bank.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 10, 1973.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s board, in March 1973, approved plans for a new, full-service store to be built at Randall Park Mall\u00a0in North Randall, OH.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Company Chain Gained New Peaks in Past Year.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 7, 1973.[\/footnote] Rumors ran high that the Randall Park branch might become this retail chain\u2019s new main store should the stockholders decided to leave downtown.\u00a0 However, board members remained silent on that issue.\u00a0 The U.S. District Court\u00a0in May oversaw the sale of the Burrows Brothers\u00a0to A.G. Becker & Company\u00a0of Chicago.[footnote]Kelly, Michael. \u201cRandall Mall to be Challenge to Downtown.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 8, 1973.[\/footnote] Higbee\u2019s that autumn began offering conversational Japanese courses for businesspersons.\u00a0 It also led the pack in selling recycled pants at much reduced prices.\r\n\r\nThe Board of Directors, in April, reported a 6.7% surge in net sales for 1972, while net income increased by 52.4%.\u00a0 For the 12-month period ending February 3, 1973, Higbee\u2019s posted net income of $3,378,771 or $2.44 a share compared with $3,216,861 or $1.60 a share in 1971.[footnote]\u201cBurrows Sales Completed Expansion Plan Outlined.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 9, 1973.[\/footnote] Stockholders, in September 1973, approved Sunday hours for all stores and urged employee carpooling.[footnote]\u201cSix Higbee Stores Set Sunday Sales.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 2, 1973.[\/footnote]\u00a0 They also elected William E. Savage\u00a0to replace Robert Broadbent\u00a0as Executive Vice President.[footnote]\u201cSavage Promoted by Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 19, 1973.[\/footnote] Union Savings Association, that October, opened its first downtown satellite office in a former Higbee\u2019s display case.\r\n\r\nRecord store sales in 1973.\u00a0 Net income topped $3,420,796 or $2.50 a share on sales of $150,213,019.\u00a0 That compared with $3,378,771 or $2.44 a share on sales of $149,471,969 the previous year.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Company Reports Record Sales, Profits.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 9, 1974.[\/footnote] The Plain Dealer, in January 1974, named Herbert Strawbridge\u00a0its businessman of the year.[footnote] Ellison, Bruce. \u201cStrawbridge is Businessman of Year.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 14, 1974.[\/footnote] Officials, that June, subleased their warehouse in Brooklyn, OH\u00a0for $790,000 annually.[footnote]Gerdel, Thomas W. \u201cAmerican Greetings Shift Costs 450 Jobs.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 26, 1974.[\/footnote] Store sales in 1974 increased by 15\u00bd% over 1973 figures.\u00a0\u00a0 Unfortunately, its earnings fell slightly from $136,115 to $135,871.\u00a0 Common stock dividends remained at $.10 a share.\u00a0 A local development corporation\u00a0called Jacobs, Visconsi and Jacobs, later that same year, released plans for a new Higbee\u2019s department store to be constructed at the Euclid Square Mall\u00a0in Euclid, OH.[footnote]\u201cCourt Gives Euclid Mall Go-Ahead.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 20, 1974.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe Board of Directors, in October 1974, signed a 30-year lease at Randall Park Mall\u00a0with Youngstown shopping center magnate Edward J. DeBartolo\u00a0Sr.[footnote]\u201cHigbee\u2019s to Lease North Randall Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 5, 1974.[\/footnote] Board member also approved the renovation of the former Spartan-Atlantic\u00a0Store at Westgate Mall.[footnote]Gerdel, Thomas W. \u201cNew Higbee Store to Open in Westgate.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 2, 1974.[\/footnote]\u00a0 It became its new home furnishings center.\u00a0 Earlier plans to open a Salvador Dali\u00a0museum in the Flats\u00a0failed to materialize.[footnote]Miller, William F. \u201cDali Museum is Postponed, Pollution Cited.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 13, 1976.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nNineteen seventy-five began with Richard Silver\u00a0becoming Operation\u2019s Vice President.\u00a0 Store officials appointed Richard Goff\u00a0as the Merchandising & General Manager for Loft Stores\u00a0and David Harbaugh\u00a0as Assistant Vice President Management Information.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Company Elevates Three; Two Become Vice Presidents.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 20, 1975.[\/footnote]\u00a0 The board announced that 4th Quarter net earnings in 1974 dropped by 14% to $1,696,342 equal to $1.25 a share.[footnote]\u201cLower Profit is Reported by Higbee.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 4, 1975.[\/footnote] Higbee\u2019s that summer donated funds to the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority\u00a0(RTA).[footnote]\u201cBig Business Gives Big for Transit Tax.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 5, 1975.[\/footnote] Store officials, in August 1975, reported quarterly losses for the first time in nearly three years.[footnote]Ellison, Bruce.\u201cHigbee\u2019s reports a Loss but Sees Profit in Future.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 28, 1975.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nAnalysts indicated that the board\u2019s reluctance to build new branches quick enough may have prompted these losses.\u00a0 Many believed that store openings at both Randall Park and Euclid Square malls would reverse this trend.\u00a0 Although store sales increased by 5.9% over the next several months, Higbee\u2019s continued to post profit losses.\u00a0 Its financial prospects briefly brightened in the summer of 1976.\u00a0 Henry Brownell, in May, unveiled plans to erect a 125,000 square foot suburban store at Beachwood Place Mall.[footnote]Kelly, Michael. \u201cSaks Eager to Realize Idea for Store Here Board Chairman Says.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 21, 1976.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Regrettably, this positive news failed to turnaround recent profit losses.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, in August 1976, reported losses of $599,061 or $.44 a share on sales of $34,657,329 as compared with $198,274 or $.14 a share on sales of $33,424,479 the previous year.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Company Reports Second Quarter Loss.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 26, 1976.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe Board of Directors, in January 1977, appointed John S. Lupo\u00a0as the General Manager of the Euclid Square store.\u00a0 It also elected Harry Brown\u00a0as Divisional Merchandise Manager and Peter Mohn\u00a0as Assistant Divisional Manager of Merchandise.[footnote]\u201cExecutive Scene.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 3, 1977.[\/footnote] Hoping to counter recent losses, Higbee\u2019s began to accept Visa\u00a0and Mastercard\u00a0credit cards\u00a0as well as American Express\u00a0cards.[footnote]\u201cHigbee\u2019s Three Winning Cards.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 19, 1977.[\/footnote] However, it did nothing to reverse the store\u2019s fortunes.\u00a0 Chronic losses continued into the 2nd quarter of 1977.\u00a0 Officials reported a downturn of $704,885 or $.51 a share as compared to $599,061 or $.44 the previous year.\u00a0 They attributed much of these losses to high interest rates, depreciation and other costs incurred during the renovation of the Western Reserve Building.[footnote]Gerdel, Thomas W. \u201cHigbee Company Blames New Stores for Losses.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 23, 1977.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s Board, in January 1978, elected Herbert Strawbridge\u00a0as President.\u00a0 His appointment resulted from the resignation of Henry Brownell.[footnote]Kelly, Michael. \u201cHigbee President Decides to Bow Out; Replacement Sought.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 28, 1978.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Store officials also appointed Gayle Beuchat\u00a0as Higbee\u2019s first female suburban manager.[footnote]\u201cESM Department Store Has a First.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 1, 1978.[\/footnote] Higbee\u2019s, in May, reported a 1st quarter sales increases of 8.8%.\u00a0 Net income for 1977 totaled $3,200,000 equal to $2.33 a share, while net sales reached $182,100,000.[footnote]\u201cHigbee\u2019s Reports Record Sales.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 5, 1978.[\/footnote]\u00a0 This surprised many stockholders since recent severe storms had forced officials to cut store hours by 12%.\r\n\r\nThe Downtown Cleveland Corporation, that same spring, elected Robert G. Wright\u00a0its President.\u00a0 Store officials that year appointed R. Bruce Campbell\u00a0as Executive Administrative Vice President.\u00a0 The recently introduced Higbee Club Account\u00a0stimulated sales in china, crystal, silverware and fine jewelry.[footnote]\u201cUpdate.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 30, 1978.[\/footnote] Higbee\u2019s President Strawbridge, at the annual board meeting, admitted that strategic blunders cost Higbee\u2019s important sales and that these miscalculations\u00a0 resulted in 2nd quarter losses totaling $2,200,000.\u00a0 The board\u2019s inability to right current inventory imbalances and improve upon the quality of less costly merchandise made this situation worse.[footnote]Kelly, Michael. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Losses Big.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 25, 1978.[\/footnote] The return in November 1978 of Robert Broadbent\u00a0as President and Chief Operating Officer seemed promising to skeptical stockholders.[footnote]Wiernik, Julie. \u201cBroadbent is President of Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 1, 1978.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nA drop-off in customers led officials, in January 1979, to close the Public Square store at 7:00 p.m. on Monday evenings.\u00a0 The board the following month appointed Charles F. Brown\u00a0Vice President and Assistant to the President.[footnote]\u201cHigbee May Trim Monday Hours Downtown.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 25, 1979. \u201cExecutive Scene.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 5, 1979.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s announced that May that mounting deficits meant no stock dividends for at least the first three quarters of 1979.[footnote]Clausen, Mark. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Hopes For Better Times.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 26, 1979.[\/footnote] Higbee\u2019s losses in the 4th Quarter of 1978 reached $1,500,000.\u00a0 Officials blamed inventory and personnel issues for these losses. The stringent action in May 1980 seemed to work.\u00a0 Net sales in August improved to $41,295,000, a gain of $1,907,000 over a year ago.\u00a0 Board members at an October meeting named Jane Lisy\u00a0as the new Special Events Director.[footnote]\u201cChanging Positions.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 25, 1979.[\/footnote]The year ended with only modest sales gains at Christmas.[footnote]Koshar, John Leo. \u201cYule was a Happy One for Cash Registers Here.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 27, 1979.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nNineteen eighty represented a watershed year for this major retailer.\u00a0 However, few could have predicted it at the beginning of the year.\u00a0 Everything seemed so normal.\u00a0 Modest winter sales based on inclement weather was par for the course in large department stores like Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s and the Federation of Community Planning tried to lessen the winter blues by hosting a successful photo contest that winter.[footnote]\u201cEntries are Invited.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 24, 1980.[\/footnote] No surprises there.\r\n\r\nStore officials that February sponsored a nutrition workshop and in March introduced video-disc players to eager shoppers.[footnote]\u201cNutrition Workshops Scheduled.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 20, 1980. \u201cIntroducing the Magnavision Video Disc System by Magnavox, Enjoy tonight.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 2, 1980.[\/footnote] The advertising department\u2019s latest slogan \u201cHigbee\u2019s, We\u2019re the Talk of the Town\u201d caught the public\u2019s fancy.[footnote]\u201cJerry Silverman\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 10, 1980.[\/footnote] Higbee\u2019s, in April 1980, sold its interest in the Stouffer\u2019s Inn on the Square\u00a0to the owner of the Cleveland Browns, Art Modell.[footnote]\u201cHigbee\u2019s Sells Its Interest in Hotel to the Browns.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 8. 1980.[\/footnote] The Board of Directors expressed renewed optimism when 1st quarter sales figures were released.\u00a0 They showed an increase of 4.9% over 1979 levels.\u00a0 The $90,000 posted loss would have been profit if prime interest rates had not increased by 20% that April.[footnote]\u201cHigbee\u2019s Strawbridge Reports Better Outlook.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 24, 1980.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nMany wealthy foreigners seeking lucrative investment opportunities in the U.S. looked to Higbee\u2019s as a potential new business venture.\u00a0 With its consistently high profits and reasonable overhead costs, Higbee\u2019s reflected the best in department store management.\u00a0 A sound investment with great growth potential, foreign businesses began to approach large overseas banking and holding companies for assistance.\u00a0 Through a Bermuda-based holding corporation\u00a0called Fidelity International\u00a0and a Dutch Antilles-based holding company known as the American Values Fund, investors from Japan purchased large blocks of Higbee stock on the open market.[footnote]\u201cOffshore Mutual Fund Buys Stake in Higbee.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 8, 1980.[\/footnote] These savvy investors designated American Values and Industrial Equity (Pacific) LTD\u00a0of Hong Kong\u00a0to serve as their organizational arms.\r\n\r\nThe majority of Higbee officials favored it as an effective way to increase the future value of Higbee\u2019s stock.\u00a0 At that time, the John P. Murphy\u00a0Foundation owned 22% of Higbee\u2019s outstanding stock with Herbert Strawbridge, Frank E. Joseph\u00a0and John Connell\u00a0as its trustees.[footnote]Ibid<\/em>.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Store officers controlled about 33% of the remaining stock with outside investors controlling the rest.\u00a0 This kind of stock activity stimulated business and enabled stockholders to declare a year-end dividend of $.10 per share.[footnote]\u201cDividends.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 24, 1980.[\/footnote] Industrial Equity (Pacific) LTD\u00a0of Hong Kong, in early 1981, reported to the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission (SEC)\u00a0that it had acquired 69,900 shares equal to approximately 5% of Higbee\u2019s common stock valued at $928,000.[footnote]\u201cForeign Investor Buys 5% of Higbee Stock, SEC is Told.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 13, 1981.[\/footnote] In terms of its own financial situation, Higbee\u2019s, in April 1980, posted 12-month net sales of $63,608,593 vs. $62,710,102 in 1978.\u00a0 Net income for that same time period increased to $1,479,589 as compared with $2,154,253 the previous year.[footnote]\u201cEarnings Digest, Higbee.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 3, 1981.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s in cooperation with WEWS-TV\u00a0Channel 5 in July 1981 sponsored a one mile race around Public Square for all children under the age of 12.[footnote]\u201cThe Kids\u2019 Race Around.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 28, 1981.[\/footnote] The board, that August, announced a 50% reduction in the store\u2019s deficit based on a large cash infusion resulting from this stock activity.[footnote]\u201cEarnings Digest, Higbee.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 19, 1981.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Chet Edwards, two months later, resigned as Senior Vice President for Merchandising Concepts in order to open his own store.\u00a0 Store executives, later that same month, leased 77,000 square feet of their downtown premises to of Ohio (SOHIO).\u00a0 Standard Oil\u00a0used this office space temporarily while moving into its new headquarters at 200 Public Square.[footnote]Talbott, Stephen. \u201cSohio to Lease Space from Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 3, 1981.[\/footnote] The Board of Directors in December 1981 appointed Raymond J. Miller\u00a0as Treasurer.\u00a0 They also declared a year end stock dividend of $.20, an increase of $.10 over a year ago.[footnote]\u201cDividends.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 9, 1982.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe closing, in January 1982, of one of its chief rivals Halle\u2019s brought new life to Higbee\u2019s downtown.\u00a0 Store officials guaranteed former Halle\u2019s shoppers that their retail establishment would carry a full range of top quality items and store services similar to Halle\u2019s.\u00a0 Herbert Strawbridge\u00a0projected a profit gain of at least $12,000,000.[footnote]\u201cHigbee\u2019s Letter.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 29, 1982.[\/footnote] Strawbridge was absolutely correct.\u00a0 However, the closing of Halle\u2019s represented much more than just immediate financial gains for its competitors.\r\n\r\nPrestigious clothing lines and accessories formerly found in Halle\u2019s were now sold in other downtown department stores such as Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 These lines bolstered sales while insuring high profits for many years to come. Both American Values and Industrial Equity (Pacific) LTD\u00a0that February purchased additional stock.\u00a0 American Values by mid-year owned 258,031 shares or 18.7%, while Industrial Equity acquired an additional 12,000 shares.\u00a0 The fund paid about $240,000 for this stock.\u00a0 Kidder, Peabody & Co. financed the loan.[footnote]\u201cForeign Investors Get More Higbee Shares.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 23, 1982.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nWomen\u2019s Federal Savings & Loan Association, in February 1982, unveiled its plans to move into Higbee\u2019s downtown store.[footnote]\u201cSohio Gets Women\u2019s Federal Site at Last.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 4, 1982.[\/footnote] This retailer suffered further profit losses during the 1st quarter of 1982 with sales dropping another 2.3%.\u00a0 Net sales for the year ending May 1, 1982 declined to $45,814,513 as compared to $46,876,445 the previous year.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s net loss in income for 1982 stood at $455,371 as compared with $135,115 a year ago.[footnote]\u201cEarnings Digest, Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 20, 1982.[\/footnote]\u00a0 These net losses continued into the summer.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s reported 2nd Quarter 1982 losses of $1,193,636 as compared to $487,563 in 1981.[footnote]\u201cEarnings Digest, Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 17, 1982.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nOther events during the 1982 shopping season included moving into the former Halle\u2019s store at Summit Mall\u00a0in October and closing its Youngstown retail operations that November.\u00a0 In the case of the Summit Mall\u00a0move, Halle\u2019s officials graciously offered all its merchandise to Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 However, Herbert Strawbridge\u00a0respectively declined claiming that Higbee\u2019s had more than enough of its-own high quality merchandise to fill it.\u00a0 The 1982 Christmas season brought Mr. Jingeling\u00a0to Higbee\u2019s and another important announcement.[footnote]\u201cJingeling to Jangle at Higbee\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 23, 1982.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Filming for the new Hollywood movie \u201cA Christmas Story\u201d was to begin in the downtown store after the first of the year.[footnote]\u201cCasting Under Way for Movie to be Filmed Here in January.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 19, 1982.[\/footnote]\u00a0 With sales up 4.5 % over the previous year, the stockholders declared a year-end dividend of $.30 a share.[footnote]\u201cDividends.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 8, 1983. Hicks, Jonathan P. \u201cHigbee \u201982 Sales Up 4.5% after Strong Fourth Quarter.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 28, 1983.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nNineteen eighty-three began on a very positive note.\u00a0 Savvy Magazine\u00a0in its March issue complimented Higbee\u2019s on its very high quality personal shopper service.\u00a0 The Women\u2019s Committee of the Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival\u00a0in conjunction with WVIZ-TV Channel 25 held its annual St. Patrick\u2019s Day\u00a0Salute at the store, 400 attended.[footnote]Kersey, Nancy Bigler. \u201cLinville Finds Love at M.A.S.H. Bash.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 6, 1983.[\/footnote] The filming of \u201cA Christmas Story\u201d in the first floor of Higbee\u2019s sparked winter sales downtown.\r\n\r\nThe Board of Directors reported the best 4th Quarter earnings since 1977.\u00a0 New income as of January 31, 1983 stood at $3,113,970 equal to $2.25 a share as compared to $2,118,826 or $1.53 a share one year ago.[footnote]Fuller, John. \u201cHigbee has Best Year since 1977 Record Quarter.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 26, 1983.[\/footnote] Higbee\u2019s Nancy McCann\u00a0received media praise for her dazzling displays currently at the Kent State University\u00a0Fashion Museum.[footnote]Strassmeyer, Mary. \u201cMary, Mary.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 31, 1983.[\/footnote] A special luncheon downtown for UCLA\u00a0basketball coach John Wooden\u00a0also received rave reviews.\u00a0 The store\u2019s long-time Special Events Display Manager Wally Gbur\u00a0that May announced his retirement and the board elected Paul L. Volk\u00a0Executive Finance Vice President.[footnote]Strassmeyer, Mary. \u201cMary, Mary.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 14, 1983.[\/footnote]\u00a0 The positive publicity generated by the store\u2019s many events significantly improved sales.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s reported a 21% increase in sales during the 2nd quarter of 1983 over the previous year.[footnote]\u201cEarnings Digest, Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 12, 1983.[\/footnote] Net losses also decreased to $76,568.[footnote]Ibid<\/em>.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nStockholders, in October 1983, welcomed Ronald Langely, the CEO of New Zealand-based Industrial Equity, to its board.[footnote]\u201cAustralian Named to Higbee Board.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 5, 1983.[\/footnote] Paul L. Volk\u00a0attributed much of the recent upsurge in store sales to the growing customer demand for costly items such as refrigerators and washing machines.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s reported $61,600,000 in sales for the 3rd quarter of 1983.\u00a0 That symbolized a 10.4% increase over $55,700,000 in 1982.[footnote]Sabath, Donald. \u201cHigbee Reports Record Earnings.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 11, 1983.[\/footnote] Unfortunately, net income fell during the3rd quarter to $2,000,000 or $1.35 a share.\u00a0 That represented a loss of $1,500,000 or $1.07 from the 1982 level.[footnote]Ibid<\/em>.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Board members in November generated additional capital by selling off Higbee\u2019s American Red Cross\u00a0Shoe division to Sel-Joy Shoes LTD.[footnote]\u201cSeven Higbee-Owned Shoe Stores are Sold to Sel-Joy Shoes.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 18, 1983.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nHerbert Strawbridge, on January 17, 1984, announced his retirement as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.\u00a0 He had worked at Higbee\u2019s for nearly thirty years.\u00a0 The board appointed Robert Broadbent\u00a0to replace him.[footnote]Gleisser, Marcus. \u201cCity, State Start Promotions to Lure Business.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 22, 1984.[\/footnote] Board members elected James L. Vadis\u00a0as President and Chief Merchandise Officer.[footnote]\u201cJames Vadis Elected to High Higbee Posts.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 28, 1984.[\/footnote]\u00a0 In response to the greatest single increase in sales in nearly a decade, officials that April declared a stock dividend of $.25 per share.[footnote]Ibid<\/em>.[\/footnote] Controlling nearly 50% of the outstanding stock, American Values and Industrial Equity (Pacific) LTD\u00a0increased their representation on the board.[footnote]Gleisser, Marcus. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Sets Records in Sales and Profits.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 20, 1984.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Robert Broadbent\u00a0and many other board members believed that Higbee\u2019s future depended upon large-scale investments from outside groups such as American Values and Industrial Equity.[footnote]\u201cForeign Holders Seek More Higbee\u2019s Voice.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 4, 1984.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nHowever, some board members led by Cleveland Browns\u00a0owner Art Modell\u00a0disagreed.\u00a0 They believed that increased foreign ownership would result in a hostile takeover.[footnote]Gleisser, Marcus. \u201cFuture of Higbee\u2019s Depends Heavily on Foreign Holders.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 2, 1984.[\/footnote] This controversy among the board continued into the summer of 1984.\u00a0 Officials at the July meeting expanded the responsibilities of a number of its managers.[footnote]\u201cBusiness Scene.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 7, 1984.[\/footnote] Dismal sales at Euclid Square led Higbee\u2019s to seek a $3,500,700 reduction in its assessed value.\u00a0 Cuyahoga County\u00a0officials approved this request.[footnote]\u201cHigbee\u2019s, May\u2019s Seek Tax Cut.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 17, 1984.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe big announcement many had feared finally came on September 11, 1984.\u00a0 A subsidiary of Brierly Industries, Industrial Equity (Pacific) LTD\u00a0had purchased Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 With 55% of the store\u2019s outstanding stock in its pocket, Industrial Equity bought an additional 300,000 shares of common stock with plans to buy 75,000 more.\u00a0 This merger hinged on a cash tender offer of $50 per share on common stock.\u00a0 Its estimated value was approximately $72,000,000.[footnote]Gleisser, Marcus. \u201cAustralians Purchase Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 11, 1984.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nIndustrial Equity, prior to its October 11th deadline, purchased nearly 90% of Higbee\u2019s outstanding stock.[footnote]Gleisser, Marcus. Ninety Percent of Higbee Stock Offered to Group.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 10, 1984.[\/footnote] Supporters saw it as an effective way to furnish ready cash in the event that store officials should decide to buy out other retailers.\u00a0 Industrial Equity viewed Higbee\u2019s as a crucial first step in establishing a permanent foothold in U.S. retailing.\u00a0 With these thoughts in mind, Higbee\u2019s new owners launched a managerial shakeup.\u00a0 It began in December 1984 with the resignation of President James L. Vadis.\u00a0 Vadis left Cleveland to become the President of U.S. Shoe.[footnote]Gleisser, Marcus. \u201cFour New Presidents Named at Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 11, 1984.[\/footnote]\u00a0 John S. Lupo\u00a0replaced him.\u00a0 The Board of Directors deviated from the norm by electing three additional Presidents: R. Bruce Campbell, Paul L. Volk\u00a0and John P. McGinty.\r\n\r\nIndustrial Equity, through its Higbee\u2019s subsidiary, secured a three-year $30,000,000 note from an Australian-based investment group and an additional $13,000,000 revolving credit line from Pittsburgh\u00a0National Bank.\u00a0 Cleveland-based financial institutions such as Ameritrust, National City Bank and Society Bank assisted in establishing this credit line.\u00a0 The New York Stock Exchange responded favorably to Higbee\u2019s latest offering of $40,000,000 in subordinated debentures at 15 \u00bc%.\u00a0 These debentures due on December 12, 1999 yielded 15 \u00bd%.[footnote]Gleisser, Marcus. \u201cHigbee Debentures are Well Received.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 12, 1984.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s new owner sweetened this merger further by promising to spend approximately $30,000,000 in store improvements over the next three year period.[footnote]Gleisser, Marcus. \u201cHigbee Company to Improve Downtown, Other Stores.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 7, 1985.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nStore officials in mid-1985 elected Thomas H. Hicks\u00a0to replace Paul L. Volk\u00a0as Finance President.[footnote]\u201cExecutive Scene.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 8, 1985.[\/footnote]\u00a0 President R. Bruce Campbell\u00a0in July reported that store sales during the 1st quarter of 1985 had increased by 10%.[footnote]Karle, Delinda. \u201cRetailers are Hopping Here Despite Slow Sales.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 9, 1985.[\/footnote]\u00a0 President John S. Lupo\u00a0expressed optimism about the store\u2019s future.\u00a0 He viewed the current increase in sales at Beachwood, Parma and Summit Mall\u00a0stores along with less cutthroat competition from off-price retailers as positive signs of growth and change.\u00a0 The board announced that Raymond J. Miller, former store Vice President\/ Treasurer will be assisting I.E. President Ronald Langely\u00a0in expanding the company\u2019s portfolio in the U.S.[footnote]Gleisser, Marcus.\u201cArea Retailers Note Stronger Sales.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 14, 1985.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nTo commemorate the Jewish holiday of Chanukah\u00a0that November, Higbee\u2019s introduced Uncle Dreidel.\u00a0 This fictitious character handed out small plastic tops called dreidels to all children who visited the Beachwood store. Higbee\u2019s and WQAL-FM that December co-sponsored a Christmas program that provided over 2,000 gifts to Greater Cleveland\u2019s neediest children.[footnote]\u201cPlay Santa to a Needy Child.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 30, 1985.[\/footnote] Christmas sales in 1985 remained modest.\r\n\r\nThe Board of Directors, in February 1986, secured the former Montgomery Ward\u00a0store at Rolling Acres Mall\u00a0in Akron, OH.[footnote] Gleisser, Marcus. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Weighs Third Akron Store, Firm Confirms Plans for Rolling Acres Outlet.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 12, 1986.[\/footnote] Industrial Equity, that same month, gained SEC approval to purchase 11.5% of a New Orleans-based department store called D.H. Holmes Company.\u00a0 New Vice-Presidential appointees, in April, included Jerry Hoegner\u00a0in Communications; Nancy McCann\u00a0in Fashion and Special Events and Ted Johnson\u00a0in Human Resources.[footnote]\u201cExecutive Scene.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 28, 1986.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nBoard members, that May, announced that H. Gene Nau\u00a0would be replacing Robert Broadbent\u00a0as Higbee\u2019s Chief Executive Officer as of July 1st.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, in October 1986, received a $9,200,000 industrial bond to finance renovations downtown.[footnote]\u201cHigbee\u2019s Asks $9.2 Million County Bond.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 15, 1986.[\/footnote] Officials had received similar bonds earlier that same year to refurbish both the Great Lakes and Summit Mall\u00a0stores.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, in January 1987, proudly added the Discovery card to its list of accepted credit cards.[footnote]\u201cUse Your Higbee\u2019s Charge.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 1, 1987.[\/footnote] Dwindling sales convinced store executives to close the 4th floor stamp department downtown.[footnote]Esrati, Stephen G.\u201cTruth Bent for Sake of Amity.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 5, 1987.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s that June unveiled plans to open a new specialty store in Cincinnati\u2019s Forest Fair Mall.[footnote]Karle, Delinda. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Plans Store at Mall in Cincinnati.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 24, 1987.[\/footnote]\u00a0 However, a reluctance on the part of Dillard\u2019s\u00a0to fulfill its obligation prevented its construction.[footnote]Russell, Mark and Bill Slout, \u201cJudge Backs Higbee\u2019s on Ending Lease.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 26, 1988.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nBrierly Industries, in September 1987, without warning announced plans to sell Higbee\u2019s.[footnote]Seifullah, Alan A. A. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Began in 1860.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 1, 1987.[\/footnote]\u00a0 This announcement came as a shock to the local business community.\u00a0 Investors had nearly doubled their investment over the past several years leading most local business leaders to believe that Brierly was here to stay.\u00a0 Apparently that was not the case.\u00a0 Growing competition from new discounters and national-based retailers, escalating property values and wide-scale mergers throughout the industry prompted this decision.\u00a0 Financial projections indicated that this situation would only worsen in the 1990s.\r\n\r\nWith these thoughts in mind, Brierly Industries\u00a0weighed its various options which included such things as leverage buyouts or direct store purchases done with borrowed funds.\u00a0 None of those options appealed to Brierly investors so the company decided to Higbee\u2019s quickly.[footnote]Russell, Mark. \u201cMay Department Stores Called Possible Suitor for Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 7, 1987.[\/footnote] Its chief competitor the May Company considered buying the department store.\u00a0 However, its legal counsel expressed some real concerns especially regarding antitrust violations.\u00a0 The Cleveland-based Biskind Development Corporation saw many advantages in such a buyout.[footnote]Karle, Delinda. \u201cVeil of Secrecy Surrounds Bidding for Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 18, 1987.[\/footnote] Like so many other suitors, it too lacked the necessary financial resources.\u00a0 Other national retailers such as Cincinnati-based Federated Department Stores\u00a0and Chicago\u2019s Carson Pirie Scott\u00a0toyed with the idea; but again, tuned it down due to insufficient funds.\u00a0 The New York leverage buyout firm of Adler & Shaykin\u00a0also bowed out claiming that it was too risky.\r\n\r\nAnother possible suitor Dillard\u2019s\u00a0Department Store of Little Rock, AR also weighed its options.\u00a0 Buying Higbee\u2019s represented a tremendous opportunity to enter into the lucrative Northeast\u00a0Ohio\u00a0retail market, but it had some pitfalls.\u00a0 Without additional financial backing from one or more large investors such as the Youngstown-based Edward J. DeBartolo\u00a0Development Corporation, Dillard\u2019s chances of buying this retail chain were nearly impossible.\r\n\r\nA pacesetter in shopping center and mall development with the instincts of a hawk, Edward J. DeBartolo\u00a0thought the time was right for his company to enter retailing.\u00a0 The sale of Higbee\u2019s offered a golden opportunity for him to do just that.\u00a0 Establishing a partnership with the growing Dillard\u2019s\u00a0chain would enable DeBartolo to gain instant acceptance and recognition within the Greater Cleveland retail market.\u00a0 Conversely, being able to tap into DeBartolo\u2019s business expertise and vast financial resources appealed to money conscious Dillard\u2019s.[footnote]Russell, Mark. \u201cCompetition Expected to Grow Under New Higbee\u2019s Ownership.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 1, 1988.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nWith these self-interests in mind, DeBartolo and Dillard\u2019s\u00a0formed a 50\/50 joint venture partnership that purchased Higbee\u2019s for $140,000,000.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s operated the Higbee stores, while DeBartolo handled all real estate and development issues.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s may have been new to Northeast\u00a0Ohio; however, its retailing practices were well-known nationally.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s had more than forty years of retailing experience.\u00a0 Established in 1938 and with a modest debt of $30,000,000, this Little Rock-based retailer operated more than 130 stores in the south and west.[footnote]Russell, Mark. \u201cDillard\u2019s Own Way of Selling.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 10, 1988.[\/footnote] Its hard-nosed reputation as an efficiently-run organization was well-earned.\u00a0 Its managers specialized in turning around the fortunes of poorly performing department stores.\u00a0 They achieved their goal by trimming staffs, lowering overhead costs\u00a0and improving the quality of merchandise sold.[footnote]Interview with former Higbee President John S. Lupo.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nHowever, Higbee\u2019s was not a run-of-the-mill department store down on its luck.\u00a0 Its recent financial difficulties did not stem from company mismanagement or inadequately funded departments, far from it.\u00a0 Had Higbee\u2019s remained an independent store, in all probability, it would have weathered this latest financial storm.\u00a0 In fact, many of the financial problems facing this retail chain resulted from outside economic forces totally unrelated to its merger.\u00a0 This New Zealand-based holding company knew how to capitalize on Higbee\u2019s strengths.\u00a0 Had Brierly stayed the course and continued to support the store\u2019s leadership with continued cash infusions Higbee\u2019s financial dilemma might have been averted.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s\u00a0leadership might have considered Higbee\u2019s unique financial situation before imposing its-own rigid business guidelines.\u00a0 One size does not necessarily fit all.\r\n\r\nDillard\u2019s, in March 1988, took over Higbee\u2019s. Much to the dismay of Higbee\u2019s employees, Dillard\u2019s refused to consider alternative business approaches.\u00a0 Instead, the new ownership initiated major changes immediately.\u00a0 It began, in March 1988, when its Little Rock-based board furloughed 48 out of a staff of 53 in its management information systems.[footnote]Russell, Mark. \u201cForty-Eight Fired by New Higbee Owner.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 2, 1988.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s, less than a month later, laid-off 100 additional workers mostly from personnel, training and finance.\u00a0 Unsubstantiated rumors suggested that as many as 300 might be fired as of June 1st.\u00a0 The store\u2019s new President H. Gene Nau\u00a0said these rumors were unfounded.\u00a0 He pointed out that these earlier layoffs eliminated duplicate jobs.\u00a0 They had no bearing on the majority of Higbee employees.\u00a0 Nau concluded by saying that benefits would not be cut.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Chief Predicts Employees to Shun Union.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 5, 1988.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nEconomic prospects looked very good for the new owners.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s\u00a0reported a 10.5% increase in net income to $16,018,000 for the 1st Quarter ending April 30, 1988.\u00a0 Sales, over that same time frame, soared by 24.5% totaling $517,382,000.[footnote]\u201cEarnings Briefs, Dillard Department Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 14, 1988.[\/footnote] In an attempt to expand its customer-base, Dillard\u2019s in June 1988 authorized $12,000,000 to remodel Public Square beginning with its basement store.[footnote]Russell, Mark. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Basement Showcase.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 3, 1988.[\/footnote] This new basement store featured over 3,000 men\u2019s suits and designer clothes.\u00a0 Further renovations updated the first three levels.\u00a0 To commemorate this major event, Higbee\u2019s advertising department introduced its latest slogan, \u201cIt\u2019s Smart to Shop at Higbee\u2019s.\u201d\r\n\r\nWith the intention of expanding its retail operations into western Pennsylvania, Dillard\u2019s, in February 1988, began merger talks with the Joseph Horne Company.\u00a0 Previously owned by Associated Dry Goods, a local investment group consisting of former Horne employees and Maverick Fund shareholders now controlled this prestigious Pittsburgh-based 15-store chain.\u00a0 In 1985, it generated $209,000,000 in sales.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s refusal that August to accept the rigid terms established by Pittsburgh\u00a0National Bank\u00a0in the loan agreement brought negotiations to a halt.\u00a0 The ensuing court battle initiated by Horne\u2019s investors over supposed damages resulting from Dillard\u2019s sudden pullout led Edward J. DeBartolo\u00a0and Dillard\u2019s legal counsel to make a counter offer.\u00a0 They proposed purchasing the Horne\u2019s retail chain for $74,000,000 and assuming its $160,000,000 debt.\u00a0 The courts flatly refused that deal and merger talks ended.[footnote]Russell, Mark. \u201cExpansion was part of Horne\u2019s Deal.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 3, 1988.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nDillard\u2019s\u00a0wasted no time in initiating further changes in leadership and additional staff reductions.\u00a0 Robert Broadbent\u00a0in February 1989 announced his retirement after twenty-five years of service.[footnote]Russell, Mark. \u201cRetired Head of Higbee\u2019s Plans to Keep Busy with Civic Activities.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 7, 1989.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s board, later that same month, eliminated 90 more middle level management and staff positions.\u00a0 Departments affected by this latest round of cuts included advertising, planning, marketing and accounting.[footnote]Russell, Mark. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Eliminates about Ninety Positions.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 28, 1989.[\/footnote] These layoffs did not impact sales at all as that department continued to grow.\r\n\r\nOver the next two month span, both R. Bruce Campbell\u00a0and Nancy McCann\u00a0resigned.[footnote]Ibid<\/em>.[\/footnote] Campbell, the developer of the bar code and coordinator for the film \u201cA Christmas Story,\u201d established his own consulting firm that specialized in executive compensation and employee development.\u00a0 McCann left Higbee\u2019s to become the new Marketing Director at Tower City\u00a0Center.\u00a0 Officials in March 1989 moved the downtown music center to Severance Center.\r\n\r\nDeBartolo and Dillard\u2019s, that April, sued the Cleveland-based accounting firm of Ernest & Whinney\u00a0and Brierly Industries\u00a0for their negligence in not disclosing relevant information concerning Higbee\u2019s most recent financial crisis.[footnote]\u201cHigbee Executive Moves to Tower City Center.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 4, 1989. Russell, Mark. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Sues Prior Owner, Accountants.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 13, 1989.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Specifically, they had not divulged the fact that their initial capitalization of Higbee\u2019s resulted from their withholding of vital tax returns.\u00a0 The previous owners never mentioned the likelihood of impropriety, on their part, or the fact that their actions might leave open the possibility of extensive tax liability for both Edward J. DeBartolo\u00a0and Dillard\u2019s based on the federal tax code.\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s financial picture brightened significantly during the 1st quarter of 1989 with earnings increasing by 22.2% over the previous year.\u00a0 National net sales during that same quarter climbed to $598,065,000 up from $517,382,000 in 1988.[footnote]\u201cEarnings Briefs, Dillard.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 10, 1989.[\/footnote] Stockholders that June appointed H. Gene Nau\u00a0as Board Chairman and John S. Lupo\u00a0as President.[footnote]\u201cUpdate on Business, Cleveland, Higbee Plans.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 29, 1989.[\/footnote] Edward J. DeBartolo\u00a0in July unveiled plans to build two new branch stores: one to be located at South Park Mall\u00a0in Strongsville, OH\u00a0the other at Stow-Kent Regional Shopping Center in Kent, OH.[footnote]\u201cUpdate on Business, Cleveland, Higbee Plans.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 8, 1989. \u201cMay Dillard Likely to Bid on Lazarus.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 26, 1989.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nDecreasing sales led the board, in September 1989, to approve further consolidation downtown.\u00a0 This included leasing three floors for office space and closing both the Silver Grille\u00a0and Bistro restaurants.[footnote]Freeh, John. \u201cHigbee to Close Restaurants Downtown.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 4, 1989.[\/footnote]\u00a0 These closings led a group of angry customers to send a petition to the Dillard Company\u2019s Board of Directors asking them to reconsider their actions.\u00a0 However, this petition effort had little impact on the final outcome.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s\u00a0net income for the 3rd quarter of 1989 soared 40% to $24,200,000, while net sales rose to $727,200,000.[footnote]\u201cUpdate on Business, Cleveland, Dillard Earnings Soar.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 7, 1989.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe New Year brought further changes.\u00a0 Little Rock, in January 1990, authorized an additional managerial shakeup.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s Special Events Director Jane Lisy\u00a0resigned her post to join her former boss Nancy McCann\u00a0at Tower City.[footnote]\u201cAs the World Turns.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 10, 1990.[\/footnote] The Euclid Square store, later in January, hosted a special four-day Arts and Crafts Show.\u00a0 Store President John S. Lupo\u00a0defended the board\u2019s recent decision to further consolidate downtown operations.\u00a0 He believed that their actions set the stage for an even better store in the future.[footnote]Carmen, Fred. \u201cThe Man of Distinction Clevelander has a Look of his Own.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 18, 1990.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nStore executives, in February 1989, approved the construction of a new 160,000 square foot store at Chapel Hill Mall\u00a0in Akron, OH.[footnote]\u201cHigbee\u2019s to Open Store in Akron Mall.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 31, 1990.[\/footnote] Dillard\u2019s\u00a0reported a 30% jump nationally in 4th Quarter net earnings for 1989 to $85,500,000, while net sales increased by 24% to top the one billion mark at $1,090,000,000.[footnote]Freeh, John. \u201cSales Earnings Up for Quarter, Year at Dillard Stores.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 1, 1990.[\/footnote] Per-share year-end dividends improved from $3.53 to $4.36.\u00a0 Following Tower City\u2019s precedent, Dillard\u2019s extended its store hours from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 12 Noon to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays.[footnote]Freeh, John. \u201cDowntown Store Hours Extended.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 28, 1990.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Store officials that May sponsored a contest in which they asked customers to fill out entry forms describing why they liked Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 The winner received a $100 gift certificate.[footnote]\u201cI Like Higbee\u2019s Because.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 13, 1990.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nDillard\u2019s, during the first three months of 1990, reported a 50% increase in net earnings to $742,382,000 from $598,065,000 in 1989, while net sales soared 24% to $29,390,000 from the previous year\u2019s level of $19,582,000.[footnote]\u201cEarnings Briefs, Dillard Stores.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 16, 1990.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Consistently high profits convinced Edward J. DeBartolo\u00a0and Dillard\u2019s to expand their operations in Akron and Columbus markets.[footnote]Gerdel, Thomas W. \u201cDillard Plans Expansion of Higbee Retail Chain.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 27, 1990.[\/footnote] Dillard\u2019s daily activities appeared unaffected by the recent bankruptcies of both Allied and Federated chains.\u00a0 Officials believed that further staff reductions were unlikely since Dillard\u2019s did not need additional cash now.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s that April expanded its jewelry lines and introduced Judith Leiber\u00a0fashion accessories.[footnote]Washington, Roxanne. \u201cHandbag Artistry.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 15, 1990.[\/footnote]\u00a0 It also became the only department store in Greater Cleveland to sell Nimes umbrellas.[footnote]\u201cFind the Best Prices from the Best Names at Higbee\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 28, 1990.[\/footnote] Popular events hosted by Higbee\u2019s in 1990 included a WEWS-TV\u00a0Channel 5 \u201cLife on Five\u201d Program from Tower City\u00a0Center, Liz Claiborne\u00a0Week, the Annual Back-to-School Sales, Alsy Lamp Week and Leslie Fay Week.\r\n\r\nDillard\u2019s, that August, filed a request with the SEC to offer 4,000,000 shares of Class A common stock for sale as a way of reducing the company\u2019s current debt.[footnote]\u201cDillard to Offer Stock to Cut Commercial Debt.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 2, 1990.[\/footnote] Corporate headquarters, on October 6, 1990, made a big announcement.\u00a0 The board announced the appointment of James Wilson, the former chief of its San Antonio\u00a0division, as its new director of retail operations Cleveland-division.[footnote]Funk, Nancy M. \u201cDillard Executive Named New Chairman at Higbee\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 6, 1990.[\/footnote] Higbee\u2019s old guard leadership expressed some reservations but to no avail.\u00a0 Wilson prided himself on his no-nonsense approach to management.\u00a0 He envisioned a great future for Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s management changes did not end with Wilson\u2019s appointment.\r\n\r\nThe Board of Directors also announced the election of H. Gene Nau\u00a0as President and called for the elimination of three key positions: Merchandise General Manager, Director of Stores and Marketing and Advertising Director.\u00a0 John S. Lupo, Jerry Heogner, Marco Nolfi\u00a0and John P. McGinty, in one fell swoop, were gone.\u00a0 John Lupo left Cleveland to become the Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Walmart, while Jerry Hoegner\u00a0joined Higbee\u2019s chief competitor, the May Company.\u00a0 Marco Nolfi\u00a0became a professor at Kent State University.\r\n\r\nDillard\u2019s\u00a0claimed that recent downturns in sales prompted this action.\u00a0 But, insiders knew better.\u00a0 Unsubstantiated rumors claimed that the Little Rock\u00a0headquarters planned to replace all current Higbee managers by year\u2019s end.\u00a0 These rumors, denied the board, turned out to be true.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s, beginning in November 1990, launched the first in a series of major layoffs when it downsized its security division.[footnote]Funk, Nancy M. \u201cHigbee Company to Chop Jobs in its Security Division.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 2, 1990.[\/footnote] The Board of Directors also refused to hire Santa Claus\u00a0for its Cleveland stores and moved the popular Twigbee Shop\u00a0to the Mallard Bay Company.\u00a0 Officials during the first week of December announced that Tower City\u00a0Center, not Higbee\u2019s, was to sponsor Mr. Jingeling\u00a0and the Talking Spruce\u00a0this Christmas season.[footnote]Funk, Nancy M. \u201cSanta, Helpers Move to Tower City for Season.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 3, 1990.[\/footnote] Protests by customers, especially regarding the cancellation of Mr. Jingeling, led store executives to reconsider their hasty decision.\u00a0 Mr. Jingeling soon returned to Higbee\u2019s, but only, on a limited basis.[footnote]French, Janet Beighle. \u201cThe Ever Green Mr. Jingeling.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 15, 1990.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nOn a positive note, Higbee\u2019s and WQAL-FM successfully co-sponsored the Sharing Tree Program.[footnote]Strassmeyer, Mary. \u201cMary, Mary.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 23, 1990.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Thousands of Cleveland\u2019s less fortunate received free gifts.\u00a0 One popular store promotion, introduced in 1990, provided free passes to Severance Center\u00a0movie theatres for shoppers spending more than $25 on Christmas items.[footnote]\u201cSeverance Movie Month.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 11, 1991.[\/footnote] Replicas of Art Deco\u00a0jewelry by Mort Schwartz\u00a0and free cosmetic samples awaited discriminating Higbee shoppers that Christmas.[footnote]\u201cStyle Trek, Pieces of History.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 20, 1991.[\/footnote] The Board of Directors, at the end of February 1991, reported a 23% increase in net profits for the year ending January 31st.\u00a0 It earned $182,788,000 equal to $5.01 a share as compared to $148,092,000 or $4.36 a share in 1989.\u00a0 Net sales, over that same period of time, topped $3,605,518,000 in 1990 vs. $3,049,062,000 the previous year.[footnote]\u201cEarnings Brief, Dillard Stores.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 28, 1991.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nTwo former managers Marco Nolfi\u00a0and John P. McGinty in March 1991 sued Higbee\u2019s for the severance packages they had never received.\u00a0 They sought damages equaling $430,000.[footnote]Funk, Nancy M. \u201cTwo Former Executives Sue Higbee Company in Dispute over Severance Pay.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 14, 1991.[\/footnote] Higbee\u2019s, that April, celebrated Earthfest\u00a0followed by Young Men & Men\u2019s Action Week.\u00a0 Customers flocked to both events.\u00a0 Stockholders announced that 1st quarter net earnings for 1991 jumped by 30% to $38,100,000, while net sales increased by 19.3% to $886,000,000.\u00a0 Board members that June elected Roy D. Grimes\u00a0of the New Orleans\u00a0division to replace James B. Wilson as Chief of Operations.\u00a0 The federal bankruptcy court that same summer rejected Dillard\u2019s\u00a0bid of $74,500,000 for twelve Maas Brothers\u00a0and Jordan Marsh stores.\u00a0 Federated Department Stores\u00a0had previously owned both.\u00a0 Mervyn\u2019s of California\u00a0won the bid and spent $80,000,000 for both chains.[footnote]\u201cBusiness Briefs Local, Dillard Soars.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 14, 1991.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe inability of Dillard\u2019s\u00a0to secure this major deal did not faze this retailer.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s board members in February 1992 reported that the store\u2019s net income for the 4th Quarter of 1991 rose to $206,200,000 as compared to $182,800,000 in 1990.\u00a0 Net sales, over the same period, increased to $4,040,000,000 from $3,610,000,000 a year ago.[footnote]\u201cDillard\u2019s Ekes Out Increase.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 26, 1992.[\/footnote] With solid gains behind them, board members, that same month, purchased five Joseph Horne\u2019s stores.\u00a0 Craig Weichman, the Managing Director of Morgan Keegan Incorporated, praised Dillard\u2019s for its shrewdness.\r\n\r\nAll five stores automatically became Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 These converted Horne branches remained opened even when Higbee\u2019s operated its-own store within the same shopping center or mall.\u00a0 Legal experts contended that operating two or more retail outlets within the same shopping complex might be construed as constraint on trade.\u00a0 However, Dillard\u2019s\u00a0attorneys demonstrated little concern.\u00a0 Legal precedents existed for such practices.\r\n\r\nEdward J. DeBartolo\u2019s corporation, in an unexpected move that July, divested itself of its Dillard\u2019s\u00a0stock.\u00a0 This dissolution enabled DeBartolo to control the former Horne\u2019s store at Randall Park Mall, while Dillard\u2019s retained stores at Great Lakes, Westgate, Severance Center\u00a0and South Park malls.\u00a0 The conversion of 450,000 square feet of the Public Square store to office space continued.[footnote]Clark, Sandra. \u201cDeBartolo to Sell Its Share in Higbee Chain to Dillard.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 18, 1992.[\/footnote] However, that was not the end of the story.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s, less than a week later, leveled its-own bombshell.\u00a0 All its Northeast\u00a0Ohio\u00a0stores, by the end of August 1992, would be changed over from Higbee\u2019s to Dillard\u2019s.[footnote]Clark, Sandra. \u201cDillard to Rename Seventy-One Higbee Stores.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 25, 1992.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThat shocking news was not totally unexpected.\u00a0 Rumors of major changes at Higbee\u2019s had been circulating for months.\u00a0 Officials at Little Rock\u00a0defended their actions by claiming that they were simply following traditional merger practices.[footnote]Ibid<\/em>.[\/footnote] The Board of Directors attempted to console customers by claiming that its benefits far outweighed any temporary disadvantages.\u00a0 Others in retailing knew better.\u00a0 It was a disingenuous act.\r\n\r\nAstute business leaders recognized the irony in all of this.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s\u00a0took control of a popular department store whose financial success originated with dedicated retailers, many born and bred in Cleveland.\u00a0 They prided themselves on their ability to offer the kind of high quality merchandise and first class services expected and demanded by their customers all under the respected Higbee banner.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s executives never fully understood its psychological appeal or importance.\u00a0 Little Rock\u00a0officials did not comprehend that Cleveland\u2019s retail market was markedly different from both the South and West.\u00a0 One size does not fit all, how could it?\r\n\r\nThis realization, so evident to other astute retailers, only grew in importance over time.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s\u00a0universally applied retail strategies and theories may have worked initially, but not for the long haul.\u00a0\u00a0 Second quarter figures in 1992 showed a 12% increase in earnings topping $974,800,000 equal to $.33 a share.[footnote]\u201cBusiness Briefs.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 11, 1992.[\/footnote] However, the downtown store continued to lose money.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s, in 2002, closed its Public Square store.\u00a0 The store remained largely vacant until 2012 when it reopened as the glitzy Horseshoe Casino\u00a0Cleveland.\u00a0 Caesar\u2019s Entertainment\u00a0and Rock Gaming invested $350,000,000 to convert over 96,000 square feet of this former anchor store into a first class gambling facility.\u00a0 With 2,100 slot machines and 63 gambling tables, the casino has retained much of the architectural details and artistic flair associated with the original building.\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s demise as a retailer, began in 1984, with its buyout by Brierly Industries\u00a0and culminated eight years later with its divestiture by DeBartolo.\u00a0 However, the signs of economic trouble were evident much earlier.\u00a0 Some analysts trace it back to 1978 when Higbee\u2019s Board of Directors faced the first in a series of major financial crisis.\u00a0 The management shakeup that same year resulting from growing competition by discounters and fierce rivalries among traditional downtown competitors such as the May Company changed Cleveland retailing forever.\u00a0 However, few local retailers chose to acknowledge it then.\r\n\r\nHigbee\u2019s new owners in the mid-1980s made money on their investment and Higbee\u2019s profited from their actions.\u00a0 However, growing competition from discounters and other national chains made it decidedly more difficult for traditional department stores\u00a0to remain at the top of the game.\u00a0 Escalating real estate prices also made competing more difficult.\u00a0 Brierly Industries\u00a0did the best they could to remain competitive within a changing market.\u00a0 However, they were answerable to investors who wanted high profits with minimum overhead costs.\r\n\r\nThese investors pressured Brierly to seek out other, more lucrative offers.\u00a0 The subsequent sale by Brierly Industries\u00a0to the Edward J. DeBartolo\u00a0Corporation and Dillard Department Store chain provided Brierly Industries with a good amount of additional capital which they readily invested elsewhere.\u00a0 Nothing sinister in such action, it makes perfect business sense.\u00a0\u00a0 Unfortunately, the Little Rock-based retailer was not fully prepared to handle a department store like Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 It was like no other.\r\n\r\nAn expanding retail chain Dillard\u2019s\u00a0imposed its-own management style on all its stores including Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 What worried analysts then was not the business method in itself, which they assumed would guarantee maximum profit and minimum overhead costs; but rather, the arbitrary way in which Dillard\u2019s officials orchestrated these changes.\u00a0 Uniform policies, dictated by competent accountants nurtured within a cutthroat corporate environment, may have enabled Dillard\u2019s to fulfill its objectives, but at whose expense?\r\n\r\nCloser inspection suggests that there is much more than that to Higbee\u2019s story.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s reluctance to continually reinvent itself to meet the changing economic and social challenges posed by the fast-paced global market of the 1960s and 1970s undoubtedly set the stage for future difficulties.\u00a0 Add into this unsavory business mix, some unprofitable branch stores, high inventories\u00a0and drowning debt and the tragedy begins to unfold.\r\n\r\nViewing it from the Dillard\u2019s\u00a0perspective, its leadership must be commended for weathering the economic highs and lows of the Millennium\u00a0to remain one of the nation\u2019s top retailers.\u00a0 The atmosphere within their stores is pleasant and its sales staff is both friendly and knowledgeable.\u00a0 It is a class above discount department stores.\u00a0 Yet, no matter how pleasurable or rewarding that shopping experience may be for Clevelanders, it still lacks the hometown look and feel that once characterized Higbee\u2019s.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n

ENDNOTES<\/strong><\/p>\r\n1. \u201cNew Advertisement,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 21, 1860.\r\n2. \u201cAmusement, A Card,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 14, 1875.\r\n3. \u201cSecured the Sum,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 23, 1892.\r\n4. \u201cShocking Death Mr. J.G. Hower, the Merchant, Instantly Killed,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 11, 1897.\r\n5. \u201cThe Higbee Company is Formed,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 20, 1902.\r\n6. \u201cTax Returns Show Millions Increase,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 28, 1911. \u201cIn Business Forty Years,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 4, 1910.\r\n7. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Tailored Suits for Women at $25 and $39,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 8, 1908. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Thanksgiving Linens,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer.\r\n8. \u201cHigbee\u2019s to Have 9-Floor Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 3, 1913.\r\n9. \u201cHigbee Company Passes into New Control,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 30, 1913.\r\n10. \u201cClaflin Stores May Pay Their Own Notes,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 28, 1914.\r\n11. \u201cThe Higbee Company 63rd Anniversary Sale,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 30, 1923.\r\n12. \u201cThe Higbee Company, We Return in Savings Checks 2% of Your Purchase,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 27, 1915.\r\n13. \u201cNew Issue, Tax Exempt in Ohio and Exempt from Normal Federal Income Tax, 8% Cumulative Preferred Stock,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 6, 1920.\r\n14. J.G. Monnett Jr., \u201cHigbee Expansion to Cost Millions,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 25, 1922.\r\n15. \u201cHigbee Company Stock is Offered to Public,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 13, 1923.\r\n16. \u201cThe Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 18, 1924.\r\n17. \u201cArmy to Start Two Hospitals Now,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 30, 1928.\r\n18. \u201cPreferred Issues Lead in Activity,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 15, 1929.\r\n19. \u201cCleveland Stock Quotations,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 26, 1931.\r\n20. \u201cThe Higbee Company Requires Former Employees Wishing to Help in Special Sales to Call Between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 23, 1930.\r\n21. \u201cNow at the new Higbee Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 18, 1931.\r\n22. Dale Cox, \u201c2000 to Work on New Higbee Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 18, 1930. \u201cVan\u2019s Group Here Among Largest Deals in Realty,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 4, 1931.\r\n23. \u201cDreary Pay-Off Year Behind Us,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 2, 1932.\r\n24. \u201cTo the New Higbee Store on Public Square Open Today,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 8, 1931.\r\n25. \u201cExpect Great Things,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 4, 1931.\r\n26. \u201cService, The New Higbee Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 6, 1931.\r\n27. Ibid.\r\n28. Herbert Strawbridge, Remembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences (Cleveland: Western Reserve Historical Society, 2004), 67.\r\n29. \u201cHigbee 71st Anniversary, A Fine New Store with Fine Old Traditions,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 18, 1931.\r\n30. Robert S, Stephan, \u201cWHK to Build New Studios on Higbee Roof in Terminal,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 8, 1931.\r\n31. \u201cHigbee Under New Charter,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 20, 1931.\r\n32. \u201cHigbee Service Department in Terminal Garage Drive in Today!\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 31, 1932.\r\n33. Oscar A. Bergman, \u201cAt the Stores and Shops,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 26, 1936. Oscar A. Bergman, \u201cHigbee Tower Stands Near Exposition Center,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 5, 1936.\r\n34. \u201cGlobe Theatre at the Great Lakes Exposition,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 19, 1936.\r\n35. \u201cNow in Full Swing, The Long Awaited Event, the Great Higbee Removal Sales,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 21, 1931.\r\n36. Dale Cox, \u201cThe Byproduct,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 28, 1932.\r\n37. Glenn C. Pullen, \u201cStore Wanted for Caf\u00e9,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 5, 1934.\r\n38. \u201cNew Merchandise at Sales Prices,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 7, 1934.\r\n39. \u201cHigbee Suit is Upheld,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 21, 1936.\r\n40. \u201cRules for Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 16, 1936.\r\n41. James G. Monnett, Jr., \u201cUnion Club Asks $298,510 Tax Cut, Former John Hartness Brown and Higbee Building also in Hearing,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 8, 1936.\r\n42. James G. Monnett, Jr., \u201cNavy Will Take Over Old Higbee Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 27, 1942.\r\n43. James G. Monnett, Jr., \u201cNavy Quarters Ready Monday,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 30, 1943.\r\n44. Adin C. Rider, \u201cOld Higbee Building Sold,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 3, 1946.\r\n45. \u201cChain Reported Buying Lindner\u2019s, Allied Negotiations Linked with Old Higbee Site,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 29, 1947. \u201cNew Lindner\u2019s to Become General Department Store, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 30, 1947.\r\n46. Cornelia Curtiss, \u201cGarden Clubs Are Holding Fall Festival of Four Days in Former Higbee Building,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 6, 1932.\r\n47. \u201cHigbee Company Will Sell McNally-Doyle Products,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 1, 1933.\r\n48. \u201cParking,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 31, 1933.\r\n49. \u201cHigbee A La Carte Luncheon Feature $.45,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 3, 1933.\r\n50. \u201cNew Higbee Shoe Hospital,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 11, 1933. \u201cPay off Checks,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 27, 1933. \u201cOffer Typewriting School\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 7, 1933.\r\n51. \u201cWiden Basement Lines, Higbee Company Departments to be Expanded Monday,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 23, 1935.\r\n52. Grace V. Kelly, \u201cArt Teachers Today Show Own Prints and Paintings,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 18, 1936.\r\n53. Cornelia Curtiss, \u201cFind first Lady\u2019s Greetings Genuine,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 12, 1936. Eleanor Clarage, \u201cMain Street Meditations,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 20, 1936.\r\n54. Charles W. Lawrence, \u201cBall Representing his Foundation, Transfers Mid America\u2019s Holding,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 27, 1937.\r\n55. \u201cRemains Cleveland-Owned,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 29, 1937.\r\n56. \u201cNew Higbee Plan Upholds Woods, Percent Rent Provided with Lower Minimal,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 29, 1940.\r\n57. \u201cLegal Notice, District Court of U.S. Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, No. 36. 119,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 20, 1938.\r\n58. \u201cShiverick, Rites to be Tomorrow,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 2, 1937.\r\n59. \u201cHigbee Company Wins Rent Reduction,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 4, 1938.\r\n60. \u201cFile Suit to Gain Higbee Ownership,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 29, 1941. \u201cHigbee Plan Confirmed,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 8, 1941.\r\n61. \u201cAdvertise Block of Higbee Stock, Young and Kirby Indicate Control of Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 5, 1942.\r\n62. \u201cNew Farnsworth Radio,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 9, 1939.\r\n63. \u201cNow a Super New Telephone Service,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 4, 1940.\r\n64. James J. Monnett, \u201cWoods Approves Higbee Company Plan,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 2, 1941.\r\n65. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Company Declares $1.25,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 25, 1943.\r\n66. Ibid.\r\n67. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cEarnings of Higbee Company Up Sharply Past Year,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 3, 1943. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cHigbee to Pay 75 Cents,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 17, 1943.\r\n68. Eugene F. Gleason, \u201cBond Piper Plays $69,599,325 Tune, Big Money Rolls Out at Auction of War Relics,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 2, 1944.\r\n69. \u201cThe Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 17, 1943.\r\n70. \u201cJohn P. Murphy Is Higbee President,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 15, 1944.\r\n71. \u201cElected New Members of the Board of Directors of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 12, 1944.\r\n72. \u201cQuiz\u2019 em A News Question Answer Game,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 24, 1944.\r\n73. \u201cWith the Speakers,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 23, 1944.\r\n74. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cBorrowers Pay Loans Rapidly,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 31, 1944.\r\n75. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cHigbee Would Split Shares, Exercise Option on Building,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 29, 1945.\r\n76. Ibid.\r\n77. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Earns $1,922,505 for Year Despite Area Strikes,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 26, 1950.\r\n78. \u201cSix Stores Adopt Charga-Plates,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 9, 1945.\r\n79. Strawbridge, Remembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences, 159.\r\n80. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cHigbee Earns $6.22 Share Past Year,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 26, 1946.\r\n81. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cHigbee Company Votes Dividends,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 21, 1946.\r\n82. Strawbridge, Remembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences, 73. \u201cEuclid Avenue Building Group to House WHK,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 3, 1947.\r\n83. Allan Hinton, \u201cPays $22.50 Dividends,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 17, 1947.\r\n84. \u201cHundreds Set for Model Plane Test,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 11, 1948. \u201cCelebrating Army Day,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 7, 1948.\r\n85. Strawbridge, Remembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences, 76. \u201cSportsmen, the Event of the Year,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 21, 1948.\r\n86. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Annual Sales Hit $41,997,301 All-Time Peak,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 27, 1949.\r\n87. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Earns $1,922,505 for Year,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 26, 1950.\r\n88. \u201cBecause Cleveland is the Best Location in the Nation Higbee\u2019s is the Best Location in Cleveland,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 14, 1949.\r\n89. \u201cChristmas Season to Open on Santa Square Saturday,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 12, 1950.\r\n90. \u201cHigbee\u2019s to Open New Music Center,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 9, 1951.\r\n91. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cExperts C. & O. \u201951 Profit Will Equal $4.45 a Share,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 20, 1951.\r\n92. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cHigbee $44,335,533 Sales Are Largest in 92 Years,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 2, 1952.\r\n93. \u201cNLRB Warns Two Unions,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 2, 1952.\r\n94. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cHigbee Sales Rise Third Year to Peak at $46,070,632.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 26, 1953.\r\n95. \u201cAlva Bradley II Gets Highest Post,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 4, 1953.\r\n96. J.A. Wadovick, \u201cHigbee to Open Hall Thursday,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 4, 1953.\r\n97. \u201cWomen\u2019s Group, Cleveland Dental Society,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 14, 1954.\r\n98. John E. Bryan, \u201cVote Extra Dividend,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 18, 1953.\r\n99. \u201cRecord Volume of 94 Year History, Reported by Higbee,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 28, 1954.\r\n100. \u201cPersonalized Christmas Card Shop,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 23, 1954.\r\n101. \u201cAlexander New Higbee Ad Chief,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 2, 1954.\r\n102. \u201cHigbee\u2019s is the Store with More,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 14, 1955.\r\n103. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Speaker Rates Cleveland as Cultured City, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 2, 1955.\r\n104. John E. Bryan, \u201cHigbee Annual Sales Are Second Highest in History,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 28, 1955.\r\n105. \u201cDavy Crockett looking for Pals,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 31, 1955.\r\n106. \u201cCleveland Rose Society to Display Blooms at Higbee\u2019s\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 5, 1955.\r\n107. \u201cPreferred is Retired,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 23, 1955\r\n108. John E. Bryan, \u201cHigbee Sales Reach Record 50 Million,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 23, 1956.\r\n109. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Hikes Shares,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 12, 1956.\r\n110. Strawbridge, Remembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences,\u201d 86.\r\n111. \u201cWins Merit Award,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 28, 1956.\r\n112. \u201cKeep Abreast of Shopping News,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 2, 1956.\r\n113. \u201cHigbee Choir, Monroe on Monitor Today,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 22, 1956.\r\n114. \u201cMarc Jonas to Direct Higbee\u2019s Advertising,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 1, 1957.\r\n115. \u201cScholastic Art Winners Here receive Citations,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 12, 1957.\r\n116. \u201cSales of Higbee Company Climb to New Highs,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 23, 1957.\u201d\r\n117. \u201cJuly Savers,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 30, 1957.\r\n118. \u201cHigbee Company Wins National Award for Advertising,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 19, 1958.\r\n119. Norman Melnick and Martin T. Ranta, \u201cHeights Ends Bar to New Big Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 8, 1958.\r\n120. John E. Bryan, \u201cHigbee Company Reports Another Good Year,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 21, 1958.\r\n121. \u201cTonight is Family Night at Higbee\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 29, 1958. \u201cHigbee Bands Give Concert in Square,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 30, 1958.\r\n122. \u201cJuly Savers,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 13, 1958.\r\n123. \u201cElected Higbee V.P.,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 29, 1958. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Names New Controller,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 3, 1958.\r\n124. \u201cHigbee Head Director of Retail Group,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 14, 1959.\r\n125. \u201cHeights Site of Higbee\u2019s First Branch,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 22, 1959.\r\n126. \u201cHigbee and Halle Stores to be in Heights Center,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 30, 1959.\r\n127. \u201cHigbee\u2019s to be First,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 22, 1959.\r\n128. \u201cJohn P. Murphy President of Higbee\u2019e Denied Rumors of a Merger with Federal Department Stores,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 19, 1959.\r\n129. JohnE. Bryn, \u201cNew Chief Slated in Merger Plans of Industrial Rayon,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 22, 1959.\r\n130. \u201cCosmetics, Notions, Stationary Event,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 10, 1960.\r\n131. John E. Bryan, \u201cHigbee Earnings, Sales Hit Highs,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 25, 1960.\r\n132. \u201cOur Centennial Salute to 1960 Olympics,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 5, 1960.\r\n133. Mary Strassmeyer, \u201cFifty-Year Stretch at Higbee\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 5, 1960.\r\n134. Ted Princiotto, \u201cHigbee\u2019s marks 100 Cheerful Years,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 4, 1960.\r\n135. \u201cSteel Exhibition to Open Monday at Higbee Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 5, 1960. \u201cHigbee World of Toys,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 8, 1960.\r\n136. Eugene Segal, \u201cHigbee\u2019s to Open Westgate Branch,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 15, 1960.\r\n137. \u201c$6 Million Westgate Plans Set by Higbee,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 7, 1961.\r\n138. Adin C. Rider, \u201cOhio Crankshaft Building is Purchased by Higbee\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 5, 1961.\r\n139. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Westgate Is Opening Tomorrow,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 1, 1961.\r\n140. Strawbridge, Remembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences, 167. \u201cA New Higbee Christmas Shoppers\u2019 Service,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 24, 1961.\r\n141. \u201cHigbee Nine-Month Net is $622,617.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 1, 1961.\r\n142. John E. Bryan, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Shows Hike in Earnings,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 3, 1962.\r\n143. Adin C. Rider, \u201cSeverance Center to Have Bazaar Air,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 25, 1962.\r\n144. \u201cHigbee\u2019s The Store With More,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 2, 1962.\r\n145. \u201cHigbee Reports Sales, Profits Up,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 21, 1962.\r\n146. John E. Bryan, \u201cHigbee Annual Sales at Peak; Profit Dips,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 23, 1963.\r\n147. Ibid.\r\n148. \u201cChuckle-along with Jeff Baxter and Jack Riley,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 13, 1963.\r\n149. \u201cHigbee\u2019s is Designed to Meet All Needs of Heights Shoppers,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 4, 1963.\r\n150. \u201cSales Gain at Higbee\u2019s Profits Dip,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 30, 1963.\r\n151. \u201cHigbee Company Hires Wyse Ad Agency,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 14, 1963.\r\n152. \u201cSantagrams to Go to a Half Million,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 18, 1963.\r\n153. \u201cHigbee\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 12, 1964.\r\n154. \u201c1700 Girl Scouts Will Dress Up Dolls for Service Project,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 29, 1964.\r\n155. \u201cIndian-Higbee Boy\u2019s Dugout Club Formed,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 1, 1964.\r\n156. \u201cBoost in Sales Income Reported by Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 20, 1964. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Sears Plan Stores in Elyria Midway Mall, \u201c The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 9, 1964.\r\n157. \u201cHigbee Realigns Branch Operations Makes Three Executive Appointments,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 3, 1964.\r\n158. John E. Bryan, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Profits Rose By 41% for First Half of \u201964,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 30, 1964.\r\n159. \u201cHigbee Plans to Add to area Stores,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 30, 1964.\r\n160. \u201cFTC Charges Price Favors to Higbee\u2019s Others,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 1, 1964.\r\n161. \u201cHigbee Company\u2019s Profits Soar 19.6%,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 24, 1965.\r\n162. Michael Kelly, \u201cHigbee\u2019s to Join New Parmatown Complex,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 21, 1965.\r\n163. \u201cGround Breaking Held at Elyria\u2019s Midway Mall,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 29, 1965. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Cinderella\u2019s Fantasia Breakfast,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 20, 1965.\r\n164. \u201cHigbee Westgate Budget Store Has Official Opening Tomorrow,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 23, 1966.\r\n165. \u201cHigbee Sales Income at All-Time Highs,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 17, 1966.\r\n166. \u201cHigbee Plans Stock Dividend, Expansion; Top Aide to retire,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 14, 1966.\r\n167. \u201cCenter Planned Near Canton,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 8, 1966.\r\n168. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Seeks Browns Mascot,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 4, 1966.\r\n169. John J. Cleary, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Proposes 3-for-2 Stock Split,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 30, 1967.\r\n170. \u201cShop Idea New with Higbee\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 4, 1967. \u201cCrowd Jam New Higbee Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 6, 1967.\r\n171. \u201cHigbee Dividend,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 28, 1967.\r\n172. \u201cHigbee Auto Rentals Readied,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 4, 1967.\r\n173. \u201cHigbee Company Plans Store in Mentor,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 14, 1968.\r\n174. \u201c$100-Million Unit Urged for Euclid,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 13, 1968.\r\n175. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Reports increase in Quarterly Profits, Sales,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 25, 1968.\r\n176. \u201cEnclosed Mall Planned at Westgate Center,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 21, 1968.\r\n177. \u201cStore Link Up Unites 200 Years\u2019 Service,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 1, 1969.\r\n178. John E. Bryan, \u201cHigbee Reports Accord on Purchase of McKelvey,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 22, 1969.\r\n179. \u201cUA Display to Focus on Agency Services,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 21, 1969.\r\n180. \u201cServicing Lake County, Higbee\u2019s is Community Center,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 12, 1969.\r\n181. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Looks Forward to Bright Christmas,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 2, 1969.\r\n182. Strawbridge, Remembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences, 157.\r\n183. Pauline Thoma, \u201cBlue Law problems Taper Off,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 11, 1970.\r\n184. Ann Hellmuth, \u201cU.S. Moves to Break Up Higbee, Burrow Merger,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 23, 1969.\r\n185. John J. Cleary, \u201cBrownell, Wright Earn Promotions at Higbee\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 31, 1970.\r\n186. John E. Bryan, \u201cProfit Gain Due, Cleveland Trust Told,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 17, 1970.\r\n187. John J. Cleary, \u201cHalle Brothers to be Sold to Marshall Field and Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 25, 1970.\r\n188. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Opens Store in New Stark Mall, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 6, 1970.\r\n189. \u201cPre-Christmas Savings Event,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 26, 1970.\r\n190. \u201cHigbee Expects Healthy Profitable Holiday Sales,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 3, 1970.\r\n191. John J. Cleary, \u201cHigbee Company Agrees to Sell Burrows Brothers Chain,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 2, 1971.\r\n192. William F. Miller, \u201cFive Suburban Higbee Stores Set Pre-Christmas Sunday Opening,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 17, 1971.\r\n193. \u201cFree Higbee\u2019s Gift Certificate,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 3, 1972.\r\n194. \u201cScandinavian Fortnight,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 1, 1972.\r\n195. \u201cEarnings Digest, Higbee Three-Month Net Rebounds,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 26, 1972.\r\n196. \u201cLocal Firm Boosted for Gateway Deal,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 23, 1972.\r\n197. For further details see Strawbridge, Remembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences.\r\n198. Terry Penderson, \u201cTips for Buyers Collector\u2019s Art Calls for Caution,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 31, 1972.\r\n199. John E. Bryan, \u201cCovington Projects Computer Automation as a Winner,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 25, 1973.\r\n200. Bruce Ellison, \u201cFive Black Leaders Here Form Downtown Bank,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 10, 1973.\r\n201. \u201cHigbee Company Chain Gained New Peaks in Past Year,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 7, 1973.\r\n202. Michael Kelly, \u201cRandall Mall to be Challenge to Downtown,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 8, 1973.\r\n203. \u201cBurrows Sales Completed Expansion Plan Outlined,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 9, 1973.\r\n204. \u201cSix Higbee Stores Set Sunday Sales,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 2, 1973.\r\n205. \u201cSavage Promoted by Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 19, 1973.\r\n206. \u201cHigbee Company Reports Record Sales, Profits,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 9, 1974.\r\n207. Bruce Ellison, \u201cStrawbridge is Businessman of Year,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 14, 1974.\r\n208. Thomas W. Gerdel, \u201cAmerican Greetings Shift Costs 450 Jobs,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 26, 1974.\r\n209. \u201cCourt Gives Euclid Mall Go-Ahead,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 20, 1974.\r\n210. \u201cHigbee\u2019s to Lease North Randall Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 5, 1974.\r\n211. Thomas W. Gerdel, \u201cNew Higbee Store to Open in Westgate,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 2,, 1974.\r\n212. William F. Miller, \u201cDali Museum is Postponed, Pollution Cited,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 13, 1976.\r\n213. \u201cHigbee Company Elevates Three; Two Become Vice Presidents,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 20, 1975.\r\n214. \u201cLower Profit is Reported by Higbee,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 4, 1975.\r\n215. \u201cBig Business Gives Big for Transit Tax,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 5, 1975.\r\n216. Bruce Ellison, \u201cHigbee\u2019s reports a Loss but Sees Profit in Future,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 28, 1975.\r\n217. Michael Kelly, \u201cSaks Eager to Realize Idea for Store Here Board Chairman Says,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 21, 1976.\r\n218. \u201cHigbee Company Reports Second Quarter Loss,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 26, 1976.\r\n219. \u201cExecutive Scene,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 3, 1977.\r\n220. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Three Winning Cards,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 19, 1977.\r\n221. Thomas W. Gerdel,\u201d Higbee Company Blames New Stores for Losses,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 23, 1977.\r\n222. Michael Kelly, \u201cHigbee President Decides to Bow Out; Replacement Sought,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 28, 1978.\r\n223. \u201cESM Department Store Has a First,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 1, 1978.\r\n224. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Reports Record Sales,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 5, 1978.\r\n225. \u201cUpdate,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 30, 1978.\r\n226. Michael Kelly, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Losses Big,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 25, 1978.\r\n227. Julie Wiernik, \u201cBroadbent is President of Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 1, 1978.\r\n228. \u201cHigbee May Trim Monday Hours Downtown,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 25, 1979. \u201cExecutive Scene,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 5, 1979.\r\n229. Mark Clausen, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Hopes For Better Times,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 26, 1979.\r\n230. \u201cChanging Positions,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 25, 1979.\r\n231. John Leo Koshar, \u201cYule was a Happy One for Cash Registers Here,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 27, 1979.\r\n232. \u201cEntries are Invited,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 24, 1980.\r\n233. \u201cNutrition Workshops Scheduled,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 20, 1980. \u201cIntroducing the Magnavision Video Disc System by Magnavox, Enjoy tonight,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 2, 1980.\r\n234. \u201cJerry Silverman\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 10, 1980.\r\n235. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Sells Its Interest in Hotel to the Browns,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 8. 1980.\r\n236. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Strawbridge Reports Better Outlook,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 24, 1980.\r\n237. \u201cOffshore Mutual Fund Buys Stake in Higbee,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 8, 1980.\r\n238. Ibid.\r\n239. \u201cDividends,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 24, 1980.\r\n240. \u201cForeign Investor Buys 5% of Higbee Stock, SEC is Told,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 13, 1981.\r\n241. \u201cEarnings Digest, Higbee,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 3, 1981.\r\n242. \u201cThe Kids\u2019 Race Around,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 28, 1981.\r\n243. \u201cEarnings Digest, Higbee,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 19, 1981.\r\n244. Stephen Talbott, \u201cSohio to Lease Space from Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 3, 1981.\r\n245. \u201cDividends,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 9, 1982.\r\n246. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Letter,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 29, 1982.\r\n247. \u201cForeign Investors Get More Higbee Shares,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 23, 1982.\r\n248. \u201cSohio Gets Women\u2019s Federal Site at Last,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 4, 1982.\r\n249. \u201cEarnings Digest, Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 20, 1982.\r\n250. \u201cEarnings Digest, Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 17, 1982.\r\n251. \u201cJingeling to Jangle at Higbee\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 23, 1982.\r\n252. \u201cCasting Under Way for Movie to be Filmed Here in January,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 19, 1982.\r\n253. \u201cDividends,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 8, 1983. Jonathan P. Hicks, \u201cHigbee \u201982 Sales Up 4.5% after Strong Fourth Quarter,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 28, 1983.\r\n254. Nancy Bigler Kersey, \u201cLinville Finds Love at M.A.S.H. Bash,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 6, 1983.\r\n255. John Fuller, \u201cHigbee has Best Year since 1977 Record Quarter,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 26, 1983.\r\n256. Mary Strassmeyer, \u201cMary, Mary,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 31, 1983.\r\n257. Mary Strassmeyer,\u201d Mary Mary,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 14, 1983.\r\n258. \u201cEarnings Digest, Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 12, 1983.\r\n259. Ibid.\r\n260. \u201cAustralian Named to Higbee Board,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 5, 1983.\r\n261. Donald Sabath, \u201cHigbee Reports Record Earnings,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 11, 1983.\r\n262. Ibid.\r\n263. \u201cSeven Higbee-Owned Shoe Stores are Sold to Sel-Joy Shoes,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 18, 1983.\r\n264. Marcus Gleisser, \u201cCity, State Start Promotions to Lure Business,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 22, 1984.\r\n265. \u201cJames Vadis Elected to High Higbee Posts,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 28, 1984.\r\n266. Ibid.\r\n267. Marcus Gleisser, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Sets Records in Sales and Profits,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 20, 1984.\r\n268. \u201cForeign Holders Seek More Higbee\u2019s Voice,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 4, 1984.\r\n269. Marcus Gleisser, \u201cFuture of Higbee\u2019s Depends Heavily on Foreign Holders,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 2, 1984.\r\n270. \u201cBusiness Scene,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 7, 1984.\r\n271. \u201cHigbee\u2019s, May\u2019s Seek Tax Cut,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 17, 1984.\r\n272. Marcus Gleisser, \u201cAustralians Purchase Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 11, 1984.\r\n273. Marcus Gleisser, Ninety Percent of Higbee Stock Offered to Group,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 10, 1984.\r\n274. Marcus Gleisser, \u201cFour New Presidents Named at Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 11, 1984.\r\n275. Marcus Gleisser, \u201cHigbee Debentures are Well Received,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 12, 1984.\r\n276. Marcus Gleisser, \u201cHigbee Company to Improve Downtown, Other Stores,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 7, 1985.\r\n277. \u201cExecutive Scene,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 8, 1985.\r\n278. Delinda Karle, \u201cRetailers are Hopping Here Despite Slow Sales,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 9, 1985.\r\n279. Marcus Gleisser, \u201cArea Retailers Note Stronger Sales,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 14, 1985.\r\n280. \u201cPlay Santa to a Needy Child,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 30, 1985.\r\n281. Marcus Gleisser, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Weighs Third Akron Store, Firm Confirms Plans for Rolling Acres Outlet,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 12, 1986.\r\n282. \u201cExecutive Scene,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 28, 1986.\r\n283. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Asks $9.2 Million County Bond,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 15, 1986.\r\n284. \u201cUse Your Higbee\u2019s Charge,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 1, 1987.\r\n285. Stephen G. Esrati, \u201cTruth Bent for Sake of Amity,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 5, 1987.\r\n286. Delinda Karle, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Plans Store at Mall in Cincinnati,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 24, 1987.\r\n287. Mark Russell and Bill Slout, \u201cJudge Backs Higbee\u2019s on Ending Lease,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 26, 1988.\r\n288. Alan A.A. Seifullah, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Began in 1860,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 1, 1987.\r\n289. Mark Russell, \u201cMay Department Stores Called Possible Suitor for Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 7, 1987.\r\n290. Delinda Karle, \u201cVeil of Secrecy Surrounds Bidding for Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 18, 1987.\r\n291. Mark Russell, \u201cCompetition Expected to Grow Under New Higbee\u2019s Ownership,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 1, 1988.\r\n292. Mark Russell, \u201cDillard\u2019s Own Way of Selling,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 10, 1988.\r\n293. Interview with former Higbee President John S. Lupo.\r\n294. Mark Russell, \u201cForty-Eight Fired by New Higbee Owner,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 2, 1988.\r\n295. \u201cHigbee Chief Predicts Employees to Shun Union,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 5, 1988.\r\n296. \u201cEarnings Briefs, Dillard Department Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 14, 1988.\r\n297. Mark Russell, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Basement Showcase,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 3, 1988.\r\n298. Mark Russell, \u201cExpansion was part of Horne\u2019s Deal,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 3, 1988.\r\n299. Mark Russell, \u201cRetired Head of Higbee\u2019s Plans to Keep Busy with Civic Activities,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 7, 1989.\r\n300. Mark Russell, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Eliminates about Ninety Positions,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 28, 1989.\r\n301. Ibid.\r\n302. \u201cHigbee Executive Moves to Tower City Center,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 4, 1989. Mark Russell, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Sues Prior Owner, Accountants,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 13, 1989.\r\n303. \u201cEarnings Briefs, Dillard,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 10, 1989.\r\n304. \u201cUpdate on Business, Cleveland, Higbee Plans,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 29, 1989.\r\n305. \u201cUpdate on Business, Cleveland, Higbee Plans,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 8, 1989. \u201cMay Dillard Likely to Bid on Lazarus,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 26, 1989.\r\n306. John Freeh, \u201cHigbee to Close Restaurants Downtown,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 4, 1989.\r\n307. \u201cUpdate on Business, Cleveland, Dillard Earnings Soar,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 7, 1989.\r\n308. \u201cAs the World Turns,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 10, 1990.\r\n309. Fred Carmen, \u201cThe Man of Distinction Clevelander has a Look of his Own,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 18, 1990.\r\n310. \u201cHigbee\u2019s to Open Store in Akron Mall,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 31, 1990.\r\n311. John Freeh, \u201cSales Earnings Up for Quarter, Year at Dillard Stores,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 1, 1990.\r\n312. John Freeh, \u201cDowntown Store Hours Extended,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 28, 1990.\r\n313. \u201cI Like Higbee\u2019s Because,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 13, 1990.\r\n314. \u201cEarnings Briefs, Dillard Stores,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 16, 1990.\r\n315. Thomas W. Gerdel, \u201cDillard Plans Expansion of Higbee Retail Chain,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 27, 1990.\r\n316. Roxanne Washington, \u201cHandbag Artistry,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 15, 1990.\r\n317. \u201cFind the Best Prices from the Best Names at Higbee\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 28, 1990.\r\n318. \u201cDillard to Offer Stock to Cut Commercial Debt,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 2, 1990.\r\n319. Nancy M. Funk, \u201cDillard Executive Named New Chairman at Higbee\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 6, 1990.\r\n320. Nancy M. Funk, \u201cHigbee Company to Chop Jobs in its Security Division,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 2, 1990.\r\n321. Nancy M. Funk, \u201cSanta, Helpers Move to Tower City for Season,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 3, 1990.\r\n322. Janet Beighle French, \u201cThe Ever Green Mr. Jingeling,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 15, 1990.\r\n323. Mary Strassmeyer, \u201cMary, Mary,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 23, 1990.\r\n324. \u201cSeverance Movie Month,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 11, 1991.\r\n325. \u201cStyle Trek, Pieces of History,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 20, 1991.\r\n326. \u201cEarnings Brief, Dillard Stores,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 28, 1991.\r\n327. Nancy M. Funk, \u201cTwo Former Executives Sue Higbee Company in Dispute over Severance Pay,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 14, 1991.\r\n328. \u201cBusiness Briefs Local, Dillard Soars,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 14, 1991.\r\n329. \u201cDillard\u2019s Ekes Out Increase,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 26, 1992.\r\n330. Sandra Clark, \u201cDeBartolo to Sell Its Share in Higbee Chain to Dillard,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 18, 1992.\r\n331. Sandra Clark, \u201cDillard to Rename Seventy-One Higbee Stores,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 25, 1992.\r\n332. Ibid.\r\n333. \u201cBusiness Briefs,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 11, 1992.","rendered":"

Hower & Higbee\u00a0Dry Goods\u00a0began in September 1860 when two young enterprising businessmen John G. Hower (1827-1897) of Burbank, Ohio and Edwin Converse Higbee (1831-1906) of Lodi, Ohio pooled their resources to open their first retail shop at 237 Superior Avenue.[1]<\/sup><\/a> Both men believed in \u201chonor, liberality and courtesy backed by efficient capital, experience and good will.\u201d\u00a0 Initially specializing in broadloom carpets and fine linens, Hower & Higbee quickly expanded its merchandise lines to include affordable clothing.\u00a0 It also introduced the city\u2019s first dress department.\u00a0 Knowledgeable sales clerks assisted customers in selecting just the right dress for that very special occasion.<\/p>\n

These innovative businessmen took the local shopping experience to an entirely new level when they decided to treat their customers like family.\u00a0 They also gained a well-earned reputation for their generous contributions to local charities.\u00a0 This generosity began as early as 1865 when they donated $25.00 to the Huron Road\u00a0Hospital building fund.\u00a0 They also supported a host of other worthwhile causes such as the Ladies Temperance League\u00a0and the American Red Cross.[2]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 When news reached Cleveland, in 1871, that a huge fire had consumed much of downtown Chicago, Hower & Higbee\u00a0sent merchandise to the victims.\u00a0 The citizens of Chicago publicly thanked them for their generosity.<\/p>\n

Hower & Higbee\u00a0scored a number of retail firsts.\u00a0 For example, they advertised nearly every day during the Civil War.\u00a0 No other local retailer did that.\u00a0 They also set a precedent in 1869 when they eliminated jobbers.\u00a0 A third innovation involved ordering and picking up merchandise.\u00a0 Hower & Higbee afforded their customers the opportunity of placing merchandise orders in the morning for pickup later that same day.\u00a0 Shoppers also greatly appreciated the store\u2019s central sales counter which sped up the procurement of merchandise. These highly resourceful retailers in the mid-1870s became the envy of their competitors when they became the sole agents for the Cheney Brothers\u00a0of Hartford, CT.\u00a0 Cheney Brothers manufactured fine quality silk garments.<\/p>\n

Hower & Higbee\u2019s achievements did not end there.\u00a0 It was the first local department store, in the 1880s, to offer customer phone service.\u00a0 This retailer also led the pack in providing courtesy home deliveries.\u00a0 However, their success involved much more than outguessing what other retailers might do.\u00a0 These businessmen knew the importance of honesty and integrity.\u00a0 They set a good example for others to follow.\u00a0 Their wholeheartedly support of community-based services such as the Committee on Promotion of the Board of Trade distinguished them from others.\u00a0 They also gave assistance to other enterprising Clevelanders who wanted to expand their business network.[3]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Following the untimely death, in 1897, of John G. Hower, Edwin Higbee assumed control of the store.[4]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 With the assistance of William T. Higbee, Herman Mierke, William Foster\u00a0and Alexander Caskey, Higbee brought the store into the 20th century.\u00a0 The company\u2019s cash flow, in 1902, for the first time, exceeded $500,000.[5]<\/sup><\/a> Increasing profits and decreasing debt over the next decade enabled officials to expand their clothing and accessories lines.\u00a0 The board\u2019s decision to cater primarily to Cleveland\u2019s upper middle class definitely produced great financial rewards.<\/p>\n

Officials and staff, in 1906, mourned the loss of their founder Edwin C. Higbee.\u00a0 The store\u2019s new President William T. Higbee\u00a0authorized further expansion of its clothing lines and specialty items.\u00a0 His efforts soon paid-off.\u00a0 Higbee proudly announced, in 1910, that his retail establishment had broken all previous sales records.\u00a0 With assets of $315,875, board members decided to capitalize on their recent good fortune through several targeted promotions.[6]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 They ran the gamut from distributing to customers a 50th anniversary booklet and purchasing hard-to-get tailored women\u2019s suits to carrying fine imported linens and other one of-a-kind items.[7]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Equally important, officials determined that the bulk of their retail trade originated with Cleveland\u2019s upper middle class.\u00a0 This prompted them to sponsor a re-evaluation of current retail practices with the intention of better serving their new, sophisticated shoppers.\u00a0 This re-evaluation process began by assessing current pricing practices and, when appropriate, remarking certain items to insure maximum future profit.\u00a0 However, it did not end there.\u00a0 In fact, much of the board\u2019s efforts concerned determining which items sold well and which ones did not.\u00a0 Once they figured out the shelf-life of products then they began the arduous task of eliminating slow moving items and replacing them with the kind of merchandise desired most by their patrons.\u00a0 Board members remained cognizant of the fact that the future growth and prosperity of Higbee\u2019s depended on the new policies they initiated today.<\/p>\n

The board unanimously agreed that one of the most effective ways to counter growing competition was for Higbee\u2019s to build its-own modern department store.\u00a0 Officials further concurred that their new emporium must be a part of the emerging upper Euclid Avenue retail district called Playhouse Square.\u00a0 With these thoughts in mind, the Board of Directors, in 1910, authorized the construction of a new modern building at 1331 Euclid Avenue.\u00a0 Located on the site of the Amasa Stone mansion, this $150,000, nine-story structure included 250,000 square feet of retail space.[8]<\/sup><\/a> A popular Cleveland architect and son of a U.S. President Abram Garfield\u00a0(1872-1958) designed it.\u00a0 The public loved shopping there.\u00a0 Needing additional space to meet its expanding customer-base, its legal counsel, in 1919, signed a 10-year $10,000 lease with Bailey Realty\u00a0to rent an adjacent building located on East 13th Street.\u00a0 It provided Higbee\u2019s additional floor space totaling 10,184 square feet.<\/p>\n

A national promoter and retailer named John Claflin, in 1913, purchased Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 As head of the New York-based H.B. Claflin Company, he had controlling interest in a number of well-known department stores.\u00a0 They included Lord & Taylor, & Company, O\u2019Neill-Adams Company, Stewart & Company\u00a0and Gunther Sons.\u00a0 Claflin knew what business steps needed to be taken to guarantee Higbee\u2019s long-term success.\u00a0 Restructuring its corporate structure represented a formidable challenge requiring immediate attention.\u00a0 John Claflin\u00a0discarded the conservative business model first instituted by Hower and Higbee, in the 1870s, and replaced it with his own business form.\u00a0 This new model not only precisely measured the store\u2019s financial gains and losses; but also, accurately predicted future retail returns based on present trends.<\/p>\n

His actions, in 1914, resulted in the formation of the Higbee Company of Delaware.\u00a0 That new corporation\u00a0controlled more than $1,000,000 in capital stock.[9]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Created primarily for tax purposes, this model of business efficiency\u00a0remained in place for twenty years.\u00a0 Most importantly, it helped to produce impressive year-end results.\u00a0 For example, Higbee\u2019s earnings from 1917 to 1920 exceeded $322,802 per year.\u00a0 That incredible figure represented five times the required dividend requirements for the current issue of stock.\u00a0 Also, all new stock issues were exempted from federal and state taxes.\u00a0 Claflin\u2019s astute business practices and retail connections served Higbee\u2019s well for the short-term.\u00a0 Higbee buyers used his business connections to purchase quality merchandise from the same European houses frequented by major New York, London\u00a0and Paris retailers.\u00a0 Other Cleveland department stores could not say the same thing.<\/p>\n

A major New York business concern for almost a century, H.B. Claflin Company\u00a0over extended itself financially during the first decade of the 20th century.\u00a0 Unable to meet its growing financial obligations, it declared bankruptcy in June 1914.\u00a0 The federal bankruptcy court placed this holding company into receivership.[10]<\/sup><\/a> Court-appointed receivers determined that affiliates including Higbee\u2019s could remain open provided they could show that they were profitability.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s had no problem and it remained open.<\/p>\n

Higbee officials learned a valuable lesson from the Claflin experience.\u00a0 They realized that their future depended on their ability to anticipate the needs and wants of their shoppers far beyond today.\u00a0 This realization led the board to introduce a wide array of new departments.\u00a0 Each sold a specific item or provided a service.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, by 1923, boasted more than sixty departments.[11]<\/sup><\/a> They ranged from bedding, cosmetics, furniture and jewelry to radios, record players, toys and travel services.\u00a0 The store also provided its-own 2,000 car garage, free gift wrapping, Santa Claus\u00a0at Christmas and an acoustically-sound rehearsal hall for concerts.<\/p>\n

Retail innovations were seen everywhere.\u00a0 For example, during the First World War, executives introduced a new credit system amply called Savings Checks.\u00a0 Under this arrangement, customers purchased small metal disks of various denominations which they then deposited in participating banks.\u00a0 Those banks, in turn, would issue them credit slips.\u00a0 These slips spelled out the amount of funds available for spending at Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 Untouched accounts accrued 4% interest.<\/p>\n

With credit slips in hand, shoppers purchased merchandise at Higbee\u2019s up to their credit line.\u00a0 In many ways, this system emulated modern-day debit cards in that payment transfers were deducted automatically from depositors\u2019 accounts at the end of every business day.\u00a0 Also, like today\u2019s debit cards, depositors received notification of all deposits and payment transfers through -monthly bank statements and store bills.\u00a0 Participating shoppers received an additional 2% discount on all Higbee\u2019s purchases.[12]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Under the capable leadership of Asa Shiverick\u00a0(1877-1937), Higbee\u2019s continued to capitalize on its reputation for honesty and integrity.\u00a0 Hoping to lower overall buying costs, the Board of Directors, in the 1920s, enthusiastically supported a new cooperative venture that called for participating stores to pool their capital to purchase large volumes of merchandise at much reduced cost.\u00a0 Although only marginally successful, it set the stage for greater cooperation among downtown department stores in the 1930s and 1940s.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s also actively participated in the Cleveland Retail Credit Association.\u00a0 This group regulated local retail activities and promoted ethical business practices.<\/p>\n

The phenomenal growth of Higbee\u2019s during the First World War\u00a0convinced board members to renovate their store.\u00a0 To illustrate this last point, the First Trust & Savings Company\u00a0of Cleveland, OH, in April 1920, offered 8% on Higbee\u2019s Cumulative First Preferred Stock.[13]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Total store assets increased from $3,581,252 in 1918 to $4,285,252 by 1919.\u00a0 This led board members to approve a $1,000,000 expansion and remodeling program in 1922 that included revamping the auditorium, creating additional floor space and improving the annex.\u00a0 Other improvements such as a new, fireproof terra-cotta exterior veneer, additional elevators, thick soundproof windows and a wider driveway for truck deliveries brought Higbee\u2019s into the modern age.[14]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Nineteen twenty-three proved to be very profitable.\u00a0 Cleveland\u2019s Union Trust Company\u00a0issued $1,500,000 in new preferred stock.[15]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 The Board of Directors also secured additional capital by retiring $923,000 of its outstanding preferred stock.\u00a0 Those stocks sold at par with a 7% accrued dividend.\u00a0 Union Trust proclaimed Higbee\u2019s Department Store\u00a0to be one of Ohio\u2019s best investment opportunities.\u00a0 Store earnings from 1920 through 1923 increased from $6,609,869 to $8,038,377.\u00a0 The dividends paid on $1,500,000 on 1st preferred stock averaged $403,723.\u00a0 Everyone made money then.<\/p>\n

Much of Higbee\u2019s financial success in the \u201cRoaring Twenties\u201d resulted from its-own special promotional activities.\u00a0 Such things as fashion shows hosted by WJAX-radio\u00a0gained a big following especially among young women.[16]<\/sup><\/a> Free decorating lessons also appealed to a great many. Higbee\u2019s enterprising board received praise from the local press when it donated $500.00 towards the establishment of two new hospitals for unwed mothers.[17]<\/sup><\/a> Customers also flocked regularly to Higbee\u2019s circulation library.\u00a0 The economic catastrophe wrought by the Stock Market Crash, in October 1929, did not dampen store spirits.\u00a0 In fact, Christmas sales that year topped the previous year.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s preferred stock also continued to pay 6% dividends.[18]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Nineteen-thirty was a conundrum for Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 Sales of First Preferred Stock opened in 1930 at 101 for 100 shares.\u00a0 It continued to rise during the first six months of 1930 reaching 105\u00bd for 100 shares.\u00a0 Through a 3% sinking fund the $1,500,000 authorized issue was reduced to $1,230,000 payable on a 30-day notice at 107\u00bd.\u00a0 It sold in July 1931 for 90 for 100 shares.[19]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

A small group of wealthy customers, seemingly unaffected by recent downturns in the economy, continued to purchase the store\u2019s many high quality goods and services\u00a0at a feverous pace.\u00a0 Their spending kept Higbee\u2019s financially afloat.\u00a0 However, as the Depression worsened many of those affluent customers saw their fortunes evaporate.\u00a0 Their inability to maintain their posh lifestyles adversely affected Higbee\u2019s bottom line.\u00a0 In its wake, the number of poor grew at an alarming rate.\u00a0 Many of the unemployed were, in fact, former middle and upper class customers.\u00a0 Store officials reacted to these hard times in the only way they knew how.\u00a0 They continued to offer high quality merchandise at standard prices to a dwindling number of shoppers.\u00a0 They also provided special sales periodically to stimulate business.<\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s Board of Directors initiated some austerity measures, beginning in 1931, when they furloughed many of their full-time employees.\u00a0 Hoping to soften this economic blow, board members offered full-time employees part-time work during special sales.[20]<\/sup><\/a> However, that opportunity lasted briefly as the U.S. economy worsened.\u00a0 Regarding customer credit, store officials held fast to traditional policies.\u00a0 No major innovations burst onto the scene to help those less fortunate.<\/p>\n

Revising traditional credit and installment buying programs was not an option.\u00a0 It was not a part of the grand scheme of things.\u00a0 That did not mean that Higbee\u2019s Board of Directors lacked empathy for those shoppers who had lost their jobs.\u00a0 They cared very much about their customers.\u00a0 However, as everyone soon found out, Higbee\u2019s was not a charity.\u00a0 Store officials remained committed to the bottom line: maximum profit at minimum cost.\u00a0 That business principle guided Higbee\u2019s in its first seventy years and would continue to do so into the future.<\/p>\n

However, worsening economic conditions forced the board to reconsider their earlier harsh action.\u00a0 Board members, in October 1931, offered their customers some marginal relief through what they called a \u201cModified Budget Plan.\u201d\u00a0 Under this initiative, customers made an initial down payment of 10% on all items purchased and then paid-off the balance in 24 equivalent payments, one per month, for the next two years.[21]<\/sup><\/a> Promoted as a reasonable alternative to earlier, less lenient credit plans, few utilized it.<\/p>\n

Retailers nationwide had no way of knowing, in the 1920s, that the nation\u2019s prosperity was about to end.\u00a0 Economic forecasts throughout that decade remained optimistic even though mounting inventories\u00a0and increased business bankruptcies suggested a bleaker economic picture ahead.\u00a0 Yet, financial experts remained calm throughout.\u00a0 The majority believed that any-and-all business irregularities occurring within the stock market could be easily handled by competent business leaders, nimble financiers and knowledgeable investors.\u00a0 Two weeks prior to the Great Stock Market Crash of 1929 the noted U.S. Neo-Classic economist Irving Fisher\u00a0(1867-1947) proudly proclaimed that the price of stocks had attained what he called \u201ca permanently high plateau.\u201d<\/p>\n

Major retail establishments such as Higbee\u2019s saw no reason not to take full advantage of the nation\u2019s expanding economy.\u00a0 This kind of positive thinking prompted Higbee\u2019s executives, in 1928, to approve plans for a new magnificent department store to be located in the heart of Public Square.\u00a0 A part of the $160,000,000 office and rail center called Union Terminal, this $10,000,000 department store became an integral part of downtown retailing for the next seventy years.[22]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s Board of Directors worked closely with Van Sweringen Development Corporation\u00a0to make it a reality.\u00a0 The Metropolitan Life Insurance Corporation (MetLife)\u00a0financed Higbee\u2019s portion of this project through a special $5,000,000 mortgage bond.[23]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 This beautiful department store opened its doors on September 8, 1931.[24]<\/sup><\/a> Nearly 360,000 customers visited the new store on opening day.\u00a0 A twelve–story, 1,035,459 square foot Indiana limestone, marble and terra-cotta clad building it contained more than $5,000,000 worth of merchandise and employed 3,500.[25]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s expected to make more than $50,000,000 annually from its investment.[26]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Praised by the local press for its sixty-four dazzling display windows, highly polished white marble floors, wide aisles, and crystal display cases, the new Higbee\u2019s represented the quintessential department store of the early 20th century.\u00a0 Its nationally-recognized coin and stamp counter and professional art gallery impressed many.\u00a0 A well-respected New York-based bookseller Brentani opened a branch there.[27]<\/sup><\/a> Beautifully detailed elevators and sturdy escalators carried 6,000 to 8,000 persons an hour between floors.\u00a0 What a beautiful building!\u00a0 What a fantastic achievement!<\/p>\n

A popular Cleveland architect named Phillip Small\u00a0(1890-1963) designed its 10th floor Art-Deco styled restaurant called the Silver Grille.[28]<\/sup><\/a> This award winning, restaurant remained a favorite of Clevelanders for years.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s also led its downtown competitors by offering one of the region\u2019s first full-service bargain basement stores.\u00a0 Known as the Cash Basement, it catered to customers who wanted to purchase either overstocks or inventories\u00a0at much reduced prices.[29]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s also became the new home for the CBS\u00a0affiliate in Cleveland WHK-radio.[30]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

The Board of Directors, in February 1931, approved the dissolution of its original Ohio charter for tax purposes.\u00a0[31]<\/sup><\/a> Store executives, a year later, took customer service to another level when they introduced a full-service car repair and tire shop in Union Terminal.[32]<\/sup><\/a> They publicized its grand opening by exhibiting a brand new shiny Ford V-8.\u00a0 From the day it opened, Higbee\u2019s at Public Square welcomed numerous civic and community communities to use their auditorium and various lounges for special events.\u00a0 Events covered the gamut from private social gatherings, political debates and intellectual lectures to civics lessons, charity balls and religious retreats.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s also provided quality catering services.<\/p>\n

Higbee officials along with other prominent business and government leaders worked diligently in the early 1930s to bring the World\u2019s Fair to Cleveland.\u00a0 They secured it in 1935.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s sponsored the Art-Deco Higbee Tower\u00a0at the Great Lakes Exposition\u00a0the following two summers.\u00a0 Bathed in bright light, this 3,600 square foot structure featured six foot lettering spelling Higbee on four of its eight sides.\u00a0 Flashing red lights surrounded by bright chrome yellow lights, offset by black and silver aluminum shields, complimented this imposing structure.[33]<\/sup><\/a> Higbee\u2019s sales staff sold thousands of souvenirs to eager tourists.\u00a0 They also handled sportswear accessories, hosiery, toys, beach sandals, toiletries, handkerchiefs, candies and men\u2019s accessories.\u00a0 The public loved the Globe Theatre pageant held in Higbee\u2019s Silver Grille\u00a0restaurant.[34]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

One of the major issues facing the Board of Directors, during the Great Depression of the 1930s, involved disposing of its Euclid Avenue site.\u00a0\u00a0 Had the 1930s been a decade of economic growth and prosperity, many retailers would have jumped at the chance to occupy it.\u00a0 Unfortunately, these were anything but normal economic times.\u00a0 After much deliberation, Higbee executives authorized a storewide liquidation sale for mid-July 1931.[35]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 This sale gave shoppers an excellent opportunity to purchase quality merchandise at much reduced prices and also to say their last good-byes to their beloved store.<\/p>\n

This site remained vacant for the next six months.\u00a0 The Board of Directors announced, in January 1932, that General Motors Corporation\u00a0planned to display its latest automobile lines on its main floor during the first week of April.\u00a0 The success of this auto show convinced Detroit\u2019s largest automaker to sponsor several other events there over the next several years.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, that autumn, converted several floors into a new wholesale food distribution\u00a0center and warehouse.\u00a0 These same premises housed the Cleveland Auto Show\u00a0and Ripley\u2019s Believe It or Not Show.\u00a0 Rumors circulated in the spring of 1934 that outside investors were seriously considering opening a French caf\u00e9 on its main floor.\u00a0 However, nothing materialized.<\/p>\n

A major sale, held in September 1931, featured a fine array of china sets; stemware, sweaters, skirts and comforters.\u00a0 Officials publicized the fact that this new merchandise was priced to sell well.[36]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 One major on-site event received national acclaim.\u00a0 Store officials, in September 1934, conducted the largest single art auction in Cleveland\u2019s 137-year history.\u00a0 The bankrupt Guenther Gallery\u00a0needed to sell its collection quickly and Higbee\u2019s won the bid.\u00a0 Sales from that auction exceeded $200,000.\u00a0 What especially impressed the national art community was that Higbee\u2019s staff not only properly prepared the various pieces of art for sale, but also, secured some of the nation\u2019s best auctioneers to sell them.<\/p>\n

The U.S. District Court\u00a0of Appeals, in January 1936, upheld an earlier court decision against Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 The building\u2019s leaseholders claimed that Higbee\u2019s still owed them back rent on its Euclid Avenue site.\u00a0 The court awarded plaintiffs compensation totaling $717,100.[37]<\/sup><\/a> They argued that their earlier investments were worthless due to Higbee\u2019s refusal to pay back rents owed.\u00a0 The Ohio Supreme Court, in July 1936, overturned the lower court decision claiming that Higbee\u2019s was not liable for unpaid rents.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s trustees, later that same month, under the auspices of the Cleveland Trust Holding Company\u00a0paid $10,000 to lay claim to the sheriff\u2019s deed on the property.\u00a0 This Ohio Supreme Court decision ended a long-term battle between investors and the department store concerning the owner\u2019s legal obligations to investors.<\/p>\n

The problem stemmed back to the early 1920s with the original leasing agreements.\u00a0 Arbitrators, in 1922, had awarded ownership privileges and leasing rights to a holding company called Crowell & Little Securities.\u00a0 It quickly transferred all property privileges and rights to the Cleveland Trust Company.\u00a0 Under this special transfer agreement, the Higbee Realty\u00a0Company and Women\u2019s City Club\u00a0each received subleases to the property in question. At the same time, Cleveland Trust awarded Higbee Realty full rights to issue a 99-year renewable lease to Higbee\u2019s Department Store\u00a0with the understanding that it must renew this lease every ten years.\u00a0 Store officials also agreed to pay $168,000 in rent annually.\u00a0 This special business agreement remained in effect until the summer of 1931.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s relocation to Public Square made the earlier lease void.[38]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Cleveland Trust, in the autumn of 1936, assumed control of the lease.\u00a0 Its bankers requested Cuyahoga County\u00a0auditors to lower its assessed value.\u00a0 They claimed that the income generated from this site had dropped appreciably from $165,000 in 1930\/31 to $52,068 by 1934.\u00a0 Cuyahoga County lowered the assessed value from $1,741,410 to $1,269,410.[39]<\/sup><\/a> Common Pleas Judge Frank J. Merrick\u00a0in 1938 approved Cleveland Trust\u2019s application for a $750,000 loan to refurbish the building\u2019s interior.<\/p>\n

Rumors circulated following the Pearl Harbor\u00a0bombing that the Armed Services\u00a0planned to establish an account and supply branch office in downtown Cleveland.\u00a0 However, nothing further happened until October 1942 when the U.S. Navy\u00a0announced plans to move into the former Higbee building.[40]<\/sup><\/a> That site fitted their needs.\u00a0 Local contractor Samuel W. Emerson Company\u00a0renovated it quickly and the Navy moved into its new quarters.\u00a0 The federal government spent nearly $330,000 to modernize it.\u00a0 Of that $330,000, over $90,000 of it went towards upgrading its heating and plumbing systems.\u00a0 An alternate electrical system with efficient light fixtures cost an additional $55,000, while repainting its interior and renovating its antiquated elevators totaled $60,000.[41]<\/sup><\/a> The U.S. Navy spent the remaining funds on plaster removal, new furniture and office supplies.<\/p>\n

The federal government, in late 1945, vacated the building.\u00a0 A real estate firm called the Hum Company, in July 1946, purchased the site from Cleveland Trust Company\u00a0for $3,175,000.[42]<\/sup><\/a> Its assessed value that same year stood at about $1,527,500.\u00a0 Allied Stores, in September 1947, unveiled its plans to move its newly acquired Sterling-Linder Department Store and W.B. Davis & Company\u00a0into that building.[43]<\/sup><\/a> However, nothing happened until 1948 when W.B. Davis\u2019s lease at 333 Euclid Avenue expired.\u00a0 An upscale New York-based chain named Bonwit Teller\u00a0occupied the Lindner site for the next twenty years.<\/p>\n

The Board of Directors, throughout the 1930s, sponsored popular events and services within their premises.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s Annual Fall Festival\u00a0enabled shoppers to buy the freshest preserves and jellies at reasonable cost.[44]<\/sup><\/a> The new baked goods and candy shop, found on the store\u2019s street level, afforded customers the opportunity of buying something sweet for their families.[45]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 The puppet shows in its Children\u2019s Theatre\u00a0delighted thousands of youngsters, while the End of the Month Sales encouraged patrons to buy quality closeout items.[46]<\/sup><\/a> Higbee\u2019s also offered through its Silver Grille\u00a0restaurant special $.45 daily luncheon specials and tasty fountain drinks for only $.20.[47]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Other Higbee firsts during the Great Depression of the 1930s included cashing customer bank checks; revitalizing shoes and sneakers in Higbee\u2019s \u201cShoe Hospital\u201d and learning typewriting.[48]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Store officials also exhibited handmade quilts, featured big band shows often with the Fred Waring orchestra\u00a0and holding special Kindergarten\u00a0classes.\u00a0 Dance lessons, car contests, stamp exhibits, fashion shows and a reliable in-house optician rounded out the bill.\u00a0 In addition, Higbee\u2019s offered cooking classes, aviation exhibitions, photography lessons and groceries.<\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s Board of Directors in the mid-1930s approved its first in-house remodeling plans.\u00a0 Executives also tried to bolster sagging sales by introducing less expensive merchandise.\u00a0 Officials eliminated overstocks and inventories\u00a0from its basement store and replaced them with ready-to-wear clothing.[49]<\/sup><\/a> This resulted in greater sales.\u00a0 Women\u2019s fashions, home furnishings, coats, millinery, and children\u2019s accessories also received renovations.<\/p>\n

This downtown department store led competitors in other important ways.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, in 1936, proudly sponsored the nation\u2019s first exhibition dedicated to Cleveland public school art teachers.[50]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 The store also hosted a benefit ball to fight polio along with an Arts and Craft festival\u00a0and Cleveland\u2019s Rose Show.\u00a0 The nation\u2019s First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt\u00a0and popular tennis star Eleanor Tennant\u00a0also visited Higbee\u2019s as did Arnold\u2019s Traveling Circus.[51]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

The mid-1930s represented a crucial period in the store\u2019s history.\u00a0 The economic hardships at that time greatly impacted store operations.\u00a0 Unable to meet its growing mortgage obligations, Higbee stockholders weighed their options.\u00a0 After some deliberation, George A. Ball, a majority stockholder and Executor of the George & Frances Ball Foundation\u00a0of Muncie, Indiana, announced plans to sell the bulk of his stock worth $6,375,000 to Robert R. Young\u00a0of New York, NY; Allan P. Kirby\u00a0(1893-1973) of Wilkes-Barre, PA\u00a0and Frank A. Kolbe\u00a0of New York, NY.[52]<\/sup><\/a> Two outspoken members of the board Charles L. Bradley\u00a0(1885-1943) and John P. Murphy\u00a0(1887-1969) led the fight against this hostile takeover.[53]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

With the assistance of the highly respected Cleveland law firm of Jones, Day, Coakley & Reavis, the Board of Directors, in 1937, submitted a reorganization plan to the U.S. District Court.[54]<\/sup><\/a> This action ended current foreclosure procedures.\u00a0 Under this special arrangement, the store\u2019s legal counsel drew up a new 25-year store lease that included 3% of net sales above $16,500,000, but with $350,000 annual minimum for the first five years, and not less than $400,000 the remaining years.<\/p>\n

On net sales above $20,000,000, the rental percentage remained fixed at 2\u00be.\u00a0 Holders of the $591,930 senior bank indebtedness and $846,922 senior rent indebtedness were to receive 4% notes of the Higbee Company scheduled to mature in three to seven years.\u00a0 Those with $1,551,041 junior indebtedness (plus interest) were to get $600,000 in new 4% notes scheduled to mature in ten years and common stock at one share for each $100 after deducting the $600,000 in outstanding notes.<\/p>\n

This reorganization plan called for the George & Frances Ball Foundation\u00a0to receive $500,000 and Warren L. Morris\u00a0of the Vaness Company\u00a0$100,000.\u00a0 It further stipulated that Charles L. Bradley\u00a0and John P. Murphy\u00a0were to obtain common stock shares upon the purchase of the store\u2019s debt from the Ball Foundation.\u00a0 Holders of preferred stock would receive a guaranteed one share of new preferred and common stock at the rate of one share for each $100 of dividends accumulated up to the date.\u00a0 This plan was confirmed by the courts.<\/p>\n

Holders of the old second preferred stock were to acquire new preferred and common stock at the same rate.\u00a0 The new preferred stock with a par value of $100 entitled its holders to $5.00 annual dividends culminated from the date of the final payment of the notes to be issued for senior and junior indebtedness.\u00a0 But, in any event, it would be cumulative on February 1, 1951.\u00a0 Preferred stockholders would be able to redeem stocks on a 30-day notice at $100 a share plus accumulated dividends to the date of call.\u00a0 The new agreement further stipulated that the Board of Directors was to be elected by its membership at its annual meeting held each June.\u00a0\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, in April 1938, filed an amended plan with the U.S. District Court.\u00a0 It called for the division of creditors and stockholders into different classes based on the nature of their respective claims and interests.[55]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

A minority of Higbee stockholders criticized the reorganization plan.\u00a0 They contended that it gave preferential treatment to the old guard leadership.\u00a0 However, the U.S. District Court\u00a0approved the plan.\u00a0 Following the untimely death in July 1937 of Asa Shiverick, Charles L. Bradley\u00a0became the store\u2019s new President.[56]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, in 1938, won a major battle in the courts to reduce its annual rent from $600,000 to $320,000.\u00a0[57]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Robert R. Young\u00a0and Allan Kirby, in May 1941, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court\u00a0in order to gain control of Higbee\u2019s. The plaintiffs claimed that Ball, Bradley and Murphy had demanded their support without offering them just compensation, and that Ball, Bradley and Murphy had fraudulently entered into a conspiracy to deprive them control.\u00a0 Young and Kirby further contended that the Ball Foundation and its subsidiary Allegany Corporation\u00a0had conspired to sell Higbee securities for $600,000.\u00a0 The terms and conditions of this sale favored Bradley and Murphy.\u00a0 Federal District Judge Paul Jones\u00a0(1880-1965) in October 1941 found in favor of the defendants.\u00a0 Judge Jones upheld Higbee\u2019s reorganization plan claiming that it worked.\u00a0 Store sales, between 1936 and 1941, had increased about 40%, while its debt had decreased from $1,750,000 to $591,000.[58]<\/sup><\/a> A similar suit filed by Young and Kirby, in 1942, in Indianapolis was also thrown out.[59]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

The late 1930s represented a time of significant growth and change for this important downtown department store.\u00a0 Under the able leadership of Charles L. Bradley, Higbee\u2019s expanded its community service activities.\u00a0 They included such things as Parliamentary Law classes; opera appreciation lessons, bridge parties, kennel club gatherings and Higbee\u2019s Little Town Hall series.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, in 1939, proudly introduced a new dimension in radio.\u00a0 Manufactured by Farnsworth, they were adaptable to television.[60]<\/sup><\/a> National celebrities such as Kate Smith, Joe E. Brown, Marlene Dietrich, Alice Roosevelt Longworth, Louis Rich, Joseph Schuster, Jerry Siegel\u00a0and Mrs. Eliot Ness\u00a0bought there.\u00a0 The store also sold a fine array of domestic and foreign cigars and handcrafted English pipes along with an excellent selection of sharp cheeses and sparkling wines.\u00a0 Photographers loved their modern photo processing lab and art connoisseurs enjoyed the many exhibitions held in the gallery.\u00a0 State-of-the-art steam rooms and a well-equipped beauty salon provided weary customers with the ultimate shopping experience.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s also initiated a new telephone service to speed up customer orders.[61]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

This retailer enjoyed a period of sustained growth and prosperity during the Second World War.\u00a0 Market analysts in 1940 boldly projected that Higbee\u2019s would easily achieve its targeted ratio of better than $4.00 of quick assets for each $1.00 of liability incurred.\u00a0 Book assets in the $245 range backed every share of preferred stock issued, while book assets around $76 supported common shares.\u00a0 Net earnings in 1940 were more than four times greater than basic dividend requirements.\u00a0 This enabled Higbee\u2019s to pay-off all its outstanding merchandise bills plus staff salaries, rental costs and taxes.[62]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Store\u2019s earnings continued to grow through the 1941-42 shopping season.\u00a0 After fulfilling its dividend requirements on 15,155 shares of 5% preferred, dividends on common stock stood at $15.34.\u00a0 Net earnings at the end of 1942 totaled $8,000,000.\u00a0 That included depreciation and interest charges of $185,213.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s also negotiated a loan from National City Bank that eliminated $520,000 of its $1,120,000 outstanding notes due on or before March 1, 1948.\u00a0 Store officials paid a 1st quarter stock dividend of $1.25.[63]<\/sup><\/a> Higbee\u2019s Board of Directors, in May 1942, authorized aggregate accumulated dividends to be paid on new preferred stock at $5.69 a share.[64]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Board members proudly declared a $.75 dividend on common stock in December 1943 and again in March 1944.\u00a0 Back to back dividend payments, like that, had not occurred since 1930.[65]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

With the outbreak of the Second World War, Higbee\u2019s began to sell war bonds.\u00a0 The Board of Directors, in February 1944, boasted that their store had already sold $600,000 bonds.[66]<\/sup><\/a> Executives also sponsored war rallies, American Red Cross\u00a0disaster relief efforts, victory gardens and conservation programs.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, in an effort to conserve natural resources, announced on St. Patrick\u2019s Day\u00a01943 that it had shortened store hours from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. depending on the day.[67]<\/sup><\/a> Board members, the same year, donated $25,000 to the War Chest.\u00a0 The store also encouraged the Women\u2019s Club of Charity Hospital\u00a0to use their lounge to make surgical dressings to be shipped overseas.<\/p>\n

The Board of Directors, in 1943, chose John P. Murphy\u00a0to serve as interim President following the untimely death of Charles L. Bradley.[68]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Board members on March 15, 1944 unanimously elected him to that post.\u00a0\u00a0 The Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, that same month, elected George E. Merrifield\u00a0(1884-1974) to its board.[69]<\/sup><\/a> Merrifield was Higbee\u2019s Vice President and Treasurer.\u00a0 The U.S. Navy, in September 1944, launched the U.S.S. Higbee.\u00a0 It was named after Mrs. Higbee the first women Superintendent of the U.S. Navy Nursing Corp.[70]<\/sup><\/a> Ms. Dorothy Fuldheim, a nationally-recognized news analysis and writer and a frequent speaker at Higbee forums, spoke that October on current events.[71]<\/sup><\/a> There was always something interesting happening at Higbee\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Store profits continued to soar with dividends in December 1944 reaching $1.00 per common share.[72]<\/sup><\/a> This trend carried over into the next year with dividends in March 1945 exceeding $3.00 a share.\u00a0 When sales records topped $26,075,969, investors decided to split stocks five-to-one.\u00a0 This action whereby the value of its most recent issued stock equaled $6.17 a share was a stroke of genius.\u00a0 Not only did it furnish high dividends, but also, more capital.\u00a0 Equally important, it symbolized a new versatile approach to capital restructuring that more realistically reflected the needs of this growing company.[73]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s new President John P. Murphy\u00a0unequivocally supported the board\u2019s action.\u00a0 He believed that the next logical step was to purchase its Public Square site.[74]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 The board, in 1944, set the groundwork for this move.\u00a0 Not only had officials retired a ten year, 2\u00bc% interest bearing loan four years ahead of its due date, but then, earmarked an additional $2,000,000 to purchase their 15-year old building.\u00a0 Murphy believed that now was the right time to negotiate.\u00a0 The Board of Directors and MetLife, in the spring of 1945, began talks.\u00a0 Unfortunately, neither side indicated any willingness to compromise on major crucial issues and negotiations soon ended.\u00a0 Discussions remained in limbo for nearly four years.<\/p>\n

When talks resumed in 1949, Higbee\u2019s officials made it quite clear that they wanted a reasonable lease-to-buy offer, and that they planned to work diligently with MetLife representatives to make it a reality.\u00a0 The subsequent $8,700,000 buyout package included an immediate price reduction of $322,453.\u00a0 In addition, all rentals paid by the store in excess of pre-set interest rates on the net option price would serve to reduce that initial cost even further.\u00a0 The store\u2019s eligibility to receive title to the property without additional payment allocations to MetLife would depend on the company\u2019s willingness to fulfill all its minimum rental payments to MetLife as determined by current leasing agreements.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, later in 1949, took possession of the building by borrowing $2,000,000 in loans from several local banks and by lowering its price to $3,503,043.\u00a0 Higbee officials also secured another 15-year $3,500,000 loan from MetLife at a 3% interest rate.[75]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

This prestigious department store, in June 1945, joined a new credit system called \u201cCharga-Plate.\u201d[76]<\/sup><\/a> All major retailers used it.\u00a0 Under this agreement, over 240,000 charge account customers from all participating stores received a new metal identification plate embossed with their name, address and account number.\u00a0 This plate could be used anytime in any store.\u00a0 Participating retailers firmly believed that this new system would help to sped up checkout and eliminate delivery errors.\u00a0 Customers used these plates into the 1960s.<\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s, in January 1946, dropped its affiliation with the Syndicate Alliance Trading Company (SATC)\u00a0to join a more prestigious organization known as the Associated Merchandising Corporation (AMC).[77]<\/sup><\/a> AMC membership opened up a whole new world of retail opportunities for Higbee\u2019s in three important ways.\u00a0 First, it lowered overhead retail costs, while encouraging store buyers to expand their merchandise lines.\u00a0 Second, it benefited shoppers by enabling them to buy nationally-recognized items at reduced cost.\u00a0 Third, it offered Higbee executives an inside track concerning the latest operational procedures and national merchandise trends.\u00a0 Other AMC members included Hudson\u2019s, Lazarus\u2019s, Rich\u2019s\u00a0and Joseph Horne\u2019s.<\/p>\n

The Board of Directors, in May 1946, approved a four-for-one split of common stock that guaranteed $.50 dividends per share on all re-issued stock.\u00a0 Officials encouraged full-time employees to participate in this bonanza.\u00a0 Some staff members received bonuses equivalent to 10% of their annual salaries.\u00a0 Sales for 1945 topped $28,572,116, an increase of $2,572,116 over a year ago.\u00a0 During that same time frame, taxable profits decreased to $234,694, while net income increased to $950,414.[78]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

With the war now over, Higbee\u2019s focused even more on the needs and wants of its customers.\u00a0 Officials, in July 1946, launched a special promotion campaign emphasizing the store\u2019s high quality fabrics.\u00a0 Its most recent slogan \u201cIts Higbee\u2019s for Fabrics\u201d said it all.\u00a0 Other new promotional activities included hosting an aluminum products exhibition, displaying rare watches and sponsoring a Parade of Silver.\u00a0 Public service events ranged from a Romania exhibit and discussions on public health problems to beautiful photographic displays and dazzling model homes.<\/p>\n

Apparently, these promotional efforts paid-off.\u00a0 President John P. Murphy\u00a0commented that he had never seen so much pre-Christmas buying before.\u00a0 In fact, store sales for 1946 reached a new record breaking level of $9,138,171.\u00a0 That represented a 32% increase over the previous year\u2019s figures.\u00a0 That significant boost in sales led the Board of Directors to declare a year-end dividend of $.12 \u00bd a share on common stock equal to $1.25 a share on preferred.[79]<\/sup><\/a> Higbee\u2019s also raised the salaries of its employees by 10%.<\/p>\n

This highly innovative retailer, in 1947, led the pack by installing air-conditioning.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s in cooperation with Time Magazine\u00a0sponsored the \u201cTime for Music\u201d exhibition.\u00a0 It also commemorated the 1947-48 Cleveland Orchestra\u2019s season.\u00a0 Hoping to expand into FM-radio and Television, WHK-radio\u00a0moved its headquarters and studio from Higbee\u2019s to a remodeled facility located at 5000 Euclid Avenue.[80]<\/sup><\/a> That same year, Frank E. Joseph, a partner in the law firm of Jones, Day, Coakley and Reavis, replaced his colleague Gardner Abbott\u00a0on the board.\u00a0 Stockholders, in December 1947, approved a year-end dividend of $.25 per share on common stock and $1.25 on preferred.[81]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

New high profile efforts in 1948 made Higbee\u2019s a very special place.\u00a0 Store executives proudly unveiled the latest breakthrough in television by RCA.\u00a0 They also sponsored the first model airplane contest and celebrated Army Day.[82]<\/sup><\/a> Many customers participated in that year\u2019s Design Contest for Young Women.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s officials also launched their new Sports Goods Center\u00a0conveniently located in the Terminal Tower\u00a0concourse.[83]<\/sup><\/a> This center not only sold sports goods and related paraphernalia, but also, cameras, photo supplies and auto accessories.\u00a0 Salary increases, mounting delivery costs and expensive customer services reduced 1948 net profits to $2,131,766.\u00a0 That represented a drop of $74,516 from a year ago.\u00a0 Sales, in 1948, reached $41,997,301 up $2,326,194 from the previous year.\u00a0 Net income, that year, was $2,400,304 equal to $4.11 a share.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s current liabilities stood at $5,141,426.[84]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

On a positive note, this well-run department store retired $300,000 of its recently incurred bank debt.\u00a0 Its working capital increased by $967,827, while its net worth reached $1,636,883.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, in 1949, unveiled its state-of-the-art TV & radio Center.\u00a0 Located on the 7th floor and decorated in royal burgundy with gray and green carpeting and special recessed lighting, this expanded department featured a television studio.\u00a0 Its sound-proof listening rooms enabled customers to hear their records before purchasing them.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s also offered children a special toy phonograph with its-own plastic records.\u00a0 Net sales, in 1949, dropped to $39,399,728, while net profits, over the same time span, remained constant at $1,922,505 equal to $3.27 a share.[85]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Paraphrasing CEI\u2019s popular motto of the day \u201cCleveland Is the Best Location in the Nation,\u201d store officials proudly proclaimed that \u201cHigbee\u2019s is the Best Location in Cleveland.\u201d[86]<\/sup><\/a> The fabulous fifties represented a period of enormous energy and growth for this Cleveland department store.\u00a0 It started as early as February 1950 when Higbee\u2019s sponsored its-own fifteen minute fashion show on WXEL-TV\u00a0Channel 9.\u00a0 Exciting new items that year included china table lamps for only $8.95, installed AMC television antenna for $255.00 and durable rain coats beginning at $15.00.\u00a0 A seven–story Christmas tree with green lights bedecked the main fa\u00e7ade on Public Square that December.[87]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Nineteen fifty-one began with a well-publicized dance party.\u00a0 With the assistance of WJMO–radio, this event brought hundreds of teenage shoppers to Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 Store officials also subsidized an International Photo exhibition and produced one of the city\u2019s first Color TV shows, courtesy of WEWS-TV\u00a0Channel 5.\u00a0 The Board of Directors, that same year, eagerly promoted an Irish linen festival, Engineers Wives Association Hospitality Day\u00a0and luxury tours to Europe courtesy of its-own travel agency.\u00a0 Board members also offered a special Preparatory Music School\u00a0for children out of their new Music Center.[88]<\/sup><\/a> Led by Clarence Jones, the former director of the American Piano\u00a0Company, this center provided music lessons for the modest price of $10.00 per child!<\/p>\n

The Board of Directors, that December, declared dividends of $.25 on common stock and $1.25 on preferred stock.[89]<\/sup><\/a> Higbee\u2019s, in 1951, broke all previous sales records at $44,335,533.\u00a0 Net profits that same year totaled $1,453,710 or $2.44 a share as compared with $2,172,690 or $3.71 a share in 1950.[90]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Much of the credit for this substantial growth belonged to the store\u2019s dedicated Board of Directors.\u00a0 Board Members that year included John P. Murphy\u00a0as President; George E. Merrifield\u00a0as Vice-President and Treasurer; Cornelius Eerkes\u00a0as Vice-President\/Superintendent; William C. Miller\u00a0as Merchandise Manager; William T. Higbee\u00a0as Vice President and Harvey O. Mierke\u00a0as Secretary.<\/p>\n

The National Labor Relations Board in January 1952 ordered the American Federation of Labor to stop harassing Higbee\u2019s employees.\u00a0[91]<\/sup><\/a> \u00a0Specifically, it ordered Local #6 of the Painter\u2019s Union\u00a0and Local #725 of the Furniture Finishers Union\u00a0to discontinue all activities designed to discouraged or restrained Higbee\u2019s union employees from forming their-own organizations or participating directly in collective bargaining.\u00a0 Employees had filed a grievance previously with the National Labor Relations Board.\u00a0 Store employees wanted these locals to be de-certified as their bargaining agents.<\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s and the Henry Ford\u00a0that same year co-sponsored a successful exhibition called \u201cIndustrial Progress USA.\u201d\u00a0 The Cleveland Trust Company\u00a0also elected John P. Murphy\u00a0to its board.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s sales in 1952 posted substantial gains for its third consecutive year at $46,070,632.\u00a0 Net profits, that year, stood at $1,453,710 with long-term debt hovering at about 14% of capital. High employment and a flush economy led to this spurt in sales.[92]<\/sup><\/a> A new credit plan enabling qualified customers to purchase items equaling $50.00 or more and then allowing them to pay-off the remainder-owed in six monthly payments also assisted.<\/p>\n

Stockholders, in 1953, appointed Alva Bradley\u00a0II\u00a0(1916-1961) to its board.\u00a0 Young Bradley succeeded his late uncle Alva Bradley\u00a0(d. 1953).[93]<\/sup><\/a> Board members approved plans to remodel the store\u2019s auditorium.\u00a0 This resulted in a special banquet serving station, additional private dining rooms and special fiberglass ceiling tiles.[94]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 The Cleveland Dental Society, that autumn, proudly held its annual luncheon at the newly refurbished auditorium.[95]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Vogue Magazine\u00a0staged a major fashion show there that Christmas.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s Board of Directors, in December 1953, declared an extra $.25 dividend.[96]<\/sup><\/a> The store recorded its greatest sales volume yet.\u00a0 Sales, in 1953, peaked at $47,391,145.\u00a0 That symbolized a 2.8% increase over 1952 levels.\u00a0 The store\u2019s working capital increased by 6.9% following a $560,000 deduction for capital improvements.[97]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s Board of Directors, that August, announced the grand opening of a personalized card shop and in September launched Higbee\u2019s first Diabetes Drive.[98]<\/sup><\/a> Officials took great pains in pointing out the many quality items found in its new housewares department.\u00a0 Advertisements, in 1954, further emphasized that Higbee\u2019s was the first Ohio department store to offer extra heavy, affordable wool rugs in a multitude of colors.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s that same year hired Henry W. Alexander to head its Advertising Department.\u00a0 A well-respected public relations expert from California, Henry Alexander\u00a0replaced Walter Powers\u00a0who took a similar post at the growing May Company in Los Angeles, CA.[99]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s, in January 1955, handed every child entering its store their-own Cleveland Transit System (CTS) souvenir button.\u00a0 It commemorated the grand opening of the city\u2019s new light rail service.[100]<\/sup><\/a> Later that same year, Holiday Magazine\u00a0published a special spread on Cleveland.\u00a0 This magazine praised the City of Cleveland.\u00a0 It considered it a first-rate cultural center equal in every way to New York, San Francisco\u00a0and New Orleans.[101]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s took this opportunity to offer a new credit option.\u00a0 Cardholders now could purchase merchandise up to twelve times their fixed -monthly payment with no down payment.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, earlier forecasts of record breaking sales in 1954 never materialized.\u00a0 In fact, retail sales decreased by 3.22% over 1953 levels.\u00a0 Net income stood at $1,400,922 equal to $2.35 a common share.\u00a0 Common stock equity represented 81.8% of the store\u2019s total capital with 45% of that equity being net working assets.[102]<\/sup><\/a> Severe winter weather and a mid-year recession led to this drop in sales.\u00a0 However, this loss did not prevent Higbee\u2019s from expanding its working capital to $301,552 and increasing its ratio of assets to liabilities from 3.27-to-1.00 to 3.42-to-1.00.\u00a0 Working capital capped at $11,724,045, while its long-term debt decreased by $200,000 from $2,700,000 to $2,500,000.<\/p>\n

Special events during the 1955 shopping season included the Cleveland Rose Show and Davy Crockett Club.[103]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Visits by national celebrities such as Bennett Cerf, Arlene Frances, Dr. Benjamin Spock\u00a0and Eddie Fisher\u00a0brought thousands to Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 Board members decided, that August, to redeem all outstanding 5% preferred stock.\u00a0 That represented 4,145 shares with an aggregate par value of $1,414,500.\u00a0 Its retirement would only leave outstanding common stock.\u00a0 The head of Higbee\u2019s Boy\u2019s Department Girard D. Bond\u00a0also received the much coveted \u201cReilley\u201d Award\u00a0for his many contributions to the apparel industry over the years.[104]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Board members, in August, authorized redemption on 11\/1 of all outstanding shares of 5% preferred stock.[105]<\/sup><\/a> Sales figures for 1955 reached $50,469,347, a 10% increase over the previous year.\u00a0 Other Cleveland department stores did not do nearly as well with most averaging about a 7% increase over 1954 figures.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s common stock that year increased by 33.8% equal to $3.25 a share.[106]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Officials successfully negotiated a long-term $1,000,000 loan with MetLife, while stockholders authorized an increase in common stock from 566,054 shares to 1,000,000.\u00a0 Stockholders also declared 5% dividends in addition to the $.30 quarterly cash payment per share.[107]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Always on the cutting edge of innovation, Higbee\u2019s, in 1956, experimented with a new RCA\u00a0computer system called the Bizmac.[108]<\/sup><\/a> Regrettably, this point-of-sale computer device never worked properly and was soon dropped.\u00a0 The board that same year approved major renovations downtown.\u00a0 This represented the first in a series of changes intended to streamline store management and improve merchandise quality.\u00a0 Valentine\u2019s Day\u00a01956 brought an upsurge in sales due partially to the store\u2019s catchy new slogan \u201cCupid goes to the Heart of Cleveland Higbee\u2019s the Store with More.\u201d\u00a0 A special RCA\u00a0record promotion that March led Higbee\u2019s to unveil another popular motto \u201cIt Means More When Its from Higbee\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

Financial World, in July 1956, awarded Higbee\u2019s, for the 5th year in a row, its merit award for the store\u2019s accurate annual report.[109]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 To commemorate the opening of the first leg of the St. Lawrence Seaway, Higbee\u2019s sponsored its-own import fair.\u00a0 This extravaganza became an annual event.\u00a0 Other firsts introduced that year included new escalators; a popular fast food restaurant appropriately named the Pronto Room\u00a0and a special retail feature aired daily on KYW-TV\u00a0Channel 3 called \u201cHigbee\u2019s Shopping News.\u201d[110]<\/sup><\/a> Popular recording star Vaughn Monroe\u00a0sang with the Higbee Choral Club\u00a0on NBC\u2019s Monitor-radio\u00a0on December 22nd.[111]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Nineteen fifty-seven began with the board electing Marc Jonas\u00a0(1906-1989) as its new Advertising Director.\u00a0 Jonas replaced Henry Alexander.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s that March proudly hosted the 20th Annual Regional Scholastic Art Awards ceremony.[112]<\/sup><\/a> The store also sponsored a June music school recital.\u00a0 The Board of Director\u2019s reported that net profits for 1956 were 3.61% above 1955 levels at $1,942,790 equal to $3.27 a share vs. $1,875,143 or $3.10 a share the previous year.[113]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s paid $696,135 in stock dividends the previous year.[114]<\/sup><\/a> Its new hip slogan \u201cIt\u2019s Cool at Higbee\u2019s\u201d reflected the store\u2019s growing optimism.[115]<\/sup><\/a> Higbee\u2019s led the pack with pre-assembled furniture, later Thursday night hours, affordable electric shavers for women and import fair\u00a0souvenirs.\u00a0 The board also donated to the City of Cleveland a new Public Square musical shell.<\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s won national acclaim in January 1958 for its advertising campaign that promoted Metropolitan Opera Week\u00a0in Cleveland.[116]<\/sup><\/a> President John P. Murphy\u00a0that April said that the board was seriously considering building a premier suburban store on the former site of the Severance estate\u00a0in Cleveland Hts., OH.[117]<\/sup><\/a> Higbee\u2019s Merchandise Manager William C. Miller, later that same month, resigned his post to become the new Executive Vice President at Lord & Taylor\u2019s.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, in 1957, declared its second best sales record ever.\u00a0 Net sales stood at $52,418,903, while net income totaled $1,631,663 equal to $2.62 a common share.\u00a0 The all-time sales record was $53,267,704 in 1956.\u00a0 Also, the ratio of assets to liabilities increased slightly from 3.1 to 3.6.[118]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

New marketing strategies, for the 1958 shopping season, included better fashions through better figures, Family Shopping Nights\u00a0and band concerts from the music shell located in Public Square.[119]<\/sup><\/a> The store also unveiled three new customer payment plans.\u00a0 The first one involved no down payment on any items purchased with monthly installments as low as $5.00 per month.\u00a0 A second choice called for a 25% down payment with the balance being paid-off in equal weekly or monthly payments between the date of purchase and November 1st.\u00a0 A third possibility required a charge card account.\u00a0 Under this arrangement, store officials placed purchased items in layaway\u00a0until the end of October when Higbee\u2019s billed the customer for the full amount owed.\u00a0 The board in August 1958 elected Edwin K. Hoffman\u00a0as Vice President followed in December with the appointment of Trusdell E. Wismer\u00a0as Controller.[120]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

The National Retail Merchants Association\u00a0of New York proudly announced in January 1959 the election of John P. Murphy\u00a0to its board.[121]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s that February released plans for its first suburban store.[122]<\/sup><\/a> This 400,000 square foot structure was part of a 50-store shopping center to be erected on the former site of the Severance estate\u00a0in Cleveland Hts., Ohio.\u00a0 Larry Smith\u00a0& Co. of Seattle, WA\u00a0financed this project, while Austin Construction\u00a0of Cleveland, OH built it.<\/p>\n

Store officials, that same month, proudly announced that Higbee\u2019s would be the first Cleveland department store to sell imported goods that has been shipped through the St. Lawrence Seaway.[123]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Net sales, for 1959, totaled $47,857,538, while net earnings reached $1,456,022.\u00a0 That equaled $2.33 per common share.\u00a0 The store\u2019s working capital topped $14,611,474, an increase of $723,147 over 1958 levels, while its long-term debt decreased by $350,000.\u00a0 The value of its common stock rose from $33.54 to $34.72 per share.[124]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

John P. Murphy\u00a0denied all rumors of a possible merger with Federated Department Stores.[125]<\/sup><\/a> Significant change characterized the decade of the 1960s.\u00a0 Demographic downturns, increased world trade and changing customer tastes impacted Higbee\u2019s future.\u00a0 The Civil Rights Movement\u00a0and the youth culture also left their indelible marks on this venerable institution.\u00a0 The traditional, highly-popular local department store of the 1940s and 1950s was no more.\u00a0 In its wake, a new, more regionally-based Higbee\u2019s took center stage.\u00a0 The majority of the board throughout the turbulent 1960s could not predict with any certainty what lay ahead.\u00a0 Those with some insight into those matters found it next to impossible to institute any meaningful business changes.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s traditional leadership relied on standard business methods to guide them.\u00a0 In retrospect, their reluctance to adapt changes quickly may have been their saving grace during those chaotic times. It seemed the proper course to follow.\u00a0 These leaders had no way of knowing that their opaque business practices would result in greater economic dilemmas further down the road.<\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s held a number of fantastic sales in the 1960 shopping season to commemorate its 100th Anniversary.[126]<\/sup><\/a> Sales began with household appliances and ski apparel in January and ended with women\u2019s dresses, sporting goods and jewelry the following December.\u00a0 Officials also opened a new fur salon; misses dress department and California fashion shop.\u00a0 Net sales rose by 10.2% during the first six months of 1960, while net earnings increased by 23.9%.\u00a0 Dividends, that year, were $2.89 a share as compared with $2.33 a share the previous year.[127]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s, during the second half of 1960, proudly sponsored a major bridal show, popular record fair and special salute to the Summer Olympics.[128]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 This trend setting retailer also launched its Twixteen shop\u00a0and expanded its free customer phone service to other communities in Medina and Summit counties.\u00a0 Store officials also approved a $2,000,000 refurbishing of the downtown store by the acclaimed New York designer and fashion consultant Raymond Loewy\u00a0(1893-1986).[129]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

The Cleveland Plain Dealer,\u00a0 praised Higbee\u2019s for its cheerfulness.\u00a0 Its pleasant atmosphere of elegance and excitement pleased many customers.[130]<\/sup><\/a> Sales increases of 4.5% during the first six months of 1960 supported that assertion.\u00a0 Increasingly, a favorite spot for Cleveland\u2019s upper middle class, the store\u2019s leaders demanded the very best service from their sales staff.\u00a0 They expected their employees to go the extra mile.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s board members considered customer loyalty essential to their success, a loyalty forged by mutual respect and trust over the years.<\/p>\n

Special events in 1960 including the \u201cRhapsody of Steel,\u201d an exhibition focusing on the Cleveland steel industry; special Christmas displays and frequent visits by popular television cartoon characters such as Huckleberry Hound\u00a0and Quick-Draw McGraw.[131]<\/sup><\/a> The Board of Directors in October proudly announced the purchase of the former Federal Department Store building at Westgate Shopping Center\u00a0in Fairview Park, OH.[132]<\/sup><\/a> Their plans called for a new full-service suburban store at that location beginning in 1961.\u00a0 The New York design team of Raymond Loewy\u00a0and William T. Smith\u00a0headed this $6,000,000 renovation effort.[133]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s, began 1961, by refurbishing a former government installation located at 3201 Harvard Avenue.[134]<\/sup><\/a> It became its new main warehouse.\u00a0 Other highlights that year included a visit by Liz Claiborne; introduction of Flap-Jac children\u2019s coats and wash-n-wear cord suits, exhibition of Newport antiques\u00a0and displays of fallout shelters.\u00a0 The board also introduced a new Revolving Charge Account.\u00a0 It resembled the store\u2019s regular 30-Day Charge Account with one notable exception.\u00a0 Qualified customers now could pay back the remainder over many months rather than within the traditionally-allowed thirty day time frame. Higbee\u2019s, on October 29, 1961, opened its first branch store at the Westgate Shopping Center.\u00a0 Board members appointed Wilmer D. Hill\u00a0as that store\u2019s first general manager.\u00a0 This ultra-modern, 180,000 square foot facility boasted more than $3,000,000 in merchandise.[135]<\/sup><\/a> Higbee\u2019s at Westgate always did well financially.<\/p>\n

Hoping to capture an even greater percentage of Greater Cleveland Christmas sales, Higbee\u2019s launched its Twigbee Shop.[136]<\/sup><\/a> This designated area in the downtown store enabled young children to purchase Christmas gifts without parental interference.\u00a0 It remained popular well into the 1970s.\u00a0 Expensive costs in renovating the Westgate premises negatively affected earnings during the first nine months of 1961.\u00a0 Net earnings decreased to $622,617, a drop of $99,057 from $721,674 the previous year.\u00a0 The value of common stock also declined during that same nine month period from $1.15 to $1.00 a share.[137]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s Board of Directors at their annual June meeting re-elected John P. Murphy\u00a0as President and elected Herbert W. Strawbridge\u00a0(1918-2000) as their Vice President.\u00a0 Murphy joined Higbee\u2019s staff in 1937 and Strawbridge in 1955.[138]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s announced that its Severance Center\u00a0store, distinguished by its exterior veneer of earth toned and rubble fieldstone, would be opened in August 1963.[139]<\/sup><\/a> Local connoisseurs, beginning in June 1962, flocked to Higbee\u2019s expanded wine and cheese shop.\u00a0 Other special attractions, during the 1962 shopping season, included a children\u2019s photo contest; remodeled Silver Grille\u00a0restaurant, improved Mickey Mouse Club\u00a0and free film series entitled \u201cThe Wonderful World of Golf.\u201d[140]<\/sup><\/a> Store sales for the first nine months of 1962 reached $15,305,365.\u00a0 That represented a $1,616,809 increase over $13,688,556 for the same period in 1961.\u00a0 Net income over that same time frame increased to $423,228 equal to $.67 per common share.\u00a0 That compared with $302,131 or $.48 per share a year ago.[141]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Despite the inclement winter weather and a three month newspaper strike, Higbee\u2019s posted its greatest sales gains ever.\u00a0 Net profits in 1962 topped $1,441,051 equal to $2.30 per common share as compared with $1,775,723 or $2.84 a share the previous year.[142]<\/sup><\/a> High sales figures at the Westgate store helped to offset mounting financial difficulties downtown.[143]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s, in 1963, received praise from the local media for donating $15,000 towards the YMCA\u00a0building campaign.\u00a0 Customers loved to visit the new turnpike shop and attend the many exciting fashion shows.\u00a0 Other popular events that year included special music recitals, a housewares carnival and life broadcasts by two of WERE\u2019s popular-radio personalities Jeff Baxter\u00a0and Jack Riley.[144]<\/sup><\/a> The new Severance Center\u00a0store opened on August 5, 1963 to much fanfare.[145]<\/sup><\/a> Cleveland Hts. shoppers particularly enjoyed eating in the new upscale Hobnail Restaurant.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s net sales, in 1963, increased by 20.5% over 1962 levels.<\/p>\n

The high costs involved in opening the Severance Center\u00a0branch led to a 7.2% drop in profits for the 2nd quarter of 1963 even though sales enjoyed a sizeable gain of 20.5%.[146]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Hoping to bolster those recent losses, the Board of Directors rehired Wyse Advertising Company.\u00a0 Wyse\u2019s clever advertising campaigns in the 1950s had increased store profits significantly.[147]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s also continued to support local charities especially during the Christmas season.\u00a0 The Annual Christmas Shopping Spree\u00a0for Children represented one such effort.[148]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Sponsored jointly by Higbee\u2019s and the Cleveland Junior Chamber of Commerce, this charitable event provided needed clothing and toys to disadvantaged children throughout Greater Cleveland.<\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s advertising department in 1964 unveiled its latest slogan, \u201cHigbee\u2019s has just the fashions for it.\u201d[149]<\/sup><\/a> Major events that year included the Greater Cleveland Doll Festival\u00a0and kickoff luncheon for the Greater Cleveland Cancer Crusade.[150]<\/sup><\/a> Higbee\u2019s that March opened its new electronic service department to rave reviews and its Dugout Club\u00a0where boys aged 8 to 14 won free admission to Indians games and other great prizes was also very popular.[151]<\/sup><\/a> A 16% jump in store sales and a net income increase of 64% over 1963 figures convinced executives to build another suburban outlet this time at the Midway Mall\u00a0in Elyria, OH.[152]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

The Board of Directors, in May, declared a dividend of $.30 on common stock.\u00a0 Two months later, they named Robert G. Wright\u00a0as Vice President of Suburban Store Operations and reassigned Westgate\u2019s General Manager Wilmer D. Hill\u00a0to Severance Center.[153]<\/sup><\/a> Higbee\u2019s Music Center that August offered affordable guitar lessons and the main art gallery began selling quality prints of master paintings.\u00a0 Personnel reassignments and expanded customer service paid-off handsomely as net sales for the 2nd quarter of 1964 soared by 18.3% and net profits increased by 41% over a year ago.[154]<\/sup><\/a> The Board of Directors also approved the hiring of Raymond Loewy\u00a0to refurbish the 5th floor of the downtown store.\u00a0 They were highly impressed with Loewy\u2019s recent renovation efforts.\u00a0 Store President John P. Murphy, that autumn, unveiled Higbee\u2019s ambitious expansion plans which called for adding a new store every year or two.[155]<\/sup><\/a> December 1964 began on a sour note.\u00a0 The Federal Trade Commission\u00a0(FTC) charged that 25 national department stores including Higbee\u2019s had received preferential prices from suppliers through an affiliated New York syndicate.\u00a0 The discounts, allowances and rebates enjoyed by these retailers placed their competitors at a decidedly unfair disadvantage.\u00a0 The FTC said this must end immediately.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s officials did not comment on these accusations.[156]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Nineteen sixty-five and sixty-six represented two years of tremendous growth for this premier downtown department store.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s earnings, during the first three months of 1965, increased by 7.5% to $2,267,427 or $3.52 a common share.\u00a0 Net sales were up 7.1% over 1964 levels.[157]<\/sup><\/a> Stockholders responded to this positive news by declaring a $.05 increase in dividends from $.35 to $.40.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s remained extremely busy during the spring and summer of 1965.\u00a0 The Board of Directors that May approved plans to build a new, 185,000 square foot store as part of the revitalized Parmatown Shopping Center\u00a0in Parma, OH.[158]<\/sup><\/a> The growing popularity of South Park Mall\u00a0in Strongsville, OH\u00a0and Crocker Park\u00a0in Westlake, OH\u00a0along with a renovated Summit Mall\u00a0in Akron, OH\u00a0in recent years all but destroyed it.\u00a0 Unable to recoup losses, Phillip Edison & Company, in 2014, replaced Parmatown with the new \u201cShoppes at Parma.\u201d\u00a0 These shops cater more directly to the needs of modern-day customers.<\/p>\n

Store executives, in the summer of 1965, signed a long-term lease at Westgate.\u00a0 Officials also participated in groundbreaking ceremonies for its latest store at Midway Mall\u00a0as well as sponsor a \u201cCinderella Fantasia Breakfast\u201d for children.[159]<\/sup><\/a> Hoping to expand its customer-base even further, Higbee\u2019s officials approved extensive remodeling within its downtown facility.\u00a0 Dazzling crystal chandeliers designed by Raymond Loewy\u00a0provided a new sense of elegance and grace to the main floor.\u00a0 Store officials also inaugurated their-own \u201cU-Ask-It Information Service\u201d that Christmas.[160]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s, in January 1966, opened its new budget store at Westgate.\u00a0 The store\u2019s downtown gallery, that same month, exhibited popular 18th and 19th century European oil paintings.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s net income in 1966 increased a whopping 24.5% to $2,775,780 equal to $4.31 a share vs. $2,230,019 or $3.40 the previous year.\u00a0 Sales were up 4.7% to $77,867,633.[161]<\/sup><\/a> Higbee\u2019s, that June, announced a 5% stock dividend equaling one share for every twenty held since 1957.[162]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

The Board of Directors, in July 1966, authorized the construction of another full-service branch store this time in Canton, OH.\u00a0 Part of a $12,000,000 complex named Belden Village\u00a0this store generated sizeable profits for years.[163]<\/sup><\/a> The 1966 football season saw young fans ages 7 to 15 flocking to Higbee\u2019s Browns Mascot Club.\u00a0 Guest appearances by popular Browns players added to their fun.\u00a0 High sales volume during the Christmas Season made it a very good year for this popular department store.<\/p>\n

Nineteen sixty-seven began with a major announcement.\u00a0 The Board of Directors appointed the former mayor of Parma, OH\u00a0James W. Day\u00a0as the store\u2019s new Public Affairs Assistant Vice President.\u00a0 James Day was to work closely with Herbert Strawbridge\u00a0on a number of important projects.\u00a0 The stockholders that March approved a 3-for-2 split on all outstanding stock.\u00a0 The additional capital generated from this stock split went towards expansion and renovation efforts.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s sales, in 1966, hit an all-time record of $85,151,100.[164]<\/sup><\/a> Severance Center\u00a0and Westgate stores accounted for much of it.\u00a0 Other major store developments in 1967 ranged from downsizing its downtown music center and sponsoring a special ballet called \u201cRhapsody in Blue\u201d to promoting its annual Model Plane Show\u00a0and hosting a festival dedicated to the State of Ohio.\u00a0 Known as Ohiorama, this lively event brought thousands of Clevelanders downtown.[165]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

The grand opening of Higbee\u2019s Parmatown store that same year gained much public attention.\u00a0 This new west side facility combined the best in department store merchandise with the kind of personalized service that characterized Higbee\u2019s.[166]<\/sup><\/a> The high expenses incurred in opening two new suburban stores negatively impacted store earnings.\u00a0 This downturn led stockholders, in 1967, to lower3rd quarter stock dividends to $.30 per share.[167]<\/sup><\/a> In terms of expanding existing store services, Higbee\u2019s that same year added a new Rent-A-Car Service\u00a0and an Arts and Crafts Center.[168]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s, in January 1968, began building another store at Great Lakes Mall\u00a0in Mentor, OH.[169]<\/sup><\/a> Officials promised it would be opened in early 1969.\u00a0 One of Cleveland\u2019s foremost shopping center developers named Carl Milstein\u00a0announced in March that Higbee\u2019s planned to erect a store in Euclid, OH.[170]<\/sup><\/a> Higbee\u2019s net profits, for the 1st quarter of 1968, increased by 137.6% to $383,390 or $.34 a share vs. $161,369 or $.15 a share the previous year.[171]<\/sup><\/a> Net sales were $98,666,022 in 1968 as compared to $86,634,526 a year ago.\u00a0 This major department store led the pack that summer when it opened a youth employment agency downtown.\u00a0 The board also endorsed plans by the Richard E. Jacobs Group, owners of Westgate Shopping Center, to enclose its shopping center.[172]<\/sup><\/a> The mall was demolished in 2006 and replaced by an open air shopping center.\u00a0 It included a Petco, Marshall\u2019s, Kay Jewelers\u00a0and Famous Footware.<\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s directors, in February 1969, acquired Burrow Brothers Company.\u00a0 Founded in 1873 by Charles W. Burrows\u00a0(1850-1932) and Harris B. Burrows\u00a0(1855-1934), this respected retail chain sold books, stationary and office supplies.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s buyout specified that currently operating Burrow stores would retain their name at least for the foreseeable future.\u00a0 Officials at Higbee\u2019s expected to generate about $4,000,000 annually from this deal.\u00a0 The board elected Burrow\u2019s President Howard B. Klein as Vice President.[173]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

This action by the store\u2019s board represented the first of two major steps intended to insure Higbee\u2019s growth and prosperity for years to come.\u00a0 The second step involved venturing into an outside retail market.\u00a0 Stockholders in April 1969 approved the $4,800,000 purchase of G.M. McKelvey Department Store\u00a0of Youngstown, OH.\u00a0 Under this arrangement, McKelvey\u2019s stockholders received an equitable stock trade of $.62 in dividends for each share surrendered.\u00a0 With 700 employees, this Youngstown-based department store served about 400,000 customers. That merger projected $14,000,000 in additional sales annually.\u00a0 McKelvey\u2019s annual earnings stood at about $344,130 or $3.20 a share.[174]<\/sup><\/a> Unfortunately, escalating overhead costs\u00a0at McKelvey\u2019s had significantly reduced profits recently.\u00a0 Unable to meet mounting debt, McKelvey\u2019s faced bankruptcy.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s officials saw their competitor\u2019s misfortune as a golden opportunity to expand their customer-base beyond the Cleveland-Akron market area.<\/p>\n

Higbee employees on July 15, 1969 mourned the passing of the store\u2019s long-time President John P. Murphy.\u00a0 He was 82 years old.\u00a0 Murphy had been a leader at Higbee\u2019s for over thirty years.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s and the Greater Cleveland United Appeal, that October, paid tribute to the American Olympic team through a special program they called \u201cExpo \u201969.\u201d[175]<\/sup><\/a> Board members in October 1969 appointed Jack McGinty\u00a0as the General Manager for the Great Lakes Mall\u00a0store.[176]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Net income for 1969 climbed to $928,314 equal to $.68 a share.\u00a0 That was an increase of $219,274 over the previous year\u2019s level of $709,040 or $.60 a share.\u00a0 Net sales that same year topped $87,949,396.\u00a0 That compared with $72,687,434 in 1968.[177]<\/sup><\/a> Wyse\u2019s latest advertising campaign summed it up best when it said \u201cIf you haven\u2019t seen Higbee\u2019s today, you haven\u2019t seen Higbee\u2019s.\u201d[178]<\/sup><\/a> Store officials led by Herbert Strawbridge\u00a0reaffirmed their opposition to Sunday store hours.[179]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

The decade of the 1970s began with the U.S. Justice Department challenging the legality of the recent merger between Higbee\u2019s and Burrow\u2019s.\u00a0 Federal officials claimed that it violated the Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914.[180]<\/sup><\/a> Board members, in January 1970, approved a new slate of officers.\u00a0 They included Henry G. Brownell\u00a0as Vice Chairman; Robert G. Wright\u00a0as Executive Vice President, Wilmer D. Hill\u00a0as Belden Village\u00a0Supervisor, R. Bruce Campbell\u00a0(1937-2012) as Belden Village General Manager, Ronald Eisaman as Severance Center\u00a0General Manager and James Brogan\u00a0as Westgate General Manager.[181]<\/sup><\/a> Higbee\u2019s profits in 1969 were up 20.2% to $3,433,226 or $2.63 a share as compared with $2,856,118 or $2.43 a share one year ago.\u00a0 Net sales were up by 22.5% reaching $132,137,522 vs. $107,896,874 in 1968.\u00a0 Net profit figures for 1969 did not include a loss of $119,901 from various real estate deals.[182]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Shareholders, in 1970, voted to elect board members on a three-year rotating basis.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s Vice President Marc Jonas, that July, told reporters that he was not surprised to learn that the Chicago-based Marshall Fields had purchased Halle\u2019s Brothers.[183]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Rumors had been circulating for months of an impending deal between these retailers.\u00a0 He wished the new owners the best of luck.<\/p>\n

The grand opening in July of Higbee\u2019s newest 195,000 square foot full service store in Canton, OH\u2019s Belden Village\u00a0received a great deal of fanfare.\u00a0 The debut of a separate Higbee store, a modified boutique called the Loft especially appealed to younger women.[184]<\/sup><\/a> Higbee\u2019s Board of Directors that October reaffirmed their commitment to no Sunday store hours.\u00a0 Shoppers that November flocked to Burrows Brothers\u00a0Pre-Christmas Savings Days.[185]<\/sup><\/a> Net sales, as reported in December 1970, increased by 10.5% to reach $138,802,118.\u00a0 That compared favorably with the $123,158,426 level one year earlier.\u00a0 Net income, for that period, was $1,426,519 or $1.03 a share vs. $3,442,733 or $2.74 a share in 1969.\u00a0 Land sales accounted for these recent losses.[186]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Board members, in January 1971, re-elected Herbert Strawbridge\u00a0as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.\u00a0 They also appointed Henry G. Brownell\u00a0as President and General Manager.\u00a0 Later that same year, two Cleveland attorneys named Jack and Robert Turoff\u00a0filed a law suit in Common Pleas Court\u00a0against Higbee\u2019s, Halle\u2019s and the May Company.\u00a0 They alleged that these stores misled customers on what constituted fair interest rates and service charges.\u00a0 This $75,000,000 class action suit claimed that these three retailers charged excessive interest rates and exorbitant service charges.<\/p>\n

The Common Pleas Court, in June 1971, found in favor of the plaintiffs.\u00a0 The court ordered the stores to give customers a one-month grace period before charging finance changes.\u00a0 It further stipulated that all customer bills must clearly explain restrictions, and that these retail establishments no longer had the right to collect finance charges on items returned.\u00a0 Federal officials followed that up by launching an antitrust suit against Higbee\u2019s based on the recent merger with Burrows.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s counsel agreed to enter into a consent decree to divest itself of all its interests in Burrows.[187]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 The year ended with Higbee\u2019s announcing that five of its seven stores would be opened Sundays.[188]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

One very clever promotion introduced that year involved Second Federal Savings & Loan Company.\u00a0 Any customer that opened a 5% per annum Second Federal Passbook\u00a0Savings Account of at least $1,000 would receive a $5.00 Higbee\u2019s Gift Certificate.[189]<\/sup><\/a> Customers enjoyed the Cleveland Music Institute\u2019s Carnival Benefit; Scandinavian Home Fashion Show\u00a0and 38th Annual Children\u2019s Photo Contest sponsored by Higbee\u2019s that year.[190]<\/sup><\/a> Other major events to occur in 1971 included the 17th Annual Import Fair, a visit by Democratic Presidential candidate U.S. Senator George S. McGovern\u00a0and diet workshops.<\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s announced, in February 1972, that 65% to 70% of its customers charged their purchases.\u00a0 Net income for the one-year period ending on April 29, 1972 topped $2,419,489 equal to $1.74 a share vs. $1,640,484 or $1.18 a share the previous year.[191]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Under the guidance of Herbert Strawbridge\u00a0and James Day, the Higbee Corporation, in December 1972, embarked upon an ambitious plan.\u00a0 An outgrowth of Gateway Project, its initial purpose was to create a new heritage park at the foot of Superior Avenue\u00a0hill.\u00a0\u00a0 It soon expanded into a full-service local development corporation.[192]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Commencing with the restoration of the historic Western Reserve building\u00a0in the 1970s and culminating with the development of the Flats\u00a0entertainment district in the 1990s, the Higbee Development Corporation\u2019s many innovative activities, programs and projects greatly improved the quality of life for Cleveland\u2019s downtown community.[193]<\/sup><\/a> Many Clevelanders today have no idea that without the determined efforts of Herbert Strawbridge\u00a0and James Day, none of this development would have occurred.\u00a0 Both leaders considered it their civic duty to fulfill the corporation\u2019s mission through the best and worst times.<\/p>\n

The 1970s represented a time of great change and innovation for this leading Cleveland department store.\u00a0 New products continually filled store shelves.\u00a0 Items ranged from rare linens and fine silks to everyday kitchen gadgets and exotic perfumes.\u00a0 One item, porcelain figurines by the German artist Gunther Granget, sold particularly well during the 1972 Christmas season.[194]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Personalized stationary and knitted woolen hats and gloves proved popular that year.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s consistently high sales figures impressed retailers nationwide.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s prestige as a quality retailer reached an all-time high.[195]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

However, the store\u2019s continued success symbolized much more than high yearly sales levels.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s growing importance as a community leader accounted for much of its recent success.\u00a0 Its leaders contributed countless hours of public service, anything to improve the quality of life for all Clevelanders.\u00a0\u00a0 Herbert Strawbridge\u00a0as Chief Executive Officer dedicated much of his efforts towards business and civic improvements.\u00a0 This included helping minority businesses to succeed financially.\u00a0 Strawbridge, in 1973, received media praise for his work in establishing Cleveland\u2019s first minority-operated bank.[196]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s board, in March 1973, approved plans for a new, full-service store to be built at Randall Park Mall\u00a0in North Randall, OH.[197]<\/sup><\/a> Rumors ran high that the Randall Park branch might become this retail chain\u2019s new main store should the stockholders decided to leave downtown.\u00a0 However, board members remained silent on that issue.\u00a0 The U.S. District Court\u00a0in May oversaw the sale of the Burrows Brothers\u00a0to A.G. Becker & Company\u00a0of Chicago.[198]<\/sup><\/a> Higbee\u2019s that autumn began offering conversational Japanese courses for businesspersons.\u00a0 It also led the pack in selling recycled pants at much reduced prices.<\/p>\n

The Board of Directors, in April, reported a 6.7% surge in net sales for 1972, while net income increased by 52.4%.\u00a0 For the 12-month period ending February 3, 1973, Higbee\u2019s posted net income of $3,378,771 or $2.44 a share compared with $3,216,861 or $1.60 a share in 1971.[199]<\/sup><\/a> Stockholders, in September 1973, approved Sunday hours for all stores and urged employee carpooling.[200]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 They also elected William E. Savage\u00a0to replace Robert Broadbent\u00a0as Executive Vice President.[201]<\/sup><\/a> Union Savings Association, that October, opened its first downtown satellite office in a former Higbee\u2019s display case.<\/p>\n

Record store sales in 1973.\u00a0 Net income topped $3,420,796 or $2.50 a share on sales of $150,213,019.\u00a0 That compared with $3,378,771 or $2.44 a share on sales of $149,471,969 the previous year.[202]<\/sup><\/a> The Plain Dealer, in January 1974, named Herbert Strawbridge\u00a0its businessman of the year.[203]<\/sup><\/a> Officials, that June, subleased their warehouse in Brooklyn, OH\u00a0for $790,000 annually.[204]<\/sup><\/a> Store sales in 1974 increased by 15\u00bd% over 1973 figures.\u00a0\u00a0 Unfortunately, its earnings fell slightly from $136,115 to $135,871.\u00a0 Common stock dividends remained at $.10 a share.\u00a0 A local development corporation\u00a0called Jacobs, Visconsi and Jacobs, later that same year, released plans for a new Higbee\u2019s department store to be constructed at the Euclid Square Mall\u00a0in Euclid, OH.[205]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

The Board of Directors, in October 1974, signed a 30-year lease at Randall Park Mall\u00a0with Youngstown shopping center magnate Edward J. DeBartolo\u00a0Sr.[206]<\/sup><\/a> Board member also approved the renovation of the former Spartan-Atlantic\u00a0Store at Westgate Mall.[207]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 It became its new home furnishings center.\u00a0 Earlier plans to open a Salvador Dali\u00a0museum in the Flats\u00a0failed to materialize.[208]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Nineteen seventy-five began with Richard Silver\u00a0becoming Operation\u2019s Vice President.\u00a0 Store officials appointed Richard Goff\u00a0as the Merchandising & General Manager for Loft Stores\u00a0and David Harbaugh\u00a0as Assistant Vice President Management Information.[209]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 The board announced that 4th Quarter net earnings in 1974 dropped by 14% to $1,696,342 equal to $1.25 a share.[210]<\/sup><\/a> Higbee\u2019s that summer donated funds to the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority\u00a0(RTA).[211]<\/sup><\/a> Store officials, in August 1975, reported quarterly losses for the first time in nearly three years.[212]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Analysts indicated that the board\u2019s reluctance to build new branches quick enough may have prompted these losses.\u00a0 Many believed that store openings at both Randall Park and Euclid Square malls would reverse this trend.\u00a0 Although store sales increased by 5.9% over the next several months, Higbee\u2019s continued to post profit losses.\u00a0 Its financial prospects briefly brightened in the summer of 1976.\u00a0 Henry Brownell, in May, unveiled plans to erect a 125,000 square foot suburban store at Beachwood Place Mall.[213]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Regrettably, this positive news failed to turnaround recent profit losses.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, in August 1976, reported losses of $599,061 or $.44 a share on sales of $34,657,329 as compared with $198,274 or $.14 a share on sales of $33,424,479 the previous year.[214]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

The Board of Directors, in January 1977, appointed John S. Lupo\u00a0as the General Manager of the Euclid Square store.\u00a0 It also elected Harry Brown\u00a0as Divisional Merchandise Manager and Peter Mohn\u00a0as Assistant Divisional Manager of Merchandise.[215]<\/sup><\/a> Hoping to counter recent losses, Higbee\u2019s began to accept Visa\u00a0and Mastercard\u00a0credit cards\u00a0as well as American Express\u00a0cards.[216]<\/sup><\/a> However, it did nothing to reverse the store\u2019s fortunes.\u00a0 Chronic losses continued into the 2nd quarter of 1977.\u00a0 Officials reported a downturn of $704,885 or $.51 a share as compared to $599,061 or $.44 the previous year.\u00a0 They attributed much of these losses to high interest rates, depreciation and other costs incurred during the renovation of the Western Reserve Building.[217]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s Board, in January 1978, elected Herbert Strawbridge\u00a0as President.\u00a0 His appointment resulted from the resignation of Henry Brownell.[218]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Store officials also appointed Gayle Beuchat\u00a0as Higbee\u2019s first female suburban manager.[219]<\/sup><\/a> Higbee\u2019s, in May, reported a 1st quarter sales increases of 8.8%.\u00a0 Net income for 1977 totaled $3,200,000 equal to $2.33 a share, while net sales reached $182,100,000.[220]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 This surprised many stockholders since recent severe storms had forced officials to cut store hours by 12%.<\/p>\n

The Downtown Cleveland Corporation, that same spring, elected Robert G. Wright\u00a0its President.\u00a0 Store officials that year appointed R. Bruce Campbell\u00a0as Executive Administrative Vice President.\u00a0 The recently introduced Higbee Club Account\u00a0stimulated sales in china, crystal, silverware and fine jewelry.[221]<\/sup><\/a> Higbee\u2019s President Strawbridge, at the annual board meeting, admitted that strategic blunders cost Higbee\u2019s important sales and that these miscalculations\u00a0 resulted in 2nd quarter losses totaling $2,200,000.\u00a0 The board\u2019s inability to right current inventory imbalances and improve upon the quality of less costly merchandise made this situation worse.[222]<\/sup><\/a> The return in November 1978 of Robert Broadbent\u00a0as President and Chief Operating Officer seemed promising to skeptical stockholders.[223]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

A drop-off in customers led officials, in January 1979, to close the Public Square store at 7:00 p.m. on Monday evenings.\u00a0 The board the following month appointed Charles F. Brown\u00a0Vice President and Assistant to the President.[224]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s announced that May that mounting deficits meant no stock dividends for at least the first three quarters of 1979.[225]<\/sup><\/a> Higbee\u2019s losses in the 4th Quarter of 1978 reached $1,500,000.\u00a0 Officials blamed inventory and personnel issues for these losses. The stringent action in May 1980 seemed to work.\u00a0 Net sales in August improved to $41,295,000, a gain of $1,907,000 over a year ago.\u00a0 Board members at an October meeting named Jane Lisy\u00a0as the new Special Events Director.[226]<\/sup><\/a>The year ended with only modest sales gains at Christmas.[227]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Nineteen eighty represented a watershed year for this major retailer.\u00a0 However, few could have predicted it at the beginning of the year.\u00a0 Everything seemed so normal.\u00a0 Modest winter sales based on inclement weather was par for the course in large department stores like Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s and the Federation of Community Planning tried to lessen the winter blues by hosting a successful photo contest that winter.[228]<\/sup><\/a> No surprises there.<\/p>\n

Store officials that February sponsored a nutrition workshop and in March introduced video-disc players to eager shoppers.[229]<\/sup><\/a> The advertising department\u2019s latest slogan \u201cHigbee\u2019s, We\u2019re the Talk of the Town\u201d caught the public\u2019s fancy.[230]<\/sup><\/a> Higbee\u2019s, in April 1980, sold its interest in the Stouffer\u2019s Inn on the Square\u00a0to the owner of the Cleveland Browns, Art Modell.[231]<\/sup><\/a> The Board of Directors expressed renewed optimism when 1st quarter sales figures were released.\u00a0 They showed an increase of 4.9% over 1979 levels.\u00a0 The $90,000 posted loss would have been profit if prime interest rates had not increased by 20% that April.[232]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Many wealthy foreigners seeking lucrative investment opportunities in the U.S. looked to Higbee\u2019s as a potential new business venture.\u00a0 With its consistently high profits and reasonable overhead costs, Higbee\u2019s reflected the best in department store management.\u00a0 A sound investment with great growth potential, foreign businesses began to approach large overseas banking and holding companies for assistance.\u00a0 Through a Bermuda-based holding corporation\u00a0called Fidelity International\u00a0and a Dutch Antilles-based holding company known as the American Values Fund, investors from Japan purchased large blocks of Higbee stock on the open market.[233]<\/sup><\/a> These savvy investors designated American Values and Industrial Equity (Pacific) LTD\u00a0of Hong Kong\u00a0to serve as their organizational arms.<\/p>\n

The majority of Higbee officials favored it as an effective way to increase the future value of Higbee\u2019s stock.\u00a0 At that time, the John P. Murphy\u00a0Foundation owned 22% of Higbee\u2019s outstanding stock with Herbert Strawbridge, Frank E. Joseph\u00a0and John Connell\u00a0as its trustees.[234]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Store officers controlled about 33% of the remaining stock with outside investors controlling the rest.\u00a0 This kind of stock activity stimulated business and enabled stockholders to declare a year-end dividend of $.10 per share.[235]<\/sup><\/a> Industrial Equity (Pacific) LTD\u00a0of Hong Kong, in early 1981, reported to the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission (SEC)\u00a0that it had acquired 69,900 shares equal to approximately 5% of Higbee\u2019s common stock valued at $928,000.[236]<\/sup><\/a> In terms of its own financial situation, Higbee\u2019s, in April 1980, posted 12-month net sales of $63,608,593 vs. $62,710,102 in 1978.\u00a0 Net income for that same time period increased to $1,479,589 as compared with $2,154,253 the previous year.[237]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s in cooperation with WEWS-TV\u00a0Channel 5 in July 1981 sponsored a one mile race around Public Square for all children under the age of 12.[238]<\/sup><\/a> The board, that August, announced a 50% reduction in the store\u2019s deficit based on a large cash infusion resulting from this stock activity.[239]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Chet Edwards, two months later, resigned as Senior Vice President for Merchandising Concepts in order to open his own store.\u00a0 Store executives, later that same month, leased 77,000 square feet of their downtown premises to of Ohio (SOHIO).\u00a0 Standard Oil\u00a0used this office space temporarily while moving into its new headquarters at 200 Public Square.[240]<\/sup><\/a> The Board of Directors in December 1981 appointed Raymond J. Miller\u00a0as Treasurer.\u00a0 They also declared a year end stock dividend of $.20, an increase of $.10 over a year ago.[241]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

The closing, in January 1982, of one of its chief rivals Halle\u2019s brought new life to Higbee\u2019s downtown.\u00a0 Store officials guaranteed former Halle\u2019s shoppers that their retail establishment would carry a full range of top quality items and store services similar to Halle\u2019s.\u00a0 Herbert Strawbridge\u00a0projected a profit gain of at least $12,000,000.[242]<\/sup><\/a> Strawbridge was absolutely correct.\u00a0 However, the closing of Halle\u2019s represented much more than just immediate financial gains for its competitors.<\/p>\n

Prestigious clothing lines and accessories formerly found in Halle\u2019s were now sold in other downtown department stores such as Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 These lines bolstered sales while insuring high profits for many years to come. Both American Values and Industrial Equity (Pacific) LTD\u00a0that February purchased additional stock.\u00a0 American Values by mid-year owned 258,031 shares or 18.7%, while Industrial Equity acquired an additional 12,000 shares.\u00a0 The fund paid about $240,000 for this stock.\u00a0 Kidder, Peabody & Co. financed the loan.[243]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Women\u2019s Federal Savings & Loan Association, in February 1982, unveiled its plans to move into Higbee\u2019s downtown store.[244]<\/sup><\/a> This retailer suffered further profit losses during the 1st quarter of 1982 with sales dropping another 2.3%.\u00a0 Net sales for the year ending May 1, 1982 declined to $45,814,513 as compared to $46,876,445 the previous year.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s net loss in income for 1982 stood at $455,371 as compared with $135,115 a year ago.[245]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 These net losses continued into the summer.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s reported 2nd Quarter 1982 losses of $1,193,636 as compared to $487,563 in 1981.[246]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Other events during the 1982 shopping season included moving into the former Halle\u2019s store at Summit Mall\u00a0in October and closing its Youngstown retail operations that November.\u00a0 In the case of the Summit Mall\u00a0move, Halle\u2019s officials graciously offered all its merchandise to Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 However, Herbert Strawbridge\u00a0respectively declined claiming that Higbee\u2019s had more than enough of its-own high quality merchandise to fill it.\u00a0 The 1982 Christmas season brought Mr. Jingeling\u00a0to Higbee\u2019s and another important announcement.[247]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Filming for the new Hollywood movie \u201cA Christmas Story\u201d was to begin in the downtown store after the first of the year.[248]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 With sales up 4.5 % over the previous year, the stockholders declared a year-end dividend of $.30 a share.[249]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Nineteen eighty-three began on a very positive note.\u00a0 Savvy Magazine\u00a0in its March issue complimented Higbee\u2019s on its very high quality personal shopper service.\u00a0 The Women\u2019s Committee of the Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival\u00a0in conjunction with WVIZ-TV Channel 25 held its annual St. Patrick\u2019s Day\u00a0Salute at the store, 400 attended.[250]<\/sup><\/a> The filming of \u201cA Christmas Story\u201d in the first floor of Higbee\u2019s sparked winter sales downtown.<\/p>\n

The Board of Directors reported the best 4th Quarter earnings since 1977.\u00a0 New income as of January 31, 1983 stood at $3,113,970 equal to $2.25 a share as compared to $2,118,826 or $1.53 a share one year ago.[251]<\/sup><\/a> Higbee\u2019s Nancy McCann\u00a0received media praise for her dazzling displays currently at the Kent State University\u00a0Fashion Museum.[252]<\/sup><\/a> A special luncheon downtown for UCLA\u00a0basketball coach John Wooden\u00a0also received rave reviews.\u00a0 The store\u2019s long-time Special Events Display Manager Wally Gbur\u00a0that May announced his retirement and the board elected Paul L. Volk\u00a0Executive Finance Vice President.[253]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 The positive publicity generated by the store\u2019s many events significantly improved sales.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s reported a 21% increase in sales during the 2nd quarter of 1983 over the previous year.[254]<\/sup><\/a> Net losses also decreased to $76,568.[255]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Stockholders, in October 1983, welcomed Ronald Langely, the CEO of New Zealand-based Industrial Equity, to its board.[256]<\/sup><\/a> Paul L. Volk\u00a0attributed much of the recent upsurge in store sales to the growing customer demand for costly items such as refrigerators and washing machines.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s reported $61,600,000 in sales for the 3rd quarter of 1983.\u00a0 That symbolized a 10.4% increase over $55,700,000 in 1982.[257]<\/sup><\/a> Unfortunately, net income fell during the3rd quarter to $2,000,000 or $1.35 a share.\u00a0 That represented a loss of $1,500,000 or $1.07 from the 1982 level.[258]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Board members in November generated additional capital by selling off Higbee\u2019s American Red Cross\u00a0Shoe division to Sel-Joy Shoes LTD.[259]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Herbert Strawbridge, on January 17, 1984, announced his retirement as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.\u00a0 He had worked at Higbee\u2019s for nearly thirty years.\u00a0 The board appointed Robert Broadbent\u00a0to replace him.[260]<\/sup><\/a> Board members elected James L. Vadis\u00a0as President and Chief Merchandise Officer.[261]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 In response to the greatest single increase in sales in nearly a decade, officials that April declared a stock dividend of $.25 per share.[262]<\/sup><\/a> Controlling nearly 50% of the outstanding stock, American Values and Industrial Equity (Pacific) LTD\u00a0increased their representation on the board.[263]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Robert Broadbent\u00a0and many other board members believed that Higbee\u2019s future depended upon large-scale investments from outside groups such as American Values and Industrial Equity.[264]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

However, some board members led by Cleveland Browns\u00a0owner Art Modell\u00a0disagreed.\u00a0 They believed that increased foreign ownership would result in a hostile takeover.[265]<\/sup><\/a> This controversy among the board continued into the summer of 1984.\u00a0 Officials at the July meeting expanded the responsibilities of a number of its managers.[266]<\/sup><\/a> Dismal sales at Euclid Square led Higbee\u2019s to seek a $3,500,700 reduction in its assessed value.\u00a0 Cuyahoga County\u00a0officials approved this request.[267]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

The big announcement many had feared finally came on September 11, 1984.\u00a0 A subsidiary of Brierly Industries, Industrial Equity (Pacific) LTD\u00a0had purchased Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 With 55% of the store\u2019s outstanding stock in its pocket, Industrial Equity bought an additional 300,000 shares of common stock with plans to buy 75,000 more.\u00a0 This merger hinged on a cash tender offer of $50 per share on common stock.\u00a0 Its estimated value was approximately $72,000,000.[268]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Industrial Equity, prior to its October 11th deadline, purchased nearly 90% of Higbee\u2019s outstanding stock.[269]<\/sup><\/a> Supporters saw it as an effective way to furnish ready cash in the event that store officials should decide to buy out other retailers.\u00a0 Industrial Equity viewed Higbee\u2019s as a crucial first step in establishing a permanent foothold in U.S. retailing.\u00a0 With these thoughts in mind, Higbee\u2019s new owners launched a managerial shakeup.\u00a0 It began in December 1984 with the resignation of President James L. Vadis.\u00a0 Vadis left Cleveland to become the President of U.S. Shoe.[270]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 John S. Lupo\u00a0replaced him.\u00a0 The Board of Directors deviated from the norm by electing three additional Presidents: R. Bruce Campbell, Paul L. Volk\u00a0and John P. McGinty.<\/p>\n

Industrial Equity, through its Higbee\u2019s subsidiary, secured a three-year $30,000,000 note from an Australian-based investment group and an additional $13,000,000 revolving credit line from Pittsburgh\u00a0National Bank.\u00a0 Cleveland-based financial institutions such as Ameritrust, National City Bank and Society Bank assisted in establishing this credit line.\u00a0 The New York Stock Exchange responded favorably to Higbee\u2019s latest offering of $40,000,000 in subordinated debentures at 15 \u00bc%.\u00a0 These debentures due on December 12, 1999 yielded 15 \u00bd%.[271]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s new owner sweetened this merger further by promising to spend approximately $30,000,000 in store improvements over the next three year period.[272]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Store officials in mid-1985 elected Thomas H. Hicks\u00a0to replace Paul L. Volk\u00a0as Finance President.[273]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 President R. Bruce Campbell\u00a0in July reported that store sales during the 1st quarter of 1985 had increased by 10%.[274]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 President John S. Lupo\u00a0expressed optimism about the store\u2019s future.\u00a0 He viewed the current increase in sales at Beachwood, Parma and Summit Mall\u00a0stores along with less cutthroat competition from off-price retailers as positive signs of growth and change.\u00a0 The board announced that Raymond J. Miller, former store Vice President\/ Treasurer will be assisting I.E. President Ronald Langely\u00a0in expanding the company\u2019s portfolio in the U.S.[275]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

To commemorate the Jewish holiday of Chanukah\u00a0that November, Higbee\u2019s introduced Uncle Dreidel.\u00a0 This fictitious character handed out small plastic tops called dreidels to all children who visited the Beachwood store. Higbee\u2019s and WQAL-FM that December co-sponsored a Christmas program that provided over 2,000 gifts to Greater Cleveland\u2019s neediest children.[276]<\/sup><\/a> Christmas sales in 1985 remained modest.<\/p>\n

The Board of Directors, in February 1986, secured the former Montgomery Ward\u00a0store at Rolling Acres Mall\u00a0in Akron, OH.[277]<\/sup><\/a> Industrial Equity, that same month, gained SEC approval to purchase 11.5% of a New Orleans-based department store called D.H. Holmes Company.\u00a0 New Vice-Presidential appointees, in April, included Jerry Hoegner\u00a0in Communications; Nancy McCann\u00a0in Fashion and Special Events and Ted Johnson\u00a0in Human Resources.[278]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Board members, that May, announced that H. Gene Nau\u00a0would be replacing Robert Broadbent\u00a0as Higbee\u2019s Chief Executive Officer as of July 1st.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, in October 1986, received a $9,200,000 industrial bond to finance renovations downtown.[279]<\/sup><\/a> Officials had received similar bonds earlier that same year to refurbish both the Great Lakes and Summit Mall\u00a0stores.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s, in January 1987, proudly added the Discovery card to its list of accepted credit cards.[280]<\/sup><\/a> Dwindling sales convinced store executives to close the 4th floor stamp department downtown.[281]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s that June unveiled plans to open a new specialty store in Cincinnati\u2019s Forest Fair Mall.[282]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 However, a reluctance on the part of Dillard\u2019s\u00a0to fulfill its obligation prevented its construction.[283]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Brierly Industries, in September 1987, without warning announced plans to sell Higbee\u2019s.[284]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 This announcement came as a shock to the local business community.\u00a0 Investors had nearly doubled their investment over the past several years leading most local business leaders to believe that Brierly was here to stay.\u00a0 Apparently that was not the case.\u00a0 Growing competition from new discounters and national-based retailers, escalating property values and wide-scale mergers throughout the industry prompted this decision.\u00a0 Financial projections indicated that this situation would only worsen in the 1990s.<\/p>\n

With these thoughts in mind, Brierly Industries\u00a0weighed its various options which included such things as leverage buyouts or direct store purchases done with borrowed funds.\u00a0 None of those options appealed to Brierly investors so the company decided to Higbee\u2019s quickly.[285]<\/sup><\/a> Its chief competitor the May Company considered buying the department store.\u00a0 However, its legal counsel expressed some real concerns especially regarding antitrust violations.\u00a0 The Cleveland-based Biskind Development Corporation saw many advantages in such a buyout.[286]<\/sup><\/a> Like so many other suitors, it too lacked the necessary financial resources.\u00a0 Other national retailers such as Cincinnati-based Federated Department Stores\u00a0and Chicago\u2019s Carson Pirie Scott\u00a0toyed with the idea; but again, tuned it down due to insufficient funds.\u00a0 The New York leverage buyout firm of Adler & Shaykin\u00a0also bowed out claiming that it was too risky.<\/p>\n

Another possible suitor Dillard\u2019s\u00a0Department Store of Little Rock, AR also weighed its options.\u00a0 Buying Higbee\u2019s represented a tremendous opportunity to enter into the lucrative Northeast\u00a0Ohio\u00a0retail market, but it had some pitfalls.\u00a0 Without additional financial backing from one or more large investors such as the Youngstown-based Edward J. DeBartolo\u00a0Development Corporation, Dillard\u2019s chances of buying this retail chain were nearly impossible.<\/p>\n

A pacesetter in shopping center and mall development with the instincts of a hawk, Edward J. DeBartolo\u00a0thought the time was right for his company to enter retailing.\u00a0 The sale of Higbee\u2019s offered a golden opportunity for him to do just that.\u00a0 Establishing a partnership with the growing Dillard\u2019s\u00a0chain would enable DeBartolo to gain instant acceptance and recognition within the Greater Cleveland retail market.\u00a0 Conversely, being able to tap into DeBartolo\u2019s business expertise and vast financial resources appealed to money conscious Dillard\u2019s.[287]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

With these self-interests in mind, DeBartolo and Dillard\u2019s\u00a0formed a 50\/50 joint venture partnership that purchased Higbee\u2019s for $140,000,000.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s operated the Higbee stores, while DeBartolo handled all real estate and development issues.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s may have been new to Northeast\u00a0Ohio; however, its retailing practices were well-known nationally.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s had more than forty years of retailing experience.\u00a0 Established in 1938 and with a modest debt of $30,000,000, this Little Rock-based retailer operated more than 130 stores in the south and west.[288]<\/sup><\/a> Its hard-nosed reputation as an efficiently-run organization was well-earned.\u00a0 Its managers specialized in turning around the fortunes of poorly performing department stores.\u00a0 They achieved their goal by trimming staffs, lowering overhead costs\u00a0and improving the quality of merchandise sold.[289]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

However, Higbee\u2019s was not a run-of-the-mill department store down on its luck.\u00a0 Its recent financial difficulties did not stem from company mismanagement or inadequately funded departments, far from it.\u00a0 Had Higbee\u2019s remained an independent store, in all probability, it would have weathered this latest financial storm.\u00a0 In fact, many of the financial problems facing this retail chain resulted from outside economic forces totally unrelated to its merger.\u00a0 This New Zealand-based holding company knew how to capitalize on Higbee\u2019s strengths.\u00a0 Had Brierly stayed the course and continued to support the store\u2019s leadership with continued cash infusions Higbee\u2019s financial dilemma might have been averted.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s\u00a0leadership might have considered Higbee\u2019s unique financial situation before imposing its-own rigid business guidelines.\u00a0 One size does not necessarily fit all.<\/p>\n

Dillard\u2019s, in March 1988, took over Higbee\u2019s. Much to the dismay of Higbee\u2019s employees, Dillard\u2019s refused to consider alternative business approaches.\u00a0 Instead, the new ownership initiated major changes immediately.\u00a0 It began, in March 1988, when its Little Rock-based board furloughed 48 out of a staff of 53 in its management information systems.[290]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s, less than a month later, laid-off 100 additional workers mostly from personnel, training and finance.\u00a0 Unsubstantiated rumors suggested that as many as 300 might be fired as of June 1st.\u00a0 The store\u2019s new President H. Gene Nau\u00a0said these rumors were unfounded.\u00a0 He pointed out that these earlier layoffs eliminated duplicate jobs.\u00a0 They had no bearing on the majority of Higbee employees.\u00a0 Nau concluded by saying that benefits would not be cut.[291]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Economic prospects looked very good for the new owners.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s\u00a0reported a 10.5% increase in net income to $16,018,000 for the 1st Quarter ending April 30, 1988.\u00a0 Sales, over that same time frame, soared by 24.5% totaling $517,382,000.[292]<\/sup><\/a> In an attempt to expand its customer-base, Dillard\u2019s in June 1988 authorized $12,000,000 to remodel Public Square beginning with its basement store.[293]<\/sup><\/a> This new basement store featured over 3,000 men\u2019s suits and designer clothes.\u00a0 Further renovations updated the first three levels.\u00a0 To commemorate this major event, Higbee\u2019s advertising department introduced its latest slogan, \u201cIt\u2019s Smart to Shop at Higbee\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

With the intention of expanding its retail operations into western Pennsylvania, Dillard\u2019s, in February 1988, began merger talks with the Joseph Horne Company.\u00a0 Previously owned by Associated Dry Goods, a local investment group consisting of former Horne employees and Maverick Fund shareholders now controlled this prestigious Pittsburgh-based 15-store chain.\u00a0 In 1985, it generated $209,000,000 in sales.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s refusal that August to accept the rigid terms established by Pittsburgh\u00a0National Bank\u00a0in the loan agreement brought negotiations to a halt.\u00a0 The ensuing court battle initiated by Horne\u2019s investors over supposed damages resulting from Dillard\u2019s sudden pullout led Edward J. DeBartolo\u00a0and Dillard\u2019s legal counsel to make a counter offer.\u00a0 They proposed purchasing the Horne\u2019s retail chain for $74,000,000 and assuming its $160,000,000 debt.\u00a0 The courts flatly refused that deal and merger talks ended.[294]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Dillard\u2019s\u00a0wasted no time in initiating further changes in leadership and additional staff reductions.\u00a0 Robert Broadbent\u00a0in February 1989 announced his retirement after twenty-five years of service.[295]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s board, later that same month, eliminated 90 more middle level management and staff positions.\u00a0 Departments affected by this latest round of cuts included advertising, planning, marketing and accounting.[296]<\/sup><\/a> These layoffs did not impact sales at all as that department continued to grow.<\/p>\n

Over the next two month span, both R. Bruce Campbell\u00a0and Nancy McCann\u00a0resigned.[297]<\/sup><\/a> Campbell, the developer of the bar code and coordinator for the film \u201cA Christmas Story,\u201d established his own consulting firm that specialized in executive compensation and employee development.\u00a0 McCann left Higbee\u2019s to become the new Marketing Director at Tower City\u00a0Center.\u00a0 Officials in March 1989 moved the downtown music center to Severance Center.<\/p>\n

DeBartolo and Dillard\u2019s, that April, sued the Cleveland-based accounting firm of Ernest & Whinney\u00a0and Brierly Industries\u00a0for their negligence in not disclosing relevant information concerning Higbee\u2019s most recent financial crisis.[298]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Specifically, they had not divulged the fact that their initial capitalization of Higbee\u2019s resulted from their withholding of vital tax returns.\u00a0 The previous owners never mentioned the likelihood of impropriety, on their part, or the fact that their actions might leave open the possibility of extensive tax liability for both Edward J. DeBartolo\u00a0and Dillard\u2019s based on the federal tax code.<\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s financial picture brightened significantly during the 1st quarter of 1989 with earnings increasing by 22.2% over the previous year.\u00a0 National net sales during that same quarter climbed to $598,065,000 up from $517,382,000 in 1988.[299]<\/sup><\/a> Stockholders that June appointed H. Gene Nau\u00a0as Board Chairman and John S. Lupo\u00a0as President.[300]<\/sup><\/a> Edward J. DeBartolo\u00a0in July unveiled plans to build two new branch stores: one to be located at South Park Mall\u00a0in Strongsville, OH\u00a0the other at Stow-Kent Regional Shopping Center in Kent, OH.[301]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Decreasing sales led the board, in September 1989, to approve further consolidation downtown.\u00a0 This included leasing three floors for office space and closing both the Silver Grille\u00a0and Bistro restaurants.[302]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 These closings led a group of angry customers to send a petition to the Dillard Company\u2019s Board of Directors asking them to reconsider their actions.\u00a0 However, this petition effort had little impact on the final outcome.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s\u00a0net income for the 3rd quarter of 1989 soared 40% to $24,200,000, while net sales rose to $727,200,000.[303]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

The New Year brought further changes.\u00a0 Little Rock, in January 1990, authorized an additional managerial shakeup.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s Special Events Director Jane Lisy\u00a0resigned her post to join her former boss Nancy McCann\u00a0at Tower City.[304]<\/sup><\/a> The Euclid Square store, later in January, hosted a special four-day Arts and Crafts Show.\u00a0 Store President John S. Lupo\u00a0defended the board\u2019s recent decision to further consolidate downtown operations.\u00a0 He believed that their actions set the stage for an even better store in the future.[305]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Store executives, in February 1989, approved the construction of a new 160,000 square foot store at Chapel Hill Mall\u00a0in Akron, OH.[306]<\/sup><\/a> Dillard\u2019s\u00a0reported a 30% jump nationally in 4th Quarter net earnings for 1989 to $85,500,000, while net sales increased by 24% to top the one billion mark at $1,090,000,000.[307]<\/sup><\/a> Per-share year-end dividends improved from $3.53 to $4.36.\u00a0 Following Tower City\u2019s precedent, Dillard\u2019s extended its store hours from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 12 Noon to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays.[308]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Store officials that May sponsored a contest in which they asked customers to fill out entry forms describing why they liked Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 The winner received a $100 gift certificate.[309]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Dillard\u2019s, during the first three months of 1990, reported a 50% increase in net earnings to $742,382,000 from $598,065,000 in 1989, while net sales soared 24% to $29,390,000 from the previous year\u2019s level of $19,582,000.[310]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Consistently high profits convinced Edward J. DeBartolo\u00a0and Dillard\u2019s to expand their operations in Akron and Columbus markets.[311]<\/sup><\/a> Dillard\u2019s daily activities appeared unaffected by the recent bankruptcies of both Allied and Federated chains.\u00a0 Officials believed that further staff reductions were unlikely since Dillard\u2019s did not need additional cash now.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s that April expanded its jewelry lines and introduced Judith Leiber\u00a0fashion accessories.[312]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 It also became the only department store in Greater Cleveland to sell Nimes umbrellas.[313]<\/sup><\/a> Popular events hosted by Higbee\u2019s in 1990 included a WEWS-TV\u00a0Channel 5 \u201cLife on Five\u201d Program from Tower City\u00a0Center, Liz Claiborne\u00a0Week, the Annual Back-to-School Sales, Alsy Lamp Week and Leslie Fay Week.<\/p>\n

Dillard\u2019s, that August, filed a request with the SEC to offer 4,000,000 shares of Class A common stock for sale as a way of reducing the company\u2019s current debt.[314]<\/sup><\/a> Corporate headquarters, on October 6, 1990, made a big announcement.\u00a0 The board announced the appointment of James Wilson, the former chief of its San Antonio\u00a0division, as its new director of retail operations Cleveland-division.[315]<\/sup><\/a> Higbee\u2019s old guard leadership expressed some reservations but to no avail.\u00a0 Wilson prided himself on his no-nonsense approach to management.\u00a0 He envisioned a great future for Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s management changes did not end with Wilson\u2019s appointment.<\/p>\n

The Board of Directors also announced the election of H. Gene Nau\u00a0as President and called for the elimination of three key positions: Merchandise General Manager, Director of Stores and Marketing and Advertising Director.\u00a0 John S. Lupo, Jerry Heogner, Marco Nolfi\u00a0and John P. McGinty, in one fell swoop, were gone.\u00a0 John Lupo left Cleveland to become the Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Walmart, while Jerry Hoegner\u00a0joined Higbee\u2019s chief competitor, the May Company.\u00a0 Marco Nolfi\u00a0became a professor at Kent State University.<\/p>\n

Dillard\u2019s\u00a0claimed that recent downturns in sales prompted this action.\u00a0 But, insiders knew better.\u00a0 Unsubstantiated rumors claimed that the Little Rock\u00a0headquarters planned to replace all current Higbee managers by year\u2019s end.\u00a0 These rumors, denied the board, turned out to be true.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s, beginning in November 1990, launched the first in a series of major layoffs when it downsized its security division.[316]<\/sup><\/a> The Board of Directors also refused to hire Santa Claus\u00a0for its Cleveland stores and moved the popular Twigbee Shop\u00a0to the Mallard Bay Company.\u00a0 Officials during the first week of December announced that Tower City\u00a0Center, not Higbee\u2019s, was to sponsor Mr. Jingeling\u00a0and the Talking Spruce\u00a0this Christmas season.[317]<\/sup><\/a> Protests by customers, especially regarding the cancellation of Mr. Jingeling, led store executives to reconsider their hasty decision.\u00a0 Mr. Jingeling soon returned to Higbee\u2019s, but only, on a limited basis.[318]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

On a positive note, Higbee\u2019s and WQAL-FM successfully co-sponsored the Sharing Tree Program.[319]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Thousands of Cleveland\u2019s less fortunate received free gifts.\u00a0 One popular store promotion, introduced in 1990, provided free passes to Severance Center\u00a0movie theatres for shoppers spending more than $25 on Christmas items.[320]<\/sup><\/a> Replicas of Art Deco\u00a0jewelry by Mort Schwartz\u00a0and free cosmetic samples awaited discriminating Higbee shoppers that Christmas.[321]<\/sup><\/a> The Board of Directors, at the end of February 1991, reported a 23% increase in net profits for the year ending January 31st.\u00a0 It earned $182,788,000 equal to $5.01 a share as compared to $148,092,000 or $4.36 a share in 1989.\u00a0 Net sales, over that same period of time, topped $3,605,518,000 in 1990 vs. $3,049,062,000 the previous year.[322]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Two former managers Marco Nolfi\u00a0and John P. McGinty in March 1991 sued Higbee\u2019s for the severance packages they had never received.\u00a0 They sought damages equaling $430,000.[323]<\/sup><\/a> Higbee\u2019s, that April, celebrated Earthfest\u00a0followed by Young Men & Men\u2019s Action Week.\u00a0 Customers flocked to both events.\u00a0 Stockholders announced that 1st quarter net earnings for 1991 jumped by 30% to $38,100,000, while net sales increased by 19.3% to $886,000,000.\u00a0 Board members that June elected Roy D. Grimes\u00a0of the New Orleans\u00a0division to replace James B. Wilson as Chief of Operations.\u00a0 The federal bankruptcy court that same summer rejected Dillard\u2019s\u00a0bid of $74,500,000 for twelve Maas Brothers\u00a0and Jordan Marsh stores.\u00a0 Federated Department Stores\u00a0had previously owned both.\u00a0 Mervyn\u2019s of California\u00a0won the bid and spent $80,000,000 for both chains.[324]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

The inability of Dillard\u2019s\u00a0to secure this major deal did not faze this retailer.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s board members in February 1992 reported that the store\u2019s net income for the 4th Quarter of 1991 rose to $206,200,000 as compared to $182,800,000 in 1990.\u00a0 Net sales, over the same period, increased to $4,040,000,000 from $3,610,000,000 a year ago.[325]<\/sup><\/a> With solid gains behind them, board members, that same month, purchased five Joseph Horne\u2019s stores.\u00a0 Craig Weichman, the Managing Director of Morgan Keegan Incorporated, praised Dillard\u2019s for its shrewdness.<\/p>\n

All five stores automatically became Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 These converted Horne branches remained opened even when Higbee\u2019s operated its-own store within the same shopping center or mall.\u00a0 Legal experts contended that operating two or more retail outlets within the same shopping complex might be construed as constraint on trade.\u00a0 However, Dillard\u2019s\u00a0attorneys demonstrated little concern.\u00a0 Legal precedents existed for such practices.<\/p>\n

Edward J. DeBartolo\u2019s corporation, in an unexpected move that July, divested itself of its Dillard\u2019s\u00a0stock.\u00a0 This dissolution enabled DeBartolo to control the former Horne\u2019s store at Randall Park Mall, while Dillard\u2019s retained stores at Great Lakes, Westgate, Severance Center\u00a0and South Park malls.\u00a0 The conversion of 450,000 square feet of the Public Square store to office space continued.[326]<\/sup><\/a> However, that was not the end of the story.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s, less than a week later, leveled its-own bombshell.\u00a0 All its Northeast\u00a0Ohio\u00a0stores, by the end of August 1992, would be changed over from Higbee\u2019s to Dillard\u2019s.[327]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

That shocking news was not totally unexpected.\u00a0 Rumors of major changes at Higbee\u2019s had been circulating for months.\u00a0 Officials at Little Rock\u00a0defended their actions by claiming that they were simply following traditional merger practices.[328]<\/sup><\/a> The Board of Directors attempted to console customers by claiming that its benefits far outweighed any temporary disadvantages.\u00a0 Others in retailing knew better.\u00a0 It was a disingenuous act.<\/p>\n

Astute business leaders recognized the irony in all of this.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s\u00a0took control of a popular department store whose financial success originated with dedicated retailers, many born and bred in Cleveland.\u00a0 They prided themselves on their ability to offer the kind of high quality merchandise and first class services expected and demanded by their customers all under the respected Higbee banner.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s executives never fully understood its psychological appeal or importance.\u00a0 Little Rock\u00a0officials did not comprehend that Cleveland\u2019s retail market was markedly different from both the South and West.\u00a0 One size does not fit all, how could it?<\/p>\n

This realization, so evident to other astute retailers, only grew in importance over time.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s\u00a0universally applied retail strategies and theories may have worked initially, but not for the long haul.\u00a0\u00a0 Second quarter figures in 1992 showed a 12% increase in earnings topping $974,800,000 equal to $.33 a share.[329]<\/sup><\/a> However, the downtown store continued to lose money.\u00a0 Dillard\u2019s, in 2002, closed its Public Square store.\u00a0 The store remained largely vacant until 2012 when it reopened as the glitzy Horseshoe Casino\u00a0Cleveland.\u00a0 Caesar\u2019s Entertainment\u00a0and Rock Gaming invested $350,000,000 to convert over 96,000 square feet of this former anchor store into a first class gambling facility.\u00a0 With 2,100 slot machines and 63 gambling tables, the casino has retained much of the architectural details and artistic flair associated with the original building.<\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s demise as a retailer, began in 1984, with its buyout by Brierly Industries\u00a0and culminated eight years later with its divestiture by DeBartolo.\u00a0 However, the signs of economic trouble were evident much earlier.\u00a0 Some analysts trace it back to 1978 when Higbee\u2019s Board of Directors faced the first in a series of major financial crisis.\u00a0 The management shakeup that same year resulting from growing competition by discounters and fierce rivalries among traditional downtown competitors such as the May Company changed Cleveland retailing forever.\u00a0 However, few local retailers chose to acknowledge it then.<\/p>\n

Higbee\u2019s new owners in the mid-1980s made money on their investment and Higbee\u2019s profited from their actions.\u00a0 However, growing competition from discounters and other national chains made it decidedly more difficult for traditional department stores\u00a0to remain at the top of the game.\u00a0 Escalating real estate prices also made competing more difficult.\u00a0 Brierly Industries\u00a0did the best they could to remain competitive within a changing market.\u00a0 However, they were answerable to investors who wanted high profits with minimum overhead costs.<\/p>\n

These investors pressured Brierly to seek out other, more lucrative offers.\u00a0 The subsequent sale by Brierly Industries\u00a0to the Edward J. DeBartolo\u00a0Corporation and Dillard Department Store chain provided Brierly Industries with a good amount of additional capital which they readily invested elsewhere.\u00a0 Nothing sinister in such action, it makes perfect business sense.\u00a0\u00a0 Unfortunately, the Little Rock-based retailer was not fully prepared to handle a department store like Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 It was like no other.<\/p>\n

An expanding retail chain Dillard\u2019s\u00a0imposed its-own management style on all its stores including Higbee\u2019s.\u00a0 What worried analysts then was not the business method in itself, which they assumed would guarantee maximum profit and minimum overhead costs; but rather, the arbitrary way in which Dillard\u2019s officials orchestrated these changes.\u00a0 Uniform policies, dictated by competent accountants nurtured within a cutthroat corporate environment, may have enabled Dillard\u2019s to fulfill its objectives, but at whose expense?<\/p>\n

Closer inspection suggests that there is much more than that to Higbee\u2019s story.\u00a0 Higbee\u2019s reluctance to continually reinvent itself to meet the changing economic and social challenges posed by the fast-paced global market of the 1960s and 1970s undoubtedly set the stage for future difficulties.\u00a0 Add into this unsavory business mix, some unprofitable branch stores, high inventories\u00a0and drowning debt and the tragedy begins to unfold.<\/p>\n

Viewing it from the Dillard\u2019s\u00a0perspective, its leadership must be commended for weathering the economic highs and lows of the Millennium\u00a0to remain one of the nation\u2019s top retailers.\u00a0 The atmosphere within their stores is pleasant and its sales staff is both friendly and knowledgeable.\u00a0 It is a class above discount department stores.\u00a0 Yet, no matter how pleasurable or rewarding that shopping experience may be for Clevelanders, it still lacks the hometown look and feel that once characterized Higbee\u2019s.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ENDNOTES<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. \u201cNew Advertisement,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 21, 1860.
\n2. \u201cAmusement, A Card,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 14, 1875.
\n3. \u201cSecured the Sum,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 23, 1892.
\n4. \u201cShocking Death Mr. J.G. Hower, the Merchant, Instantly Killed,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 11, 1897.
\n5. \u201cThe Higbee Company is Formed,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 20, 1902.
\n6. \u201cTax Returns Show Millions Increase,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 28, 1911. \u201cIn Business Forty Years,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 4, 1910.
\n7. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Tailored Suits for Women at $25 and $39,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 8, 1908. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Thanksgiving Linens,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer.
\n8. \u201cHigbee\u2019s to Have 9-Floor Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 3, 1913.
\n9. \u201cHigbee Company Passes into New Control,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 30, 1913.
\n10. \u201cClaflin Stores May Pay Their Own Notes,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 28, 1914.
\n11. \u201cThe Higbee Company 63rd Anniversary Sale,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 30, 1923.
\n12. \u201cThe Higbee Company, We Return in Savings Checks 2% of Your Purchase,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 27, 1915.
\n13. \u201cNew Issue, Tax Exempt in Ohio and Exempt from Normal Federal Income Tax, 8% Cumulative Preferred Stock,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 6, 1920.
\n14. J.G. Monnett Jr., \u201cHigbee Expansion to Cost Millions,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 25, 1922.
\n15. \u201cHigbee Company Stock is Offered to Public,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 13, 1923.
\n16. \u201cThe Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 18, 1924.
\n17. \u201cArmy to Start Two Hospitals Now,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 30, 1928.
\n18. \u201cPreferred Issues Lead in Activity,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 15, 1929.
\n19. \u201cCleveland Stock Quotations,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 26, 1931.
\n20. \u201cThe Higbee Company Requires Former Employees Wishing to Help in Special Sales to Call Between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 23, 1930.
\n21. \u201cNow at the new Higbee Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 18, 1931.
\n22. Dale Cox, \u201c2000 to Work on New Higbee Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 18, 1930. \u201cVan\u2019s Group Here Among Largest Deals in Realty,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 4, 1931.
\n23. \u201cDreary Pay-Off Year Behind Us,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 2, 1932.
\n24. \u201cTo the New Higbee Store on Public Square Open Today,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 8, 1931.
\n25. \u201cExpect Great Things,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 4, 1931.
\n26. \u201cService, The New Higbee Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 6, 1931.
\n27. Ibid.
\n28. Herbert Strawbridge, Remembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences (Cleveland: Western Reserve Historical Society, 2004), 67.
\n29. \u201cHigbee 71st Anniversary, A Fine New Store with Fine Old Traditions,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 18, 1931.
\n30. Robert S, Stephan, \u201cWHK to Build New Studios on Higbee Roof in Terminal,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 8, 1931.
\n31. \u201cHigbee Under New Charter,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 20, 1931.
\n32. \u201cHigbee Service Department in Terminal Garage Drive in Today!\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 31, 1932.
\n33. Oscar A. Bergman, \u201cAt the Stores and Shops,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 26, 1936. Oscar A. Bergman, \u201cHigbee Tower Stands Near Exposition Center,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 5, 1936.
\n34. \u201cGlobe Theatre at the Great Lakes Exposition,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 19, 1936.
\n35. \u201cNow in Full Swing, The Long Awaited Event, the Great Higbee Removal Sales,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 21, 1931.
\n36. Dale Cox, \u201cThe Byproduct,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 28, 1932.
\n37. Glenn C. Pullen, \u201cStore Wanted for Caf\u00e9,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 5, 1934.
\n38. \u201cNew Merchandise at Sales Prices,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 7, 1934.
\n39. \u201cHigbee Suit is Upheld,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 21, 1936.
\n40. \u201cRules for Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 16, 1936.
\n41. James G. Monnett, Jr., \u201cUnion Club Asks $298,510 Tax Cut, Former John Hartness Brown and Higbee Building also in Hearing,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 8, 1936.
\n42. James G. Monnett, Jr., \u201cNavy Will Take Over Old Higbee Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 27, 1942.
\n43. James G. Monnett, Jr., \u201cNavy Quarters Ready Monday,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 30, 1943.
\n44. Adin C. Rider, \u201cOld Higbee Building Sold,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 3, 1946.
\n45. \u201cChain Reported Buying Lindner\u2019s, Allied Negotiations Linked with Old Higbee Site,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 29, 1947. \u201cNew Lindner\u2019s to Become General Department Store, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 30, 1947.
\n46. Cornelia Curtiss, \u201cGarden Clubs Are Holding Fall Festival of Four Days in Former Higbee Building,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 6, 1932.
\n47. \u201cHigbee Company Will Sell McNally-Doyle Products,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 1, 1933.
\n48. \u201cParking,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 31, 1933.
\n49. \u201cHigbee A La Carte Luncheon Feature $.45,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 3, 1933.
\n50. \u201cNew Higbee Shoe Hospital,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 11, 1933. \u201cPay off Checks,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 27, 1933. \u201cOffer Typewriting School\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 7, 1933.
\n51. \u201cWiden Basement Lines, Higbee Company Departments to be Expanded Monday,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 23, 1935.
\n52. Grace V. Kelly, \u201cArt Teachers Today Show Own Prints and Paintings,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 18, 1936.
\n53. Cornelia Curtiss, \u201cFind first Lady\u2019s Greetings Genuine,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 12, 1936. Eleanor Clarage, \u201cMain Street Meditations,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 20, 1936.
\n54. Charles W. Lawrence, \u201cBall Representing his Foundation, Transfers Mid America\u2019s Holding,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 27, 1937.
\n55. \u201cRemains Cleveland-Owned,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 29, 1937.
\n56. \u201cNew Higbee Plan Upholds Woods, Percent Rent Provided with Lower Minimal,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 29, 1940.
\n57. \u201cLegal Notice, District Court of U.S. Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, No. 36. 119,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 20, 1938.
\n58. \u201cShiverick, Rites to be Tomorrow,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 2, 1937.
\n59. \u201cHigbee Company Wins Rent Reduction,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 4, 1938.
\n60. \u201cFile Suit to Gain Higbee Ownership,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 29, 1941. \u201cHigbee Plan Confirmed,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 8, 1941.
\n61. \u201cAdvertise Block of Higbee Stock, Young and Kirby Indicate Control of Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 5, 1942.
\n62. \u201cNew Farnsworth Radio,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 9, 1939.
\n63. \u201cNow a Super New Telephone Service,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 4, 1940.
\n64. James J. Monnett, \u201cWoods Approves Higbee Company Plan,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 2, 1941.
\n65. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Company Declares $1.25,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 25, 1943.
\n66. Ibid.
\n67. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cEarnings of Higbee Company Up Sharply Past Year,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 3, 1943. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cHigbee to Pay 75 Cents,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 17, 1943.
\n68. Eugene F. Gleason, \u201cBond Piper Plays $69,599,325 Tune, Big Money Rolls Out at Auction of War Relics,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 2, 1944.
\n69. \u201cThe Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 17, 1943.
\n70. \u201cJohn P. Murphy Is Higbee President,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 15, 1944.
\n71. \u201cElected New Members of the Board of Directors of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 12, 1944.
\n72. \u201cQuiz\u2019 em A News Question Answer Game,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 24, 1944.
\n73. \u201cWith the Speakers,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 23, 1944.
\n74. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cBorrowers Pay Loans Rapidly,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 31, 1944.
\n75. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cHigbee Would Split Shares, Exercise Option on Building,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 29, 1945.
\n76. Ibid.
\n77. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Earns $1,922,505 for Year Despite Area Strikes,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 26, 1950.
\n78. \u201cSix Stores Adopt Charga-Plates,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 9, 1945.
\n79. Strawbridge, Remembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences, 159.
\n80. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cHigbee Earns $6.22 Share Past Year,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 26, 1946.
\n81. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cHigbee Company Votes Dividends,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 21, 1946.
\n82. Strawbridge, Remembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences, 73. \u201cEuclid Avenue Building Group to House WHK,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 3, 1947.
\n83. Allan Hinton, \u201cPays $22.50 Dividends,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 17, 1947.
\n84. \u201cHundreds Set for Model Plane Test,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 11, 1948. \u201cCelebrating Army Day,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 7, 1948.
\n85. Strawbridge, Remembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences, 76. \u201cSportsmen, the Event of the Year,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 21, 1948.
\n86. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Annual Sales Hit $41,997,301 All-Time Peak,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 27, 1949.
\n87. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Earns $1,922,505 for Year,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 26, 1950.
\n88. \u201cBecause Cleveland is the Best Location in the Nation Higbee\u2019s is the Best Location in Cleveland,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 14, 1949.
\n89. \u201cChristmas Season to Open on Santa Square Saturday,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 12, 1950.
\n90. \u201cHigbee\u2019s to Open New Music Center,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 9, 1951.
\n91. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cExperts C. & O. \u201951 Profit Will Equal $4.45 a Share,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 20, 1951.
\n92. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cHigbee $44,335,533 Sales Are Largest in 92 Years,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 2, 1952.
\n93. \u201cNLRB Warns Two Unions,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 2, 1952.
\n94. Guy T. Rockwell, \u201cHigbee Sales Rise Third Year to Peak at $46,070,632.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 26, 1953.
\n95. \u201cAlva Bradley II Gets Highest Post,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 4, 1953.
\n96. J.A. Wadovick, \u201cHigbee to Open Hall Thursday,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 4, 1953.
\n97. \u201cWomen\u2019s Group, Cleveland Dental Society,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 14, 1954.
\n98. John E. Bryan, \u201cVote Extra Dividend,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 18, 1953.
\n99. \u201cRecord Volume of 94 Year History, Reported by Higbee,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 28, 1954.
\n100. \u201cPersonalized Christmas Card Shop,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 23, 1954.
\n101. \u201cAlexander New Higbee Ad Chief,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 2, 1954.
\n102. \u201cHigbee\u2019s is the Store with More,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 14, 1955.
\n103. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Speaker Rates Cleveland as Cultured City, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 2, 1955.
\n104. John E. Bryan, \u201cHigbee Annual Sales Are Second Highest in History,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 28, 1955.
\n105. \u201cDavy Crockett looking for Pals,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 31, 1955.
\n106. \u201cCleveland Rose Society to Display Blooms at Higbee\u2019s\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 5, 1955.
\n107. \u201cPreferred is Retired,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 23, 1955
\n108. John E. Bryan, \u201cHigbee Sales Reach Record 50 Million,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 23, 1956.
\n109. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Hikes Shares,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 12, 1956.
\n110. Strawbridge, Remembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences,\u201d 86.
\n111. \u201cWins Merit Award,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 28, 1956.
\n112. \u201cKeep Abreast of Shopping News,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 2, 1956.
\n113. \u201cHigbee Choir, Monroe on Monitor Today,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 22, 1956.
\n114. \u201cMarc Jonas to Direct Higbee\u2019s Advertising,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 1, 1957.
\n115. \u201cScholastic Art Winners Here receive Citations,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 12, 1957.
\n116. \u201cSales of Higbee Company Climb to New Highs,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 23, 1957.\u201d
\n117. \u201cJuly Savers,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 30, 1957.
\n118. \u201cHigbee Company Wins National Award for Advertising,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 19, 1958.
\n119. Norman Melnick and Martin T. Ranta, \u201cHeights Ends Bar to New Big Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 8, 1958.
\n120. John E. Bryan, \u201cHigbee Company Reports Another Good Year,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 21, 1958.
\n121. \u201cTonight is Family Night at Higbee\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 29, 1958. \u201cHigbee Bands Give Concert in Square,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 30, 1958.
\n122. \u201cJuly Savers,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 13, 1958.
\n123. \u201cElected Higbee V.P.,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 29, 1958. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Names New Controller,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 3, 1958.
\n124. \u201cHigbee Head Director of Retail Group,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 14, 1959.
\n125. \u201cHeights Site of Higbee\u2019s First Branch,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 22, 1959.
\n126. \u201cHigbee and Halle Stores to be in Heights Center,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 30, 1959.
\n127. \u201cHigbee\u2019s to be First,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 22, 1959.
\n128. \u201cJohn P. Murphy President of Higbee\u2019e Denied Rumors of a Merger with Federal Department Stores,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 19, 1959.
\n129. JohnE. Bryn, \u201cNew Chief Slated in Merger Plans of Industrial Rayon,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 22, 1959.
\n130. \u201cCosmetics, Notions, Stationary Event,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 10, 1960.
\n131. John E. Bryan, \u201cHigbee Earnings, Sales Hit Highs,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 25, 1960.
\n132. \u201cOur Centennial Salute to 1960 Olympics,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 5, 1960.
\n133. Mary Strassmeyer, \u201cFifty-Year Stretch at Higbee\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 5, 1960.
\n134. Ted Princiotto, \u201cHigbee\u2019s marks 100 Cheerful Years,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 4, 1960.
\n135. \u201cSteel Exhibition to Open Monday at Higbee Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 5, 1960. \u201cHigbee World of Toys,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 8, 1960.
\n136. Eugene Segal, \u201cHigbee\u2019s to Open Westgate Branch,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 15, 1960.
\n137. \u201c$6 Million Westgate Plans Set by Higbee,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 7, 1961.
\n138. Adin C. Rider, \u201cOhio Crankshaft Building is Purchased by Higbee\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 5, 1961.
\n139. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Westgate Is Opening Tomorrow,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 1, 1961.
\n140. Strawbridge, Remembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences, 167. \u201cA New Higbee Christmas Shoppers\u2019 Service,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 24, 1961.
\n141. \u201cHigbee Nine-Month Net is $622,617.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 1, 1961.
\n142. John E. Bryan, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Shows Hike in Earnings,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 3, 1962.
\n143. Adin C. Rider, \u201cSeverance Center to Have Bazaar Air,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 25, 1962.
\n144. \u201cHigbee\u2019s The Store With More,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 2, 1962.
\n145. \u201cHigbee Reports Sales, Profits Up,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 21, 1962.
\n146. John E. Bryan, \u201cHigbee Annual Sales at Peak; Profit Dips,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 23, 1963.
\n147. Ibid.
\n148. \u201cChuckle-along with Jeff Baxter and Jack Riley,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 13, 1963.
\n149. \u201cHigbee\u2019s is Designed to Meet All Needs of Heights Shoppers,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 4, 1963.
\n150. \u201cSales Gain at Higbee\u2019s Profits Dip,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 30, 1963.
\n151. \u201cHigbee Company Hires Wyse Ad Agency,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 14, 1963.
\n152. \u201cSantagrams to Go to a Half Million,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 18, 1963.
\n153. \u201cHigbee\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 12, 1964.
\n154. \u201c1700 Girl Scouts Will Dress Up Dolls for Service Project,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 29, 1964.
\n155. \u201cIndian-Higbee Boy\u2019s Dugout Club Formed,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 1, 1964.
\n156. \u201cBoost in Sales Income Reported by Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 20, 1964. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Sears Plan Stores in Elyria Midway Mall, \u201c The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 9, 1964.
\n157. \u201cHigbee Realigns Branch Operations Makes Three Executive Appointments,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 3, 1964.
\n158. John E. Bryan, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Profits Rose By 41% for First Half of \u201964,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 30, 1964.
\n159. \u201cHigbee Plans to Add to area Stores,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 30, 1964.
\n160. \u201cFTC Charges Price Favors to Higbee\u2019s Others,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 1, 1964.
\n161. \u201cHigbee Company\u2019s Profits Soar 19.6%,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 24, 1965.
\n162. Michael Kelly, \u201cHigbee\u2019s to Join New Parmatown Complex,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 21, 1965.
\n163. \u201cGround Breaking Held at Elyria\u2019s Midway Mall,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 29, 1965. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Cinderella\u2019s Fantasia Breakfast,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 20, 1965.
\n164. \u201cHigbee Westgate Budget Store Has Official Opening Tomorrow,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 23, 1966.
\n165. \u201cHigbee Sales Income at All-Time Highs,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 17, 1966.
\n166. \u201cHigbee Plans Stock Dividend, Expansion; Top Aide to retire,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 14, 1966.
\n167. \u201cCenter Planned Near Canton,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 8, 1966.
\n168. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Seeks Browns Mascot,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 4, 1966.
\n169. John J. Cleary, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Proposes 3-for-2 Stock Split,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 30, 1967.
\n170. \u201cShop Idea New with Higbee\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 4, 1967. \u201cCrowd Jam New Higbee Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 6, 1967.
\n171. \u201cHigbee Dividend,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 28, 1967.
\n172. \u201cHigbee Auto Rentals Readied,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 4, 1967.
\n173. \u201cHigbee Company Plans Store in Mentor,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 14, 1968.
\n174. \u201c$100-Million Unit Urged for Euclid,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 13, 1968.
\n175. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Reports increase in Quarterly Profits, Sales,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 25, 1968.
\n176. \u201cEnclosed Mall Planned at Westgate Center,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 21, 1968.
\n177. \u201cStore Link Up Unites 200 Years\u2019 Service,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 1, 1969.
\n178. John E. Bryan, \u201cHigbee Reports Accord on Purchase of McKelvey,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 22, 1969.
\n179. \u201cUA Display to Focus on Agency Services,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 21, 1969.
\n180. \u201cServicing Lake County, Higbee\u2019s is Community Center,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 12, 1969.
\n181. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Looks Forward to Bright Christmas,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 2, 1969.
\n182. Strawbridge, Remembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences, 157.
\n183. Pauline Thoma, \u201cBlue Law problems Taper Off,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 11, 1970.
\n184. Ann Hellmuth, \u201cU.S. Moves to Break Up Higbee, Burrow Merger,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 23, 1969.
\n185. John J. Cleary, \u201cBrownell, Wright Earn Promotions at Higbee\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 31, 1970.
\n186. John E. Bryan, \u201cProfit Gain Due, Cleveland Trust Told,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 17, 1970.
\n187. John J. Cleary, \u201cHalle Brothers to be Sold to Marshall Field and Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 25, 1970.
\n188. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Opens Store in New Stark Mall, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 6, 1970.
\n189. \u201cPre-Christmas Savings Event,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 26, 1970.
\n190. \u201cHigbee Expects Healthy Profitable Holiday Sales,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 3, 1970.
\n191. John J. Cleary, \u201cHigbee Company Agrees to Sell Burrows Brothers Chain,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 2, 1971.
\n192. William F. Miller, \u201cFive Suburban Higbee Stores Set Pre-Christmas Sunday Opening,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 17, 1971.
\n193. \u201cFree Higbee\u2019s Gift Certificate,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 3, 1972.
\n194. \u201cScandinavian Fortnight,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 1, 1972.
\n195. \u201cEarnings Digest, Higbee Three-Month Net Rebounds,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 26, 1972.
\n196. \u201cLocal Firm Boosted for Gateway Deal,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 23, 1972.
\n197. For further details see Strawbridge, Remembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences.
\n198. Terry Penderson, \u201cTips for Buyers Collector\u2019s Art Calls for Caution,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 31, 1972.
\n199. John E. Bryan, \u201cCovington Projects Computer Automation as a Winner,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 25, 1973.
\n200. Bruce Ellison, \u201cFive Black Leaders Here Form Downtown Bank,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 10, 1973.
\n201. \u201cHigbee Company Chain Gained New Peaks in Past Year,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 7, 1973.
\n202. Michael Kelly, \u201cRandall Mall to be Challenge to Downtown,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 8, 1973.
\n203. \u201cBurrows Sales Completed Expansion Plan Outlined,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 9, 1973.
\n204. \u201cSix Higbee Stores Set Sunday Sales,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 2, 1973.
\n205. \u201cSavage Promoted by Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 19, 1973.
\n206. \u201cHigbee Company Reports Record Sales, Profits,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 9, 1974.
\n207. Bruce Ellison, \u201cStrawbridge is Businessman of Year,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 14, 1974.
\n208. Thomas W. Gerdel, \u201cAmerican Greetings Shift Costs 450 Jobs,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 26, 1974.
\n209. \u201cCourt Gives Euclid Mall Go-Ahead,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 20, 1974.
\n210. \u201cHigbee\u2019s to Lease North Randall Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 5, 1974.
\n211. Thomas W. Gerdel, \u201cNew Higbee Store to Open in Westgate,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 2,, 1974.
\n212. William F. Miller, \u201cDali Museum is Postponed, Pollution Cited,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 13, 1976.
\n213. \u201cHigbee Company Elevates Three; Two Become Vice Presidents,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 20, 1975.
\n214. \u201cLower Profit is Reported by Higbee,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 4, 1975.
\n215. \u201cBig Business Gives Big for Transit Tax,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 5, 1975.
\n216. Bruce Ellison, \u201cHigbee\u2019s reports a Loss but Sees Profit in Future,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 28, 1975.
\n217. Michael Kelly, \u201cSaks Eager to Realize Idea for Store Here Board Chairman Says,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 21, 1976.
\n218. \u201cHigbee Company Reports Second Quarter Loss,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 26, 1976.
\n219. \u201cExecutive Scene,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 3, 1977.
\n220. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Three Winning Cards,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 19, 1977.
\n221. Thomas W. Gerdel,\u201d Higbee Company Blames New Stores for Losses,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 23, 1977.
\n222. Michael Kelly, \u201cHigbee President Decides to Bow Out; Replacement Sought,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 28, 1978.
\n223. \u201cESM Department Store Has a First,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 1, 1978.
\n224. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Reports Record Sales,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 5, 1978.
\n225. \u201cUpdate,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 30, 1978.
\n226. Michael Kelly, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Losses Big,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 25, 1978.
\n227. Julie Wiernik, \u201cBroadbent is President of Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 1, 1978.
\n228. \u201cHigbee May Trim Monday Hours Downtown,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 25, 1979. \u201cExecutive Scene,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 5, 1979.
\n229. Mark Clausen, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Hopes For Better Times,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 26, 1979.
\n230. \u201cChanging Positions,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 25, 1979.
\n231. John Leo Koshar, \u201cYule was a Happy One for Cash Registers Here,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 27, 1979.
\n232. \u201cEntries are Invited,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 24, 1980.
\n233. \u201cNutrition Workshops Scheduled,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 20, 1980. \u201cIntroducing the Magnavision Video Disc System by Magnavox, Enjoy tonight,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 2, 1980.
\n234. \u201cJerry Silverman\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 10, 1980.
\n235. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Sells Its Interest in Hotel to the Browns,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 8. 1980.
\n236. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Strawbridge Reports Better Outlook,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 24, 1980.
\n237. \u201cOffshore Mutual Fund Buys Stake in Higbee,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 8, 1980.
\n238. Ibid.
\n239. \u201cDividends,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 24, 1980.
\n240. \u201cForeign Investor Buys 5% of Higbee Stock, SEC is Told,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 13, 1981.
\n241. \u201cEarnings Digest, Higbee,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 3, 1981.
\n242. \u201cThe Kids\u2019 Race Around,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 28, 1981.
\n243. \u201cEarnings Digest, Higbee,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 19, 1981.
\n244. Stephen Talbott, \u201cSohio to Lease Space from Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 3, 1981.
\n245. \u201cDividends,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 9, 1982.
\n246. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Letter,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 29, 1982.
\n247. \u201cForeign Investors Get More Higbee Shares,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 23, 1982.
\n248. \u201cSohio Gets Women\u2019s Federal Site at Last,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 4, 1982.
\n249. \u201cEarnings Digest, Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 20, 1982.
\n250. \u201cEarnings Digest, Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 17, 1982.
\n251. \u201cJingeling to Jangle at Higbee\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 23, 1982.
\n252. \u201cCasting Under Way for Movie to be Filmed Here in January,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 19, 1982.
\n253. \u201cDividends,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 8, 1983. Jonathan P. Hicks, \u201cHigbee \u201982 Sales Up 4.5% after Strong Fourth Quarter,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 28, 1983.
\n254. Nancy Bigler Kersey, \u201cLinville Finds Love at M.A.S.H. Bash,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 6, 1983.
\n255. John Fuller, \u201cHigbee has Best Year since 1977 Record Quarter,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 26, 1983.
\n256. Mary Strassmeyer, \u201cMary, Mary,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 31, 1983.
\n257. Mary Strassmeyer,\u201d Mary Mary,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 14, 1983.
\n258. \u201cEarnings Digest, Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 12, 1983.
\n259. Ibid.
\n260. \u201cAustralian Named to Higbee Board,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 5, 1983.
\n261. Donald Sabath, \u201cHigbee Reports Record Earnings,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 11, 1983.
\n262. Ibid.
\n263. \u201cSeven Higbee-Owned Shoe Stores are Sold to Sel-Joy Shoes,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 18, 1983.
\n264. Marcus Gleisser, \u201cCity, State Start Promotions to Lure Business,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 22, 1984.
\n265. \u201cJames Vadis Elected to High Higbee Posts,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 28, 1984.
\n266. Ibid.
\n267. Marcus Gleisser, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Sets Records in Sales and Profits,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 20, 1984.
\n268. \u201cForeign Holders Seek More Higbee\u2019s Voice,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 4, 1984.
\n269. Marcus Gleisser, \u201cFuture of Higbee\u2019s Depends Heavily on Foreign Holders,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 2, 1984.
\n270. \u201cBusiness Scene,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 7, 1984.
\n271. \u201cHigbee\u2019s, May\u2019s Seek Tax Cut,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 17, 1984.
\n272. Marcus Gleisser, \u201cAustralians Purchase Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 11, 1984.
\n273. Marcus Gleisser, Ninety Percent of Higbee Stock Offered to Group,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 10, 1984.
\n274. Marcus Gleisser, \u201cFour New Presidents Named at Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 11, 1984.
\n275. Marcus Gleisser, \u201cHigbee Debentures are Well Received,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 12, 1984.
\n276. Marcus Gleisser, \u201cHigbee Company to Improve Downtown, Other Stores,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 7, 1985.
\n277. \u201cExecutive Scene,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 8, 1985.
\n278. Delinda Karle, \u201cRetailers are Hopping Here Despite Slow Sales,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 9, 1985.
\n279. Marcus Gleisser, \u201cArea Retailers Note Stronger Sales,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 14, 1985.
\n280. \u201cPlay Santa to a Needy Child,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 30, 1985.
\n281. Marcus Gleisser, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Weighs Third Akron Store, Firm Confirms Plans for Rolling Acres Outlet,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 12, 1986.
\n282. \u201cExecutive Scene,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 28, 1986.
\n283. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Asks $9.2 Million County Bond,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 15, 1986.
\n284. \u201cUse Your Higbee\u2019s Charge,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 1, 1987.
\n285. Stephen G. Esrati, \u201cTruth Bent for Sake of Amity,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 5, 1987.
\n286. Delinda Karle, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Plans Store at Mall in Cincinnati,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 24, 1987.
\n287. Mark Russell and Bill Slout, \u201cJudge Backs Higbee\u2019s on Ending Lease,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 26, 1988.
\n288. Alan A.A. Seifullah, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Began in 1860,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 1, 1987.
\n289. Mark Russell, \u201cMay Department Stores Called Possible Suitor for Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 7, 1987.
\n290. Delinda Karle, \u201cVeil of Secrecy Surrounds Bidding for Higbee Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 18, 1987.
\n291. Mark Russell, \u201cCompetition Expected to Grow Under New Higbee\u2019s Ownership,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 1, 1988.
\n292. Mark Russell, \u201cDillard\u2019s Own Way of Selling,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 10, 1988.
\n293. Interview with former Higbee President John S. Lupo.
\n294. Mark Russell, \u201cForty-Eight Fired by New Higbee Owner,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 2, 1988.
\n295. \u201cHigbee Chief Predicts Employees to Shun Union,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 5, 1988.
\n296. \u201cEarnings Briefs, Dillard Department Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 14, 1988.
\n297. Mark Russell, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Basement Showcase,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 3, 1988.
\n298. Mark Russell, \u201cExpansion was part of Horne\u2019s Deal,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 3, 1988.
\n299. Mark Russell, \u201cRetired Head of Higbee\u2019s Plans to Keep Busy with Civic Activities,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 7, 1989.
\n300. Mark Russell, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Eliminates about Ninety Positions,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 28, 1989.
\n301. Ibid.
\n302. \u201cHigbee Executive Moves to Tower City Center,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 4, 1989. Mark Russell, \u201cHigbee\u2019s Sues Prior Owner, Accountants,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 13, 1989.
\n303. \u201cEarnings Briefs, Dillard,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 10, 1989.
\n304. \u201cUpdate on Business, Cleveland, Higbee Plans,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 29, 1989.
\n305. \u201cUpdate on Business, Cleveland, Higbee Plans,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 8, 1989. \u201cMay Dillard Likely to Bid on Lazarus,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 26, 1989.
\n306. John Freeh, \u201cHigbee to Close Restaurants Downtown,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 4, 1989.
\n307. \u201cUpdate on Business, Cleveland, Dillard Earnings Soar,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 7, 1989.
\n308. \u201cAs the World Turns,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 10, 1990.
\n309. Fred Carmen, \u201cThe Man of Distinction Clevelander has a Look of his Own,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 18, 1990.
\n310. \u201cHigbee\u2019s to Open Store in Akron Mall,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 31, 1990.
\n311. John Freeh, \u201cSales Earnings Up for Quarter, Year at Dillard Stores,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 1, 1990.
\n312. John Freeh, \u201cDowntown Store Hours Extended,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 28, 1990.
\n313. \u201cI Like Higbee\u2019s Because,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 13, 1990.
\n314. \u201cEarnings Briefs, Dillard Stores,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 16, 1990.
\n315. Thomas W. Gerdel, \u201cDillard Plans Expansion of Higbee Retail Chain,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 27, 1990.
\n316. Roxanne Washington, \u201cHandbag Artistry,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 15, 1990.
\n317. \u201cFind the Best Prices from the Best Names at Higbee\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 28, 1990.
\n318. \u201cDillard to Offer Stock to Cut Commercial Debt,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 2, 1990.
\n319. Nancy M. Funk, \u201cDillard Executive Named New Chairman at Higbee\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 6, 1990.
\n320. Nancy M. Funk, \u201cHigbee Company to Chop Jobs in its Security Division,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 2, 1990.
\n321. Nancy M. Funk, \u201cSanta, Helpers Move to Tower City for Season,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 3, 1990.
\n322. Janet Beighle French, \u201cThe Ever Green Mr. Jingeling,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 15, 1990.
\n323. Mary Strassmeyer, \u201cMary, Mary,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 23, 1990.
\n324. \u201cSeverance Movie Month,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 11, 1991.
\n325. \u201cStyle Trek, Pieces of History,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 20, 1991.
\n326. \u201cEarnings Brief, Dillard Stores,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 28, 1991.
\n327. Nancy M. Funk, \u201cTwo Former Executives Sue Higbee Company in Dispute over Severance Pay,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 14, 1991.
\n328. \u201cBusiness Briefs Local, Dillard Soars,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 14, 1991.
\n329. \u201cDillard\u2019s Ekes Out Increase,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 26, 1992.
\n330. Sandra Clark, \u201cDeBartolo to Sell Its Share in Higbee Chain to Dillard,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 18, 1992.
\n331. Sandra Clark, \u201cDillard to Rename Seventy-One Higbee Stores,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 25, 1992.
\n332. Ibid.
\n333. \u201cBusiness Briefs,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 11, 1992.<\/p>\n

  1. \u201cNew Advertisement.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 21, 1860. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  2. \u201cAmusement, A Card.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 14, 1875. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  3. \u201cSecured the Sum.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 23, 1892. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  4. \u201cShocking Death Mr. J.G. Hower, the Merchant, Instantly Killed.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 11, 1897. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  5. \u201cThe Higbee Company is Formed.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 20, 1902. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  6. \u201cTax Returns Show Millions Increase.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 28, 1911. \u201cIn Business Forty Years.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 4, 1910. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  7. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Tailored Suits for Women at $25 and $39.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 8, 1908. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Thanksgiving Linens.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  8. \u201cHigbee\u2019s to Have 9-Floor Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 3, 1913. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  9. \u201cHigbee Company Passes into New Control.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 30, 1913. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  10. \u201cClaflin Stores May Pay Their Own Notes.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 28, 1914. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  11. \u201cThe Higbee Company 63rd Anniversary Sale.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 30, 1923. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  12. \u201cThe Higbee Company, We Return in Savings Checks 2% of Your Purchase.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 27, 1915. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  13. \u201cNew Issue, Tax Exempt in Ohio and Exempt from Normal Federal Income Tax, 8% Cumulative Preferred Stock.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 6, 1920. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  14. Monnett, J. G. Jr. \u201cHigbee Expansion to Cost Millions.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 25, 1922. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  15. \u201cHigbee Company Stock is Offered to Public.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 13, 1923. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  16. \u201cThe Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 18, 1924. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  17. \u201cArmy to Start Two Hospitals Now.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 30, 1928. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  18. \u201cPreferred Issues Lead in Activity.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 15, 1929. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  19. \u201cCleveland Stock Quotations.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 26, 1931. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  20. \u201cThe Higbee Company Requires Former Employees Wishing to Help in Special Sales to Call Between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 23, 1930. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  21. \u201cNow at the new Higbee Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 18, 1931. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  22. Cox, Dale. \u201c2000 to Work on New Higbee Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 18, 1930. \u201cVan\u2019s Group Here Among Largest Deals in Realty.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 4, 1931. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  23. \u201cDreary Pay-Off Year Behind Us.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 2, 1932. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  24. \u201cTo the New Higbee Store on Public Square Open Today.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 8, 1931. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  25. \u201cExpect Great Things.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 4, 1931. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  26. \u201cService, The New Higbee Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 6, 1931. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  27. Ibid.<\/em> ↵<\/a><\/li>
  28. Strawbridge, Herbert. \"Remembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences.\" Cleveland: Western Reserve Historical Society, 2004, pp. 67. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  29. \u201cHigbee 71st Anniversary, A Fine New Store with Fine Old Traditions.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 18, 1931. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  30. Stephan, Robert S. \u201cWHK to Build New Studios on Higbee Roof in Terminal.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 8, 1931. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  31. \u201cHigbee Under New Charter.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 20, 1931. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  32. \u201cHigbee Service Department in Terminal Garage Drive in Today!\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 31, 1932. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  33. Bergman, Oscar A. \u201cAt the Stores and Shops.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 26, 1936. Bergman, Oscar A. \u201cHigbee Tower Stands Near Exposition Center,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 5, 1936. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  34. \u201cGlobe Theatre at the Great Lakes Exposition.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 19, 1936. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  35. \u201cNow in Full Swing, The Long Awaited Event, the Great Higbee Removal Sales.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 21, 1931. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  36. \u201cNew Merchandise at Sales Prices.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 7, 1934. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  37. \u201cHigbee Suit is Upheld.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 21, 1936. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  38. \u201cRules for Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 16, 1936. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  39. Monnett, James G. Jr. \u201cUnion Club Asks $298,510 Tax Cut, Former John Hartness Brown and Higbee Building also in Hearing.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 8, 1936. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  40. Monnett, James G. Jr. \u201cNavy Will Take Over Old Higbee Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 27, 1942. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  41. Monnett, James G. Jr. \u201cNavy Quarters Ready Monday.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 30, 1943. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  42. Rider, Adin C. \u201cOld Higbee Building Sold.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 3, 1946. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  43. \u201cChain Reported Buying Lindner\u2019s, Allied Negotiations Linked with Old Higbee Site.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 29, 1947. \u201cNew Lindner\u2019s to Become General Department Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 30, 1947. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  44. Curtiss, Cornelia. \u201cGarden Clubs Are Holding Fall Festival of Four Days in Former Higbee Building.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 6, 1932. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  45. \u201cHigbee Company Will Sell McNally-Doyle Products.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 1, 1933. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  46. \u201cParking.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 31, 1933. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  47. \u201cHigbee A La Carte Luncheon Feature $.45.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 3, 1933. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  48. \u201cNew Higbee Shoe Hospital.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 11, 1933. \u201cPay off Checks.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 27, 1933. \u201cOffer Typewriting School.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 7, 1933. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  49. \u201cWiden Basement Lines, Higbee Company Departments to be Expanded Monday.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 23, 1935. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  50. Kelly, Grace V. \u201cArt Teachers Today Show Own Prints and Paintings.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 18, 1936. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  51. Curtiss, Cornelia. \u201cFind first Lady\u2019s Greetings Genuine.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 12, 1936. Clarage, Eleanor. \u201cMain Street Meditations.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 20, 1936. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  52. Lawrence, Charles W. \u201cBall Representing his Foundation, Transfers Mid America\u2019s Holding.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 27, 1937. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  53. \u201cRemains Cleveland-Owned.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 29, 1937. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  54. \u201cNew Higbee Plan Upholds Woods, Percent Rent Provided with Lower Minimal.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 29, 1940. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  55. \u201cLegal Notice, District Court of U.S. Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, No. 36. 119.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 20, 1938. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  56. \u201cShiverick, Rites to be Tomorrow.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 2, 1937. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  57. \u201cHigbee Company Wins Rent Reduction.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 4, 1938. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  58. \u201cFile Suit to Gain Higbee Ownership.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 29, 1941. \u201cHigbee Plan Confirmed.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 8, 1941. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  59. \u201cAdvertise Block of Higbee Stock, Young and Kirby Indicate Control of Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 5, 1942. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  60. \u201cNew Farnsworth Radio.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 9, 1939. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  61. \u201cNow a Super New Telephone Service.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 4, 1940. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  62. Monnett, James J. \u201cWoods Approves Higbee Company Plan.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 2, 1941. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  63. Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Company Declares $1.25.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 25, 1943. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  64. Ibid<\/em>. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  65. Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cEarnings of Higbee Company Up Sharply Past Year.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 3, 1943. Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cHigbee to Pay 75 Cents.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 17, 1943. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  66. Gleason, Euguene F. \u201cBond Piper Plays $69,599,325 Tune, Big Money Rolls Out at Auction of War Relics.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 2, 1944. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  67. \u201cThe Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 17, 1943. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  68. \u201cJohn P. Murphy Is Higbee President.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 15, 1944. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  69. \u201cElected New Members of the Board of Directors of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 12, 1944. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  70. \u201cQuiz\u2019 em A News Question Answer Game.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 24, 1944. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  71. \u201cWith the Speakers.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 23, 1944. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  72. Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cBorrowers Pay Loans Rapidly.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 31, 1944. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  73. Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cHigbee Would Split Shares, Exercise Option on Building.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 29, 1945. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  74. Ibid<\/em>. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  75. Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Earns $1,922,505 for Year Despite Area Strikes.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 26, 1950. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  76. \u201cSix Stores Adopt Charga-Plates.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 9, 1945. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  77. Strawbridge. \u201cRemembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences.\u201d pp. 159. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  78. Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cHigbee Earns $6.22 Share Past Year.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 26, 1946. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  79. Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cHigbee Company Votes Dividends.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 21, 1946. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  80. Strawbridge. \u201cRemembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences.\u201d pp. 73. \u201cEuclid Avenue Building Group to House WHK.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 3, 1947. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  81. Hinton, Allan. \u201cPays $22.50 Dividends.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 17, 1947. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  82. \u201cHundreds Set for Model Plane Test.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 11, 1948. \u201cCelebrating Army Day.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 7, 1948. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  83. Strawbridge. \u201cRemembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences.\u201d pp. 76. \u201cSportsmen, the Event of the Year.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 21, 1948. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  84. Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Annual Sales Hit $41,997,301 All-Time Peak.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 27, 1949. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  85. Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Earns $1,922,505 for Year.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 26, 1950. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  86. \u201cBecause Cleveland is the Best Location in the Nation Higbee\u2019s is the Best Location in Cleveland.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 14, 1949. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  87. \u201cChristmas Season to Open on Santa Square Saturday.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 12, 1950. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  88. \u201cHigbee\u2019s to Open New Music Center.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 9, 1951. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  89. Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cExperts C. & O. \u201951 Profit Will Equal $4.45 a Share.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 20, 1951. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  90. Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cHigbee $44,335,533 Sales Are Largest in 92 Years.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 2, 1952. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  91. \u201cNLRB Warns Two Unions.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 2, 1952. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  92. Rockwell, Guy T. \u201cHigbee Sales Rise Third Year to Peak at $46,070,632.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 26, 1953. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  93. \u201cAlva Bradley II Gets Highest Post.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 4, 1953. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  94. Wadovick, J. A. \u201cHigbee to Open Hall Thursday.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 4, 1953. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  95. \u201cWomen\u2019s Group, Cleveland Dental Society.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 14, 1954. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  96. Bryan, John E. \u201cVote Extra Dividend.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 18, 1953. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  97. \u201cRecord Volume of 94 Year History, Reported by Higbee.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 28, 1954. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  98. \u201cPersonalized Christmas Card Shop.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 23, 1954. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  99. \u201cAlexander New Higbee Ad Chief.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 2, 1954. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  100. \u201cHigbee\u2019s is the Store with More.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 14, 1955. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  101. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Speaker Rates Cleveland as Cultured City.\u201d\u00a0The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 2, 1955. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  102. Bryan, John E. \u201cHigbee Annual Sales Are Second Highest in History.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 28, 1955. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  103. \u201cDavy Crockett looking for Pals.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 31, 1955. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  104. \u201cCleveland Rose Society to Display Blooms at Higbee\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 5, 1955. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  105. \u201cPreferred is Retired.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 23, 1955 ↵<\/a><\/li>
  106. Bryan, John E. \u201cHigbee Sales Reach Record 50 Million.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 23, 1956. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  107. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Hikes Shares.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 12, 1956. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  108. Strawbridge. \u201cRemembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences.\u201d pp. 86. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  109. \u201cWins Merit Award.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 28, 1956. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  110. \u201cKeep Abreast of Shopping News.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 2, 1956. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  111. \u201cHigbee Choir, Monroe on Monitor Today.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 22, 1956. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  112. \u201cMarc Jonas to Direct Higbee\u2019s Advertising.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 1, 1957. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  113. \u201cScholastic Art Winners Here receive Citations.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 12, 1957. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  114. \u201cSales of Higbee Company Climb to New Highs.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 23, 1957.\u201d ↵<\/a><\/li>
  115. \u201cJuly Savers.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 30, 1957. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  116. \u201cHigbee Company Wins National Award for Advertising.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 19, 1958. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  117. Melnick, Norman and Martin T. Ranta. \u201cHeights Ends Bar to New Big Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 8, 1958. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  118. Bryan, John E. \u201cHigbee Company Reports Another Good Year.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 21, 1958. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  119. \u201cTonight is Family Night at Higbee\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 29, 1958. \u201cHigbee Bands Give Concert in Square.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 30, 1958. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  120. \u201cElected Higbee V.P.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 29, 1958. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Names New Controller.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 3, 1958. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  121. \u201cHigbee Head Director of Retail Group.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 14, 1959. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  122. \u201cHeights Site of Higbee\u2019s First Branch.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 22, 1959. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  123. \u201cHigbee\u2019s to be First.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 22, 1959. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  124. \u201cJohn P. Murphy President of Higbee\u2019e Denied Rumors of a Merger with Federal Department Stores.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 19, 1959. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  125. Bryan, John E. \u201cNew Chief Slated in Merger Plans of Industrial Rayon.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 22, 1959. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  126. \u201cCosmetics, Notions, Stationary Event.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 10, 1960. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  127. Bryan, John E. \u201cHigbee Earnings, Sales Hit Highs.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 25, 1960. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  128. \u201cOur Centennial Salute to 1960 Olympics.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 5, 1960. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  129. Strassmeyer, Mary. \u201cFifty-Year Stretch at Higbee\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 5, 1960. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  130. Princiotto, Ted. \u201cHigbee\u2019s marks 100 Cheerful Years.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 4, 1960. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  131. \u201cSteel Exhibition to Open Monday at Higbee Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 5, 1960. \u201cHigbee World of Toys.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 8, 1960. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  132. Segal, Eugene. \u201cHigbee\u2019s to Open Westgate Branch.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 15, 1960. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  133. \u201c$6 Million Westgate Plans Set by Higbee.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 7, 1961. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  134. Rider, Adin C. \u201cOhio Crankshaft Building is Purchased by Higbee\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 5, 1961. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  135. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Westgate Is Opening Tomorrow.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 1, 1961. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  136. Strawbridge. \u201cRemembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences.\u201d pp. 167. \u201cA New Higbee Christmas Shoppers\u2019 Service.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 24, 1961. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  137. \u201cHigbee Nine-Month Net is $622,617.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 1, 1961. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  138. Bryan, John E. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Shows Hike in Earnings.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 3, 1962. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  139. Rider, Adin C. \u201cSeverance Center to Have Bazaar Air.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 25, 1962. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  140. \u201cHigbee\u2019s The Store With More.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 2, 1962. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  141. \u201cHigbee Reports Sales, Profits Up.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 21, 1962. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  142. Bryan, John E. \u201cHigbee Annual Sales at Peak; Profit Dips.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 23, 1963. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  143. Ibid<\/em>. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  144. \u201cChuckle-along with Jeff Baxter and Jack Riley.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 13, 1963. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  145. \u201cHigbee\u2019s is Designed to Meet All Needs of Heights Shoppers.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 4, 1963. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  146. \u201cSales Gain at Higbee\u2019s Profits Dip.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 30, 1963. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  147. \u201cHigbee Company Hires Wyse Ad Agency.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 14, 1963. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  148. \u201cSantagrams to Go to a Half Million.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 18, 1963. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  149. \u201cHigbee\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 12, 1964. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  150. \u201c1700 Girl Scouts Will Dress Up Dolls for Service Project.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 29, 1964. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  151. \u201cIndian-Higbee Boy\u2019s Dugout Club Formed.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 1, 1964. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  152. \u201cBoost in Sales Income Reported by Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 20, 1964. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Sears Plan Stores in Elyria Midway Mall.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 9, 1964. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  153. \u201cHigbee Realigns Branch Operations Makes Three Executive Appointments.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 3, 1964. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  154. Bryan, John E. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Profits Rose By 41% for First Half of \u201964.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 30, 1964. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  155. \u201cHigbee Plans to Add to area Stores.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 30, 1964. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  156. \u201cFTC Charges Price Favors to Higbee\u2019s Others.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 1, 1964. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  157. \u201cHigbee Company\u2019s Profits Soar 19.6%.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 24, 1965. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  158. Kelly, Michael.\u201cHigbee\u2019s to Join New Parmatown Complex.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 21, 1965. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  159. \u201cGround Breaking Held at Elyria\u2019s Midway Mall.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 29, 1965. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Cinderella\u2019s Fantasia Breakfast.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 20, 1965. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  160. \u201cHigbee Westgate Budget Store Has Official Opening Tomorrow.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 23, 1966. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  161. \u201cHigbee Sales Income at All-Time Highs.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 17, 1966. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  162. \u201cHigbee Plans Stock Dividend, Expansion; Top Aide to retire.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 14, 1966. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  163. \u201cCenter Planned Near Canton.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 8, 1966. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  164. Cleary, John J. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Proposes 3-for-2 Stock Split.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 30, 1967. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  165. Cleary, John. J. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Proposes 3-for-2 Stock Split.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 30, 1967. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  166. \u201cShop Idea New with Higbee\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 4, 1967. \u201cCrowd Jam New Higbee Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 6, 1967. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  167. \u201cHigbee Dividend.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 28, 1967. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  168. \u201cHigbee Auto Rentals Readied.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 4, 1967. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  169. \u201cHigbee Company Plans Store in Mentor.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 14, 1968. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  170. \u201c$100-Million Unit Urged for Euclid.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 13, 1968. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  171. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Reports increase in Quarterly Profits, Sales.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 25, 1968. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  172. \u201cEnclosed Mall Planned at Westgate Center.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 21, 1968. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  173. \u201cStore Link Up Unites 200 Years\u2019 Service.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 1, 1969. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  174. Bryan, John J. \u201cHigbee Reports Accord on Purchase of McKelvey.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 22, 1969. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  175. \u201cUA Display to Focus on Agency Services.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 21, 1969. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  176. \u201cServicing Lake County, Higbee\u2019s is Community Center.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 12, 1969. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  177. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Looks Forward to Bright Christmas.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 2, 1969. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  178. Strawbridge. \u201cRemembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences.\u201d pp. 157. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  179. Thoma, Pauline. \u201cBlue Law problems Taper Off.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 11, 1970. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  180. Hellmuth, Ann. \u201cU.S. Moves to Break Up Higbee, Burrow Merger.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 23, 1969. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  181. Cleary, John J. \u201cBrownell, Wright Earn Promotions at Higbee\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 31, 1970. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  182. Bryan, John E. \u201cProfit Gain Due, Cleveland Trust Told.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 17, 1970. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  183. Cleary, John J. \u201cHalle Brothers to be Sold to Marshall Field and Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 25, 1970. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  184. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Opens Store in New Stark Mall.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 6, 1970. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  185. \u201cPre-Christmas Savings Event.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 26, 1970. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  186. \u201cHigbee Expects Healthy Profitable Holiday Sales.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 3, 1970. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  187. Cleary, John J. \u201cHigbee Company Agrees to Sell Burrows Brothers Chain.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 2, 1971. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  188. Miller, William F. \u201cFive Suburban Higbee Stores Set Pre-Christmas Sunday Opening.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 17, 1971. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  189. \u201cFree Higbee\u2019s Gift Certificate.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 3, 1972. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  190. \u201cScandinavian Fortnight.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 1, 1972. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  191. \u201cEarnings Digest, Higbee Three-Month Net Rebounds.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 26, 1972. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  192. \u201cLocal Firm Boosted for Gateway Deal.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 23, 1972. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  193. For further details see Strawbridge, \u201cRemembering Higbee\u2019s Reminiscences.\u201d ↵<\/a><\/li>
  194. Penderson, Terry. \u201cTips for Buyers Collector\u2019s Art Calls for Caution.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 31, 1972. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  195. Bryan, John E. \u201cCovington Projects Computer Automation as a Winner.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 25, 1973. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  196. Ellison, Bruce. \u201cFive Black Leaders Here Form Downtown Bank.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 10, 1973. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  197. \u201cHigbee Company Chain Gained New Peaks in Past Year.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 7, 1973. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  198. Kelly, Michael. \u201cRandall Mall to be Challenge to Downtown.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 8, 1973. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  199. \u201cBurrows Sales Completed Expansion Plan Outlined.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 9, 1973. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  200. \u201cSix Higbee Stores Set Sunday Sales.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 2, 1973. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  201. \u201cSavage Promoted by Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 19, 1973. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  202. \u201cHigbee Company Reports Record Sales, Profits.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 9, 1974. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  203. Ellison, Bruce. \u201cStrawbridge is Businessman of Year.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 14, 1974. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  204. Gerdel, Thomas W. \u201cAmerican Greetings Shift Costs 450 Jobs.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 26, 1974. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  205. \u201cCourt Gives Euclid Mall Go-Ahead.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 20, 1974. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  206. \u201cHigbee\u2019s to Lease North Randall Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 5, 1974. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  207. Gerdel, Thomas W. \u201cNew Higbee Store to Open in Westgate.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 2, 1974. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  208. Miller, William F. \u201cDali Museum is Postponed, Pollution Cited.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 13, 1976. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  209. \u201cHigbee Company Elevates Three; Two Become Vice Presidents.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 20, 1975. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  210. \u201cLower Profit is Reported by Higbee.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 4, 1975. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  211. \u201cBig Business Gives Big for Transit Tax.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 5, 1975. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  212. Ellison, Bruce.\u201cHigbee\u2019s reports a Loss but Sees Profit in Future.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 28, 1975. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  213. Kelly, Michael. \u201cSaks Eager to Realize Idea for Store Here Board Chairman Says.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 21, 1976. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  214. \u201cHigbee Company Reports Second Quarter Loss.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 26, 1976. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  215. \u201cExecutive Scene.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 3, 1977. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  216. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Three Winning Cards.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 19, 1977. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  217. Gerdel, Thomas W. \u201cHigbee Company Blames New Stores for Losses.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 23, 1977. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  218. Kelly, Michael. \u201cHigbee President Decides to Bow Out; Replacement Sought.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 28, 1978. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  219. \u201cESM Department Store Has a First.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 1, 1978. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  220. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Reports Record Sales.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 5, 1978. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  221. \u201cUpdate.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 30, 1978. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  222. Kelly, Michael. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Losses Big.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 25, 1978. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  223. Wiernik, Julie. \u201cBroadbent is President of Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 1, 1978. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  224. \u201cHigbee May Trim Monday Hours Downtown.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 25, 1979. \u201cExecutive Scene.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 5, 1979. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  225. Clausen, Mark. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Hopes For Better Times.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 26, 1979. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  226. \u201cChanging Positions.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 25, 1979. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  227. Koshar, John Leo. \u201cYule was a Happy One for Cash Registers Here.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 27, 1979. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  228. \u201cEntries are Invited.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 24, 1980. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  229. \u201cNutrition Workshops Scheduled.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 20, 1980. \u201cIntroducing the Magnavision Video Disc System by Magnavox, Enjoy tonight.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 2, 1980. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  230. \u201cJerry Silverman\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 10, 1980. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  231. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Sells Its Interest in Hotel to the Browns.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 8. 1980. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  232. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Strawbridge Reports Better Outlook.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 24, 1980. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  233. \u201cOffshore Mutual Fund Buys Stake in Higbee.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 8, 1980. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  234. Ibid<\/em>. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  235. \u201cDividends.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 24, 1980. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  236. \u201cForeign Investor Buys 5% of Higbee Stock, SEC is Told.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 13, 1981. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  237. \u201cEarnings Digest, Higbee.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 3, 1981. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  238. \u201cThe Kids\u2019 Race Around.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 28, 1981. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  239. \u201cEarnings Digest, Higbee.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 19, 1981. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  240. Talbott, Stephen. \u201cSohio to Lease Space from Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 3, 1981. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  241. \u201cDividends.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 9, 1982. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  242. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Letter.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 29, 1982. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  243. \u201cForeign Investors Get More Higbee Shares.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 23, 1982. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  244. \u201cSohio Gets Women\u2019s Federal Site at Last.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 4, 1982. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  245. \u201cEarnings Digest, Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 20, 1982. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  246. \u201cEarnings Digest, Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 17, 1982. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  247. \u201cJingeling to Jangle at Higbee\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 23, 1982. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  248. \u201cCasting Under Way for Movie to be Filmed Here in January.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 19, 1982. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  249. \u201cDividends.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 8, 1983. Hicks, Jonathan P. \u201cHigbee \u201982 Sales Up 4.5% after Strong Fourth Quarter.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 28, 1983. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  250. Kersey, Nancy Bigler. \u201cLinville Finds Love at M.A.S.H. Bash.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 6, 1983. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  251. Fuller, John. \u201cHigbee has Best Year since 1977 Record Quarter.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 26, 1983. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  252. Strassmeyer, Mary. \u201cMary, Mary.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 31, 1983. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  253. Strassmeyer, Mary. \u201cMary, Mary.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 14, 1983. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  254. \u201cEarnings Digest, Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 12, 1983. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  255. Ibid<\/em>. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  256. \u201cAustralian Named to Higbee Board.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 5, 1983. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  257. Sabath, Donald. \u201cHigbee Reports Record Earnings.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 11, 1983. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  258. Ibid<\/em>. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  259. \u201cSeven Higbee-Owned Shoe Stores are Sold to Sel-Joy Shoes.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 18, 1983. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  260. Gleisser, Marcus. \u201cCity, State Start Promotions to Lure Business.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 22, 1984. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  261. \u201cJames Vadis Elected to High Higbee Posts.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 28, 1984. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  262. Ibid<\/em>. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  263. Gleisser, Marcus. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Sets Records in Sales and Profits.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 20, 1984. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  264. \u201cForeign Holders Seek More Higbee\u2019s Voice.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 4, 1984. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  265. Gleisser, Marcus. \u201cFuture of Higbee\u2019s Depends Heavily on Foreign Holders.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 2, 1984. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  266. \u201cBusiness Scene.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 7, 1984. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  267. \u201cHigbee\u2019s, May\u2019s Seek Tax Cut.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 17, 1984. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  268. Gleisser, Marcus. \u201cAustralians Purchase Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 11, 1984. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  269. Gleisser, Marcus. Ninety Percent of Higbee Stock Offered to Group.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 10, 1984. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  270. Gleisser, Marcus. \u201cFour New Presidents Named at Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 11, 1984. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  271. Gleisser, Marcus. \u201cHigbee Debentures are Well Received.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 12, 1984. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  272. Gleisser, Marcus. \u201cHigbee Company to Improve Downtown, Other Stores.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 7, 1985. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  273. \u201cExecutive Scene.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 8, 1985. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  274. Karle, Delinda. \u201cRetailers are Hopping Here Despite Slow Sales.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 9, 1985. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  275. Gleisser, Marcus.\u201cArea Retailers Note Stronger Sales.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 14, 1985. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  276. \u201cPlay Santa to a Needy Child.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 30, 1985. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  277. Gleisser, Marcus. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Weighs Third Akron Store, Firm Confirms Plans for Rolling Acres Outlet.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 12, 1986. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  278. \u201cExecutive Scene.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 28, 1986. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  279. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Asks $9.2 Million County Bond.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 15, 1986. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  280. \u201cUse Your Higbee\u2019s Charge.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 1, 1987. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  281. Esrati, Stephen G.\u201cTruth Bent for Sake of Amity.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 5, 1987. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  282. Karle, Delinda. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Plans Store at Mall in Cincinnati.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 24, 1987. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  283. Russell, Mark and Bill Slout, \u201cJudge Backs Higbee\u2019s on Ending Lease.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 26, 1988. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  284. Seifullah, Alan A. A. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Began in 1860.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 1, 1987. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  285. Russell, Mark. \u201cMay Department Stores Called Possible Suitor for Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 7, 1987. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  286. Karle, Delinda. \u201cVeil of Secrecy Surrounds Bidding for Higbee Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 18, 1987. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  287. Russell, Mark. \u201cCompetition Expected to Grow Under New Higbee\u2019s Ownership.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 1, 1988. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  288. Russell, Mark. \u201cDillard\u2019s Own Way of Selling.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 10, 1988. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  289. Interview with former Higbee President John S. Lupo. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  290. Russell, Mark. \u201cForty-Eight Fired by New Higbee Owner.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 2, 1988. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  291. \u201cHigbee Chief Predicts Employees to Shun Union.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 5, 1988. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  292. \u201cEarnings Briefs, Dillard Department Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 14, 1988. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  293. Russell, Mark. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Basement Showcase.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 3, 1988. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  294. Russell, Mark. \u201cExpansion was part of Horne\u2019s Deal.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 3, 1988. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  295. Russell, Mark. \u201cRetired Head of Higbee\u2019s Plans to Keep Busy with Civic Activities.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 7, 1989. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  296. Russell, Mark. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Eliminates about Ninety Positions.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 28, 1989. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  297. Ibid<\/em>. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  298. \u201cHigbee Executive Moves to Tower City Center.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 4, 1989. Russell, Mark. \u201cHigbee\u2019s Sues Prior Owner, Accountants.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 13, 1989. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  299. \u201cEarnings Briefs, Dillard.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 10, 1989. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  300. \u201cUpdate on Business, Cleveland, Higbee Plans.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 29, 1989. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  301. \u201cUpdate on Business, Cleveland, Higbee Plans.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 8, 1989. \u201cMay Dillard Likely to Bid on Lazarus.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 26, 1989. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  302. Freeh, John. \u201cHigbee to Close Restaurants Downtown.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 4, 1989. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  303. \u201cUpdate on Business, Cleveland, Dillard Earnings Soar.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 7, 1989. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  304. \u201cAs the World Turns.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 10, 1990. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  305. Carmen, Fred. \u201cThe Man of Distinction Clevelander has a Look of his Own.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 18, 1990. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  306. \u201cHigbee\u2019s to Open Store in Akron Mall.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 31, 1990. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  307. Freeh, John. \u201cSales Earnings Up for Quarter, Year at Dillard Stores.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 1, 1990. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  308. Freeh, John. \u201cDowntown Store Hours Extended.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 28, 1990. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  309. \u201cI Like Higbee\u2019s Because.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 13, 1990. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  310. \u201cEarnings Briefs, Dillard Stores.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 16, 1990. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  311. Gerdel, Thomas W. \u201cDillard Plans Expansion of Higbee Retail Chain.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 27, 1990. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  312. Washington, Roxanne. \u201cHandbag Artistry.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 15, 1990. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  313. \u201cFind the Best Prices from the Best Names at Higbee\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 28, 1990. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  314. \u201cDillard to Offer Stock to Cut Commercial Debt.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 2, 1990. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  315. Funk, Nancy M. \u201cDillard Executive Named New Chairman at Higbee\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 6, 1990. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  316. Funk, Nancy M. \u201cHigbee Company to Chop Jobs in its Security Division.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 2, 1990. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  317. Funk, Nancy M. \u201cSanta, Helpers Move to Tower City for Season.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 3, 1990. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  318. French, Janet Beighle. \u201cThe Ever Green Mr. Jingeling.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 15, 1990. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  319. Strassmeyer, Mary. \u201cMary, Mary.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 23, 1990. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  320. \u201cSeverance Movie Month.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 11, 1991. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  321. \u201cStyle Trek, Pieces of History.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 20, 1991. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  322. \u201cEarnings Brief, Dillard Stores.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 28, 1991. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  323. Funk, Nancy M. \u201cTwo Former Executives Sue Higbee Company in Dispute over Severance Pay.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 14, 1991. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  324. \u201cBusiness Briefs Local, Dillard Soars.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 14, 1991. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  325. \u201cDillard\u2019s Ekes Out Increase.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 26, 1992. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  326. Clark, Sandra. \u201cDeBartolo to Sell Its Share in Higbee Chain to Dillard.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 18, 1992. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  327. Clark, Sandra. \u201cDillard to Rename Seventy-One Higbee Stores.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 25, 1992. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  328. Ibid<\/em>. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  329. \u201cBusiness Briefs.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 11, 1992. ↵<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/div>","protected":false},"author":4,"menu_order":5,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[47],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-49","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry","chapter-type-standard"],"part":3,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/49","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=49"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/49\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":187,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/49\/revisions\/187"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/3"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/49\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=49"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=49"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=49"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}