{"id":58,"date":"2016-06-03T10:44:53","date_gmt":"2016-06-03T15:44:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/?post_type=chapter&p=58"},"modified":"2018-11-28T14:12:16","modified_gmt":"2018-11-28T19:12:16","slug":"the-peoples-stores-taylors-and-baileys","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/chapter\/the-peoples-stores-taylors-and-baileys\/","title":{"rendered":"The People’s Stores: Taylor’s and Bailey’s"},"content":{"raw":"The resurgence of the Euclid Avenue corridor over the past two decades as a premier residential neighborhood has brought new life to downtown Cleveland.\u00a0 One of the new luxury apartment complexes, at 668 Euclid Avenue, affords quality retail and office space for this growing district.\u00a0 Prior to this recent renovation effort, this massive structure had been all but abandoned.\u00a0 What many Clevelanders today may not realize is that this refurbished landmark was once the home to one of Cleveland\u2019s most popular department stores, the William Taylor\u00a0Son & Company.\r\n\r\nIt all began in the 1850s when two Scots adventurers William Taylor\u00a0(1832-1887) and Thomas Kilpatrick\u00a0migrated to the U.S.\u00a0 They first settled in Boston, MA\u00a0where they worked for Hogg, Brown and Taylor the nation\u2019s largest dry goods store.[footnote]Rose, William Ganson. Cleveland: The Making of a City<\/em>. Kent: Kent State University Press, 1950, pp. 72.[\/footnote] Its Managing Partner was William Taylor\u2019s older brother.\u00a0 In the late 1860s, Taylor and Kilpatrick moved to Cleveland.\u00a0 Cleveland was a boomtown then and they wanted to capitalize on it.\u00a0 These two enterprising businessmen, in 1870, established their-own dry goods store called Taylor & Kilpatrick.[footnote]\u201cTaylor\u2019s Closes After Ninety Years.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 17, 1961.[\/footnote] It began as a one-room dry goods store with 36 salespersons.\u00a0 The store quickly gained a positive reputation based on \u201cHonesty in Word and Ware.\u201d\r\n\r\nA part of the recently completed Block, located on the south side of Euclid Avenue just east of Public Square, this one-room establishment outshone local competitors in several distinct ways.[footnote]Ibid<\/em>.[\/footnote] (PD 4\/21\/1940 p.24.)\u00a0 They introduced such things as late store hours and radio photography.\u00a0 They also initiated mail-in orders and customer service phone lines.\u00a0 But, perhaps their greatest single contribution to local retailing involved eliminating the bartering system for purchasing goods.\u00a0 Instead of using traditional bartering techniques, they applied non-negotiable price tags on all items.\r\n\r\nTheir business partnership dissolved in 1886 with the retirement of Thomas Kilpatrick.\u00a0 William Taylor\u00a0(1832-1887) took a great leap in faith that same year when he opened a second retail establishment downtown.\u00a0 One store sold to wholesale clients while the other served everyday shoppers.[footnote]\u201cBirthday of an Old Store, This is the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Opening of Taylor\u2019s History of the Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 21, 1900.[\/footnote] Mounting overhead expenses forced the closing of the additional outlet a short time later.\u00a0 When his son John Livingston Taylor\u00a0joined the firm in 1887, the senior Taylor renamed his department store William Taylor\u00a0Son & Company.\u00a0 Young Taylor died in in 1892.\r\n\r\nThe unexpected death of John Livingston Taylor\u00a0posed a major dilemma for store officials.\u00a0 Who would operate this growing enterprise?\u00a0 After much discussion, the Board of Directors appointed his widow, Sophia Strong Taylor\u00a0as its President.\u00a0 The 31-year old Mrs. Taylor was no stranger to business.\u00a0 Her father had owned a very successful engineering firm for many years.\u00a0 Mrs. Taylor remained President until 1935 when she turned it over to her brother Colonel Charles H. Strong\u00a0(1872-1960).\u00a0 The board elected her its chairperson.\u00a0 Mrs. Taylor died in September 1936 at the age of 75.\r\n\r\nMrs. Taylor guided this Cleveland department store into the 20th century.\u00a0 A deeply religious woman she refused to advertise in the local dailies on Sunday or allow shoppers to gaze at the store\u2019s display windows that day.\u00a0 However, her strong religious convictions did not prevent her from making bold business moves when it helped the company.\u00a0 For example, she did not hesitate in 1901 to purchase the entire stock of high quality rugs from one of her chief competitors Root & McBride Company.[footnote]\u201cVery Important Store News from Taylor\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 1, 1902.[\/footnote] Taylor\u2019s literally overnight became a leading fine rugs merchant.\r\n\r\nAlthough Mrs. Taylor rejected the idea of spending hard-earned dollars on Sunday advertising, that did not mean she overlooked it entirely.\u00a0 She knew full-well the importance of advertising least the public forget who you are.\u00a0 Therefore, Mrs. Taylor spent a great deal of money on it.\u00a0 This included its-own promotion device called \u201cStore News.\u201d\u00a0 It appeared in daily newspapers beginning in 1902.[footnote]Ibid<\/em>.[\/footnote] This advertisement\u00a0kept customers abreast of the latest fashion trends and the many bargains found only at Taylor\u2019s.\r\n\r\nTalk of building a modern facility on Euclid Avenue in the heart of Cleveland\u2019s retail district first surfaced in 1901.\u00a0 The fantastic increase of sales following Mrs. Taylor\u2019s appointment convinced stockholders of the need for such a store.\u00a0 After some deliberation, the board, in 1905, authorized the construction of a full-service department store.\u00a0 Taylor\u2019s, on March 19, 1907, opened its grand retail establishment at 666 Euclid Avenue.\u00a0 Designed by Franz Childs Warner\u00a0(1876-1947) on the former site of the Samuel Cowles mansion, this five--story terra-cotta clad structure included nearly 2,000 employees.[footnote]\u201cTaylor\u2019s Store is Thrown Open.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 20, 1907.[\/footnote] With its bright electric lights, extended canopied front, special in-house telephone system, fireproof construction, quality restaurant, customized vacuum cleansing process and free flowing heating and ventilation systems, it was, without a doubt, one of the finest department stores in the nation.\u00a0 Increasing sales over the next several years led officials in 1911 to approve the construction of three more floors.\r\n\r\nThe store\u2019s economic success continued into the 1920s.\u00a0 Like its other downtown competitors, Taylor officials knew the importance of repeat business.\u00a0 It was their lifeline.\u00a0 Promotional activities directly aided this cause.\u00a0 One such activity to receive very favorable publicity occurred in 1920.\u00a0 Universal Studios produced a special movie clip to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of William Taylor\u00a0Son & Company.\u00a0 This film highlighted the store\u2019s daily activities.\u00a0 It also included a history of the City of Cleveland and a special fashion show.\u00a0 The public loved it.[footnote]\u201cGolden Film to be Made for Taylor\u2019s Jubilee.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 2, 1920.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nSpectacular sales also insured returning business.\u00a0 Many of Taylor\u2019s most popular sales celebrated in-house events.\u00a0 They covered the gamut from clearance sales; remnant sales and founder-day sales to anniversary sales, gift week sales and French fashion sales.\u00a0 One of its greatest sales ever occurred on September 14, 1929.\u00a0 This extravaganza called Taylor\u2019s Expansion Sale\u00a0brought thousands of people downtown.\u00a0 The store was never busier.\u00a0 Up to three hours of free parking at the Auditorium Garage\u00a0located at the corner of East 6th Street\u00a0and St. Clair Avenue\u00a0also encouraged further business.\r\n\r\nTaylor\u2019s advertising at the time of the First World War\u00a0emphasized the convenience of the store\u2019s credit card.\u00a0 Department stores including Taylor\u2019s first issued credit cards\u00a0during the first decade of the 20th century.\u00a0 However, customers rarely used them.\u00a0 Store officials attempted to change their thinking through advertising.\u00a0 Early 1920s advertisements\u00a0stressed efficiency by saying that shoppers who used their store credit cards often saved time by purchasing more items per visit than those who did not.\u00a0 An important point to bring out, it had little impact on card usage.\u00a0 The nagging question facing Taylor\u2019s advertising department was how to reverse this trend.\r\n\r\nTaylor\u2019s advertising staff decided to use psychology.\u00a0 Advertisements, beginning in December 1926, emphasized the fact that those who used the store\u2019s credit cards\u00a0enjoyed faster service at the checkout line.\u00a0 Using these cards also lessened the need of customers to carry large amounts of cash.\u00a0 Lastly, they provided an instant record of all purchases made.[footnote]\u201cThey Know Me at Taylor\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 10, 1926.[\/footnote] Apparently, psychology paid-off.\u00a0 The percentage of customers using Taylor\u2019s credit card, between 1926 and 1929, increased five-fold.\u00a0 The fact that store officials offered customers three hours of free parking at the Auditorium Garage\u00a0on St. Clair Avenue\u00a0also helped their cause.[footnote]\u201cToday at Taylor\u2019s Store-Wide Semi-Annual Remnant Day.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 22, 1927.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThis department store also led the pack when it came to installment plans.\u00a0 Store officials during the \u201cRoaring Twenties\u201d considered installment buying essential to increasing sales.\u00a0 This was particularly true when it came to selling slow-moving luxury items.\u00a0 Taylor\u2019s, in 1926, introduced their-own special credit option.\u00a0 Under this special agreement, customers with good credit had the opportunity to purchase luxury items with only a 25% down payment followed by six-monthly payments.[footnote]\u201cEasy Payment Plan at Taylor\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 15, 1926.[\/footnote]\u00a0 The store charged a minimum carrying charge for this service.\u00a0 Taylor\u2019s used a similar installment plan for selling clothing.\u00a0 Known as Taylor\u2019s Apparel Budget Plan, it enabled shoppers the opportunity of spreading out their payments over a longer time span.\r\n\r\nThe Stock Market Crash, in October 1929, symbolized the beginning of the worst economic calamity in U.S. history.\u00a0 Thousands lost their jobs literally overnight.\u00a0 Over 25% of the work force, in 1932, was unemployed.\u00a0 The country had never seen anything like this before or since.\u00a0 Downtown department stores were not immune from it.\u00a0 Sales plummeted everywhere forcing many popular retail stores to fold.\u00a0 Cleveland was no exception to this rule.\u00a0 Fortunately, Taylor\u2019s weathered it.\u00a0 Its board offered a wide variety of sales throughout the year and of course during the Christmas season.\u00a0 Taylor\u2019s, in the early 1930s, joined forces with other several other local retailers to sponsor a very special Christmas show for thousands of children.[footnote]\u201cSanta Drops In to Start Season.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 19, 1935.[\/footnote] This show concluded with a special visit from Santa Claus.\r\n\r\nThe slogan developed by Taylor\u2019s advertising department, at that time, said it all: \u201cThe Store of the Christmas Spirit \u2013 A Gift from Taylor\u2019s Means More.\u201d\u00a0 Store officials promoted loyalty among their salespersons by hosting gala dine and dance parties.\u00a0 President Charles H. Strong, at one of these events, announced that the public is now welcomed to view the store\u2019s window displays on Sunday and that Taylor\u2019s would begin advertising in the Sunday newspapers.\u00a0 Most of the staff supported these actions.[footnote]\u201cEight Hundred Hail Taylor\u2019s 69th Anniversary.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 10, 1939.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nPart of Taylor\u2019s initial success resulted from its ability to anticipate the needs and wants of its patrons.\u00a0 Store officials also recognized that brand name recognition played a major role in sales.\u00a0 They further understood that modern retail establishments appealed to shoppers from all walks-of-life.\u00a0 With those thoughts in mind, William Taylor\u00a0Son & Company, in 1934, embarked upon a major store refurbishing effort.\u00a0 This $500,000 renovation included installing an impressive bronze name plaque on the Euclid Avenue side of the store.\u00a0 Other improvements included bronze light fixtures throughout; classic oriental rugs, highly polished chrome furniture upholstered in black and red, soft overhead lights, new speedy elevators and enlarged departments.[footnote]\u201cTaylor\u2019s Store is Dream Realized.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 29, 1934.[\/footnote] Board members also purchased the adjacent Clarence Building\u00a0and Taylor Arcade.[footnote]\u201cTaylor Expansion Sale.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 14, 1929.[\/footnote] Talks began in 1929 on purchasing the Taylor annex; however, the economic reversals of the early 1930s put everything on hold.\r\n\r\nThe annual meeting concluded with the stockholders approving a name change.\u00a0 William Taylor\u00a0Son & Company became Taylor\u2019s Department Store.\u00a0 Their latest motto \u201cTry Taylor\u2019s First\u201d reflected this new upbeat mood.\u00a0 The addition, in 1938, of Taylor\u2019s Apparel Budget Plan\u00a0appealed to many budget conscious shoppers.\u00a0 Qualified customers, under this arrangement, could now buy quality merchandise for only a small down payment, minimal monthly payments and a small service charge.[footnote]\u201cMid-Season Clearance Taylor\u2019s Store for Men.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 10, 1938.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe May Company followed these developments by its competitor with great interest.\u00a0 Any sudden surge in sales at that department store might prove disadvantageous for its Public Square facility.\u00a0 Following the death of Mrs. Taylor in September, 1936, Taylor\u2019s board started to liquidate her assets based on provisions spelled out in her will.[footnote]\u201cMay\u2019s Interest in Taylor\u2019s Revealed.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 13, 1945.[\/footnote]\u00a0 The store\u2019s President Charles H. Strong, in 1939, gained controlling interest when he purchased from his sister\u2019s estate 10,000 shares of preferred stock and 5,000 shares of common stock.\r\n\r\nNew store directors, in 1939, included Charles H. Strong, Edgar A. Hahn\u00a0and William C. Kenough.[footnote]\u201cMajor Strong Acquires Taylor Store Control.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 22, 1939.[\/footnote]\u00a0 The May Company decided the time to act was now.\u00a0 Its board took full advantage of this liquidation by becoming Taylor\u2019s leading minority stockholder.[footnote]\u201cMay\u2019s Interest in Taylor\u2019s Revealed.\u201d[\/footnote]\u00a0 Further investment in Taylor\u2019s by May Company stockholders continued into the 1940s.\u00a0 This buyout enabled Taylor\u2019s to expand and grow well into the post-war years.\u00a0 In keeping with Mrs. Taylor\u2019s wishes, President Charles H. Strong, in 1939, resigned.\u00a0 David H. Scholl\u00a0succeeded him.\u00a0 Scholl remained President until 1960 when the board named William J. Weinberg.[footnote]\u201cErieview Is Vital Now, Says Mayor.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 31, 1961.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nTaylor\u2019s executives did not view this buyout as a hostile takeover, far from it.\u00a0 The May Company made it quite clear that its board did not plan to close Taylor\u2019s Department Store.\u00a0 Its stockholders believed that there was enough room for both retailers.\u00a0 This favorable move by the May Company enabled that neighboring retailer to expand beyond its traditional upper middle class customer-base to embrace the working class who frequented Taylor\u2019s.\u00a0\u00a0 The accounting department at the May Company believed that the more diverse the store\u2019s portfolio the better the chances for long-term profit and reduced debt.\u00a0\u00a0 Looking to an even brighter tomorrow, Taylor officials, in 1941, adopted a new motto \u201cIn Cleveland Its Taylor\u2019s for Young Fashions at Famous Thrifty Prices.\u201d\u00a0 Taylor\u2019s board, that same year, approved further renovations.\u00a0 Refurbishing resulted in a new fur department, personal service bureau and new budget shop.[footnote]\u201cTaylor\u2019s Opens Wide the Doors to Christmas Time.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 23, 1941.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor\u00a0on December 7, 1941 led the U.S. into the Second World War.\u00a0 Many of Taylor\u2019s most trusted employees fought bravely in the Armed Services.\u00a0 Still others supported the wartime effort on the home front.\u00a0 Taylor\u2019s fully supported these efforts.\u00a0 They sold Liberty Bonds\u00a0and encouraged employees and their families to cultivate their-own liberty gardens.\u00a0 Store officials utilized fewer resources and shortened store hours.\u00a0 Taylor\u2019s in conjunction with the Retail Merchant\u2019s Board\u00a0set up and manned collection booths for the March of Dimes\u00a0an organization dedicated to eliminating polio in children.[footnote]\u201cStores to Spur March of Dimes.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 24, 1943.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe board, immediately following the war, approved further store renovations.\u00a0 That included new stainless steel elevators valued at $2,000,000.\u00a0 A 1947 store slogan set the stage for further changes by saying that \u201cYou, too, will enjoy shopping at Taylor\u2019s, Cleveland\u2019s centrally located, easy-to-reach department store.\u201d\u00a0 Its newly remodeled French Room showcased the latest Parisian fashions and accessories.[footnote]\u201cTaylor\u2019s, The French Room.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 12, 1947.[\/footnote] Sports enthusiasts marveled at the technically advanced Martin \u201c40\u201d Outboard Motors for speed boats.[footnote]\u201cTaylor\u2019s is the Only Cleveland Department Store that Sells the Famous Martin Motor.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 23, 1948.[\/footnote] Still others took advantage of its many clothing sales.\u00a0 There was something for everyone at the new Taylor\u2019s.\r\n\r\nTaylor\u2019s Department Store remained very popular during the post-war years.\u00a0 Officials, in the early 1950s, introduced their-own special gift certificates available at Christmas.\u00a0 However, they were not your run-of-the-mill gift certificates in that certificate recipients were the shoppers who purchased it.\u00a0 Under this unique arrangement, participants purchased a Taylor Book of Credit for a predetermined amount.\u00a0 That dollar figure represented the amount of money a shopper planned to spend on Christmas gifts that year.\u00a0 Customers paid a small down payment when receiving the book and then arranged with store officials to pay the remainder off over time.\u00a0 The coupons in the book were the same as cash and could be used anytime in any department.\r\n\r\nOne novel promotion geared especially for children involved a national photography contest.\u00a0 Sponsored in 1960 by the National Association of Department Store Photography\u00a0Studios and Taylor\u2019s photography studio, the winner received up to $10,000.\u00a0 Contest judges included celebrates such as Anne Bancroft, Shari Lewis\u00a0and Ed Sullivan.[footnote]\u201cTaylor\u2019s Abound for Treasure.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 8, 1960.[\/footnote]\u00a0 \u00a0Hoping to increase its summer business, Taylor\u2019s, in 1955, spent $1,500,000 to air condition its fifty year old store.\u00a0 Albert Higley & Company; Horn & Rhinehart architects and Paul Fleming Consulting Engineer\u00a0completed this major renovation.[footnote]\u201cTaylor\u2019s Starts Work to Air-Condition Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 13, 1955.[\/footnote] The store\u2019s new slogan said it all \u201cYou\u2019ll Enjoy Shopping at Taylor\u2019s, New Carrier Air-conditioning System Makes It Healthful to Shop.\u201d\u00a0 To celebrate this major event, Taylor\u2019s ran a series of sales.\r\n\r\nThe Board of Directors, two years later, approved the building of a branch store at the Southgate Shopping Center\u00a0in Maple Hts., OH.\u00a0 Designed by Welton Beckett Associates of California\u00a0at a cost of $5,000,000, this full-service store featured natural colored wood cabinets with appropriate trim.\u00a0 Its exterior veneer with its glazed gray bricks, concrete and glass placed against a backdrop of California canyon stone was striking.\u00a0 Southgate Shopping Center\u00a0included 87 stores and 6,000 parking spaces.\r\n\r\nTaylor officials in June 1960 unveiled plans to renovate their downtown facilities.\u00a0 This $1,000,000 remodeling effort included updating Euclid Avenue display windows.\u00a0 Customers also appreciated the new safety lighting installed on either side of to its main entrance.\u00a0 Additional improvements ranged from a new Men\u2019s Shop and self-service fabric department to an updated beauty salon and enlarged auditorium.[footnote]\u201cTaylor\u2019s Set for Extensive Remodeling.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 21, 1960.[\/footnote] Unfortunately, these major changes came too late.\r\n\r\nTwo economic recessions, one in 1957-58 followed by another one in 1960-61, resulted in a downturn in department stores sales.\u00a0 The largest retailers with low inventories\u00a0and ample capital resources rebounded quickly, while those with less recognizable identities, high inventories and minimum capital reserves did not fare as well.\u00a0 In fact, more than forty U.S. department stores, between 1958 and 1961, filed for bankruptcy.\u00a0 That number might have doubled without consolidated and merger.\u00a0 These legal tactics whereby two or more retailers join forces saved hundreds of smaller department stores from extinction.\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, customers were not prepared at all for the major changes resulting from such actions.\u00a0 Consolidation and mergers may have saved financially strapped retailers, but nothing was ever the same again.\u00a0 Familiar names, retail customs and long-standing traditions were often sacrificed in the name of \u201cprogress.\u201d\u00a0 Excluding customers from this process may have made perfect business sense; however, it often led to disaster.\u00a0 Customers wanted to feel a part of the process, and that local retailers were considering their needs and wants throughout it all.\u00a0 Not including customers in the loop angered many.\u00a0 In retaliation, they often left the fold and shopped at other establishments where they believed they were more appreciated.\u00a0 Ultimately, the consumer, not the business community, determined which retailers survived and which did not.\r\n\r\nThis simple business lesson so readily understood at the turn of the 21st century completely eluded local retailers sixty years ago.\u00a0 Business practices among large retailers were dictated by traditional profit and loss scenarios.\u00a0\u00a0 The big question facing large department stores such as the May Company, in the late 1950s and early 1960s, was whether a subsidiary like Taylor\u2019s was worth the infusion of large amounts of capital to save it, with the hope that it would quickly rebound, or was it better to cut one\u2019s losses?\u00a0 In most cases, retailers favored cutting losses rather than continuing to invest within a questionable venture.\u00a0 These business leaders spent very little time worrying about the economic, political or social ramifications of their actions.\u00a0 It was an issue of dollars and cents, profits and losses, and nothing more.\r\n\r\nSuch was the case when on October 30, 1961 the May Company announced Taylor\u2019s closing.[footnote]\u201cErieview is Vital Now, Says Mayor.\u201d[\/footnote]\u00a0 Cutting mounting expenses through consolidation prompted the board\u2019s decision.\u00a0 May Company officials hoped to generate sufficient capital to promote further expansion and debt reduction.\u00a0 The fact that many Clevelanders liked to shop at Taylor\u2019s had little direct impact on the final decision.\u00a0 In the minds of the Board of Directors, Taylor Department Store had indeed served the community faithfully for many years providing affordable, quality merchandise.\u00a0 Unfortunately, decreasing sales posed a real dilemma.\u00a0 Changing fashions and a changing customer-base also concerned thoughtful May Company executives and stockholders.\u00a0 Keeping Taylor\u2019s financially afloat through this period of uncertainty seemed very risky.\u00a0 With no guarantee of future success, the board decided to fold Taylor\u2019s into the May Company.\r\n\r\nThe official press release announcing Taylor\u2019s closing was not that blunt.\u00a0 Company officials attempted to soften the blow by saying that Cleveland economic picture had changes greatly during the post-war years.\u00a0 They focused on the fact that changing patterns in shopping, led by the mass exodus of Clevelanders to the suburbs, had made Taylor\u2019s obsolete.\u00a0 More and more people in the 1950s had chosen to shop at the May Company, Halle\u2019s and Higbee\u2019s leaving Taylor\u2019s behind. May Company officials further pointed out that over 80% of Taylor\u2019s credit card holders enjoyed similar privileges at the May Company.\u00a0 Executives concluded that providing duplicating services for a growingly diverse customer-base no longer made sense, and that in closing Taylor\u2019s the May Company would be able to offer even a greater selection of merchandise at lower prices.[footnote]\u201cWilliam Taylor Son & Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 31, 1961.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe May Company wasted no time in closing the Euclid Avenue facility and converting Taylor\u2019s suburban store at Southgate Shopping Center\u00a0into its-own branch.\u00a0 The once venerable Taylor\u2019s Department Store was no more.\u00a0 Perhaps the early 20th century architect Charles Lamb\u00a0summed it up best when he said \u201cthe fa\u00e7ade of a department store is as much an old familiar face as is a human face. When it\u2019s gone we feel a personal lost.\u201d[footnote]Ibid<\/em>.[\/footnote] Grieving the loss of Taylor\u2019s, many of its customers reluctantly turned to the May Company and other downtown retailers for merchandise and services.\r\n\r\nWilliam Taylor\u2019s retail success, in the early 1870s, provided inspiration for a whole host of enterprising Clevelanders including Lewis A. Bailey, Colonel Louis Black\u00a0and Charles K. Sunshine.\u00a0 These three innovative businessmen in 1881 pooled their financial resources and opened their-own retail establishment.\u00a0 Known as the L.A. Bailey Dry Goods Company\u00a0and located in the former Farmer\u2019s Block at the corner of Ontario Street\u00a0and Prospect Avenue, this store offered reasonably priced quality clothing, groceries and home furnishings.\u00a0 It also sold tailor-made dresses, trimmed hats, infant ware and silks.\u00a0 Part of Bailey\u2019s\u00a0initial success rested with its competent sales staff.\u00a0 They were always courteous and helpful.\u00a0 However, it was more than that.\u00a0 Lewis Bailey was an admirable man and a born salesman.[footnote]\u201cA Model Department Store, L.A. Bailey\u2019s Great Department Store is Becoming Very Popular.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 5, 1895.[\/footnote]\u00a0 He liked people and they liked him.\u00a0 He also knew that effective advertising gimmicks and promotions would bring crowds into the store and that crowds meant sales.\r\n\r\nOne of his earliest promotions involved ringing a large store bell during Greater Monday Sales Days.\u00a0 That store bell chimed every half hour.\u00a0 Those customers lucky enough to be handing money to the cashiers at that very moment received those items free.[footnote]\u201cThe Bailey Department Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 21, 1899.[\/footnote] Store officials, in 1909, stimulated sales by introducing Merchant Stamps.\u00a0 Customers who collected enough Merchant Stamps also qualified for free merchandise.[footnote]\u201cTomorrow at Bailey\u2019s, Begins a Week of Celebration Sales.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 10, 1909.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Promotional gimmicks like those worked.\r\n\r\nBailey\u2019s\u00a0Board of Directors, in 1895, approved plans to totally refurbish the premises.\u00a0 Store improvements ran the gamut from ornate iron elevators, bright electric lighting and proper ventilation to an expanded men\u2019s shop, larger millinery parlor, bigger grocery and specialized children\u2019s department.[footnote]\u201cA New Grocery Store, L.A. Bailey Successful Opening of His New Pure Food Department.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 20, 1895.[\/footnote] He also, in 1900, added more floor space.\u00a0 Bailey led the pack in other inventive and unique ways.\u00a0 For example, this retailer encouraged recent immigrants to shop at his store by providing language interpreters at all sales stations.[footnote]\u201cEuclid Bare When Bailey\u2019s Started.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 22, 1951.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Bailey also promoted his employees with many rising in the ranks from cashier or stock boy to store buyer or department manager.[footnote]Ibid<\/em>.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nStore employees, in 1899, mourned the loss of Lewis A. Bailey.\u00a0 Colonel Black and Charles Sunshine took over operations.\u00a0 These retailers, later that same year, acquired Cleveland Dry Goods Company.\u00a0 The 20th century brought big changes to Bailey\u2019s.\u00a0 It began, in 1901, with the construction of a new store at the corner of Ontario Street\u00a0and Prospect Avenue.\u00a0 This impressive six--story building topped by a vintage Mansard roof opened to rave reviews.\u00a0 Significant increases in sales over the next several years convinced owners, in 1910, to build a ten--story addition.\u00a0 Bailey\u2019s had found its retail niche.\u00a0 Now known as \u201cThe Store for all the People,\u201d it continued to offer great values for the money.\u00a0 More and more customers shopped there.\r\n\r\nFrequent sales brought thousands to Bailey\u2019s.\u00a0 Their Greater March Sales, in particular, appealed to pennywise shoppers.\u00a0 It enabled customers to purchase some of the store\u2019s finest items at greatly reduced prices.\u00a0 Executives also encouraged customers to use their Bailey\u2019s credit cards.\u00a0 Those availing themselves of that service also qualified for the store\u2019s special installment plan.\u00a0 Under this arrangement, shoppers had up to ten weeks to pay-off the balance owed on their purchases without incurring interest or service charges.[footnote]\u201cYes, Bailey\u2019s Greater March Sales Begin Monday Morning.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 3, 1929.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Customers also enjoyed Bailey\u2019s Soda Fountain\u00a0where they could purchase a reasonably priced lunch.\r\n\r\nBailey\u2019s\u00a0slogan in the 1920s \u201cLet Nothing Keep You Away\u201d truly reflected its new, upbeat attitude.\u00a0 Sales nearly quadrupled between 1919 and 1926.\u00a0 Skyrocketing sales convinced board members to expand their retail activities throughout the country.\u00a0 Under the careful direction of President Victor Sincere\u00a0(1876-1955), the Board of Directors, in 1927, established their-own nationwide chain with Bailey\u2019s as its anchor store.\u00a0 Called National Department Stores, this New York-based corporation\u00a0operated for more than thirty years.\u00a0 The store\u2019s trailblazing leadership did not stop with the establishment of the National chain.\r\n\r\nThe 1920s symbolized a period of great growth and change for both Cleveland and this most ambitious retailer.\u00a0 One significant breakthrough in urban life involved the development of middle and upper class residential neighborhoods within newly emerging suburbs such as Cleveland Hts; East Cleveland, Euclid, Lakewood and Shaker Hts.\u00a0\u00a0Bailey\u2019s\u00a0officials, in 1929, tapped into this retail market by opening their first branch store.\u00a0 This highly successful store, located at 10007 Euclid Avenue in Doan\u2019s Corner, offered many of the same high quality items found downtown.\r\n\r\nMany Cleveland retailers closed their doors during the Great Depression of the 1930s but not Bailey\u2019s.\u00a0 The store\u2019s capable sales staff and effective board managed to keep it going even in the darkest economic times.\u00a0 Its motto at that time \u201cIt\u2019s Smart to be Thrifty\u201d appealed to a great many Clevelanders with modest incomes.\u00a0 Adding high quality Persian rugs\u00a0with linen fringes to its line of merchandise put Bailey\u2019s a cut above its competitors.\u00a0 Bailey\u2019s officials, throughout the 1930s, sponsored major sales on a regular basis.\u00a0 One of the most popular sales occurred in each February.\u00a0 This extravaganza encouraged shoppers to purchase fine quality pieces of furniture at great savings.\r\n\r\nChristmas seasons, throughout the 1930s, brought thousands downtown.\u00a0 Children, in particular, enjoyed visiting Santa Claus\u00a0in his glistening white house.\u00a0 Bailey\u2019s, in the height of the Great Depression, opened a second suburban branch.\u00a0 This no-frills full-service store, at 14725 Detroit Avenue\u00a0in Lakewood, OH, proved an instant moneymaker.\u00a0 Steady increases in sales especially in the late 1930s convinced officials that they were doing the right things.\u00a0 Their catchy slogan \u201cBailey\u2019s Sign of Quality, Value and Style\u201d summed it up best.\r\n\r\nLike other downtown department stores, Bailey\u2019s, in the 1940s, wholeheartedly supported the war effort.\u00a0 Its officials worked diligently to sell war bonds and to conserve energy and natural resources whenever possible.\u00a0 It hosted, in 1943, a very special war bond rally appropriately called Heroes Day.[footnote]\u201cCities Loss of Guns to Spur Big Bond Push.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 16, 1943.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Store executives stationed thirteen members of the Armed Services\u00a0in special booths throughout the store to sell war bonds.\u00a0 Customers purchased thousands of dollars-worth of bonds that day.\u00a0 By the end of the Second World War, Bailey\u2019s and the seven other large downtown retailers had sold a total of $134,000,000 in bonds.\u00a0 Bailey\u2019s led its competitors in selling defense stamps.\r\n\r\nStore officials after the war decided to modernize one of its branch stores and build another.\u00a0 Board members considered such investments an effective way to insure permanent, long-term growth.\u00a0 Modernization efforts began in August 1945, with its Euclid Avenue outlet.[footnote]Rider, Adin C. \u201cBailey to Expand East Side Store, Adjoining Property.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 9, 1945.[\/footnote] Little had been done to improve this site during the war years.\u00a0 Bailey\u2019s\u00a0legal counsel extended the store\u2019s lease to 1955 with an option to renew for an additional five years.\u00a0 It also purchased the adjacent Laurel Building\u00a0and annex for $225,000.\u00a0 This acquisition nearly doubled that outlet\u2019s size.\u00a0 Officials, in 1951, unveiled plans for a new store this time in Euclid, OH.\u00a0 Designed by the well-respected architectural firm of Weinberg & Teare\u00a0and located near the intersection of East 228th Street\u00a0and Lakeshore Boulevard, this branch store drew thousands of customers mostly from the east side.[footnote]\u201cAdvanced Styling In Store Design, New Suburban Bailey Store Embodies Novel Ideas.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 22, 1951.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nBailey\u2019s\u00a0celebrated its grand opening with a new slogan \u201cEast Side\u2013West Side\u2013All-Around the Town.\u201d\u00a0 The public loved it and net sales remained high throughout the 1950s.\u00a0 This department store\u2019s wide selection of durable affordable fashions prices appealed to money conscious Clevelanders.[footnote]\u201cIt All Began in 1899.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 11, 1951.[\/footnote] Now with three locations, everyone could shop at Bailey\u2019s.\u00a0 Store officials took great pride in their top notched service and ability to anticipate customers\u2019 needs.\u00a0 To illustrate this last point, Bailey\u2019s, in 1949, outshone their competitors when it introduced a teenage shop geared for high school girls.[footnote]\u201cGolden Anniversary for Bailey Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 1, 1949.[\/footnote] Executives also prided themselves than many of their employees had been with Bailey\u2019s for more than 25 years.\r\n\r\nBailey\u2019s\u00a0financial success did not escape the attention of other local and nationally-based department stores.\u00a0 In fact, a number of large retailers tried unsuccessfully to purchase it.\u00a0 Hoping to significantly increase its hold on the Cleveland retail market, Bailey\u2019s in the early 1950s endeavored to buyout some of its competitors.\u00a0 One merger attempt receiving a fair amount of local media attention involved Federal Department Stores. \u00a0Merger talks begun in 1955 continued well into the 1960s.[footnote]\u201cBailey Continues Negotiations for Federal Stores.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 7, 1961.[\/footnote] Major economic turmoil on Bailey\u2019s home front ended further discussions.\r\n\r\nBailey\u2019s\u00a0parent company the New York-based National Department Stores, in 1955, announced plans to divest itself of all its retail operations.[footnote]Bryan, John E. \u201cBailey\u2019s Stores\u2019 Sale in Under Negotiation.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 11, 1958.[\/footnote] National officials had first broached this subject during the height of the Korean Conflict\u00a0when the demand for natural energy raised prices to unprecedented high levels.\u00a0 Increasingly, its board members believed that harnessing natural energy sources such as coal, gas and oil represented the next great business opportunity.\u00a0 It was an untapped market waiting for bold investors.\u00a0 Those willing to take that gamble now would profit handsomely, while those who hesitated would be soon left behind.\u00a0 Retailing, on the other hand, had seen its day.\u00a0 Not much room for future growth within an already saturated local market.\u00a0 National\u2019s board concluded that the mid-1950s represented an ideal time to sell its retail assets and invest in mining and drilling operations.\u00a0 That prompted the establishment of the International Mining Corporation (IMC).\u00a0 IMC, over the next three years, sold all its stores in New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas\u00a0and West Virginia.\r\n\r\nThe actions taken by National\u2019s board members set the stage for Century Food Market Company (CFM).\u00a0 CFM, in 1958, purchased Bailey\u2019s\u00a0Department Store.[footnote]Ibid<\/em>.[\/footnote]\u00a0 A Youngstown-based company with 26 stores and annual sales running somewhere between $13,000,000 to $15,000,000 CFM planned to convert Bailey\u2019s into one of Cleveland\u2019s largest department store chains.\u00a0 The CFM board wasted no time and, in 1959, financed a fourth branch store at Eastgate Shopping Center\u00a0in Mayfield Hts., OH.\u00a0 Like the other Bailey branches, this retail outlet catered primarily to Cleveland\u2019s working class.\u00a0 Anthony Visconsi\u00a0& Associates\u00a0designed this new 75,000 square foot one-story store.[footnote]\u201cBailey Store Plans Branch at Eastgate.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 22, 1959.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nOne of the first challenges facing Bailey\u2019s\u00a0new ownership involved the rights of employees to unionize.\u00a0 Based in Youngstown, OH, a pro-union town, CMF had always supported workers\u2019 causes.\u00a0 Therefore, it came as no surprise when the board, in 1959, upheld the right of its employees to unionize and participate in collective bargaining.\u00a0 Now an active member of Retail Employees Local #880, Bailey\u2019s represented the first Cleveland downtown department store to encourage employee unions.[footnote]\u201cThe New Bailey\u2019s Cleveland First Union Department Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 27, 1959.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nCMFs also led the fight to repeal the blue laws that prohibited Sunday sales throughout Greater Cleveland.\u00a0 Officials said that it no longer made any sense to remain closed on Sunday since many of their customers worked off hours and could only shop on the weekend.\u00a0 Tightly upheld blue laws prevented many customers from shopping in their favorite department store.\u00a0 Why deny them their right to shop based on outmoded laws?\u00a0\u00a0 Bailey\u2019s\u00a0Euclid and Mayfield Hts.\u00a0locations in 1963 were opened on Sunday.[footnote]\u201cTwo Bailey Stores to be Opened Sundays.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 15, 1962.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe national recession of 1960-61 did not dampen CMF\u2019s enthusiasm.\u00a0 Great fanfare accompanied the grand opening, in 1960, of the Mayfield Hts., OH store.\u00a0 Unfortunately, gala grand openings did not always insure long-term success.\u00a0 Bailey\u2019s\u00a0now found itself competing against a new breed of retailing, the discount department stores.\u00a0 The Mayfield Hts.\u00a0outlet at the Eastgate Shopping Center\u00a0seemed old fashion when compared to new sleek competitors such as K-Mart\u00a0or Giant Tiger.\u00a0 This store never generated sustained profits.\r\n\r\nPart of the problem facing traditional retailers such as Bailey\u2019s\u00a0originated with the shoppers themselves.\u00a0 The 1960s introduced a whole new generation of customers who were not in the least impressed with functional stores like Bailey\u2019s.\u00a0 Younger shoppers demanded excitement and flair.\u00a0 They wanted to be dazzled by bright lights, colorful displays, glistening counters and fancy promotions.\u00a0 Leading discounters of that era such as Zayre\u2019s, K-Mart, Bradlee\u2019s, Giant Tiger\u00a0and Uncle Bill\u2019s\u00a0catered to those customers.\u00a0 Bailey executives were not unaware of what was happening.\u00a0 They made a consorted effort to update their store\u2019s drab image by introducing affordable quality merchandise within a more appealing setting.\u00a0 Unfortunately, the public did not buy it.\r\n\r\nDeclining store sales, throughout the 1960-61 shopping season, led to major changes.\u00a0 CMF President Jules J. Aron\u00a0on February 14, 1962 unveiled plans to downsize current operations.[footnote]Bryan, John E. \u201cClosing Downtown Bailey\u2019s to Expand in Suburbs Soon,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 15, 1962.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Downsizing, in this instance, meant reducing the number of employees in all branches and demolishing the downtown store.\u00a0 Demolition of this landmark took place in August 1962.\u00a0 The public expressed outrage.\u00a0 How could CMF tear down Bailey\u2019s?\u00a0 That kind of public outpouring convinced store officials to reopen this time at another, smaller location.\u00a0 The local media praised CMF for its action.\u00a0 Under the direction of the store\u2019s newest President Irvin J. Ware, the former Bing Furniture, at 514 Prospect Avenue, soon became the latest Bailey\u2019s Department Store.[footnote]Glueck, Robert. \u201cWare Directs Bailey Growth.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 16, 1964.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe CMF board, the following year, announced further reductions.\u00a0 These cutbacks included reducing the sales staff and converting its less-than-profitable Eastgate outlet into a new discount store.\u00a0 Behind the scenes, CMF discussed merger possibilities with several other retailers.\u00a0 However, nothing materialized until autumn.\u00a0 The Plain Dealer, in November 1963, announced a merger between Bailey\u2019s\u00a0and Miracle Mart.[footnote]\u201cBailey\u2019s Will Buy 67% of Chain in East.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 18, 1963.[\/footnote] Miracle Mart, a successful chain of 25 stores located in nine states, wanted to expand into the Great Lakes region.\u00a0 This merger provided a way to do just that.\u00a0 Under this agreement, CMF remained in charge of Bailey\u2019s with Miracle Mart handling all financial and legal issues.\u00a0 Miracle Mart executives were very optimistic.\u00a0 They projected profits of at least $70,000,000 by the mid-1960s.\r\n\r\nMiracle Mart, hoped to offset recent losses by infusing some much needed capital into this ailing retailer.\u00a0 Its board firmly believed that all Bailey\u2019s\u00a0needed was sprucing up.\u00a0 Renovations began in March 1964, with the Lakewood, OH\u00a0store.\u00a0 Plans called for adding another 24,000 square feet to this thirty-year old facility.\u00a0 Other improvements included a new second-story entrance that led into the adjoining garage; a brand new white concrete fa\u00e7ade accented by mosaic panels and special lighting, an expanded men\u2019s department and a special area for young girls.[footnote]\u201cSanta at Bailey\u2019s, Store is Ready for Yule Shopping.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 29, 1964.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Neville\u2019s\u00a0Department Store, later that same year, bought it.\u00a0 Austere business measures during the 1965-66 shopping season did not appreciably improve sales.\u00a0 CMF, in a last ditch effort, disbanded its clothing lines to focus exclusively on furniture.\u00a0 The new Miracle Mart failed to impress shoppers and Bailey\u2019s, in 1968, declared bankruptcy.\r\n\r\nAnalysts, at that time, blamed both CMF and Miracle Mart\u00a0for Bailey\u2019s\u00a0demise.\u00a0 They said that neither company knew anything about retailing traditions in Cleveland.\u00a0 If they had, then they would have left Bailey\u2019s alone.\u00a0 Critics claimed that the financial problems currently plaguing stores, like Bailey\u2019s, were only temporary.\u00a0 The local economy would soon rebound and that would undoubtedly restore confidence within the local retail sector.\u00a0 It was just a matter of time.\u00a0 Regrettably, outside retailers such as CMF and Miracle Mart lacked the patience necessary to ride out the storm.\u00a0 That sealed Bailey\u2019s fate.\r\n\r\nIn reality, the store\u2019s demise was not that simple or straight-forward.\u00a0 Bailey\u2019s\u00a0served the needs and wants of an earlier period in Cleveland history.\u00a0 Its shoppers, primarily working class Clevelanders, made up a large percentage of its buying public then.\u00a0 However, as the city grew and prospered the demand for no frills retailers such as Bailey\u2019s lessened.\u00a0 More sophisticated Clevelanders, in the 1960s and 1970s, insisted upon upscale department stores and specialty shops, many in the suburbs, and they were willing to pay for them.[footnote]Porter, Phillip W. \u201cA Look at Erieview and Shopping Habits.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 16, 1962.[\/footnote] CMF and Miracle Mart\u00a0cannot be blamed for the demise of Bailey\u2019s.\u00a0 Its time had indeed come and gone.\u00a0 Nostalgia notwithstanding, no corporation\u00a0in the 1960s or 1970s could have saved it.\r\n\r\nThe taste of customers had changed greatly and only the most sophisticated department stores with plenty of available capital had a fighting chance of surviving this challenge.\u00a0 Unfortunately, Bailey\u2019s\u00a0was not destined to be a part of the select few.\u00a0 However, that does not lessen its importance or impact on Cleveland\u2019s local retail scene.\u00a0 Less we forget, Bailey\u2019s represented a wonderful store that served the needs of Clevelanders for many years and, for that alone, it should be commended for a job well done.\r\n\r\n \r\n

ENDNOTES<\/strong><\/p>\r\n1. William Ganson Rose, Cleveland: The Making of a City, (Kent: Kent State University Press, 1950), 72.\r\n2. \u201cTaylor\u2019s Closes After Ninety Years,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 17, 1961.\r\n3. Ibid.\r\n4. \u201cBirthday of an Old Store, This is the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Opening of Taylor\u2019s History of the Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 21, 1900.\r\n5. \u201cVery Important Store News from Taylor\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 1, 1902.\r\n6. Ibid.\r\n7. \u201cTaylor\u2019s Store is Thrown Open,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 20, 1907.\r\n8. \u201cGolden Film to be Made for Taylor\u2019s Jubilee,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 2, 1920.\r\n9. \u201cThey Know Me at Taylor\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 10, 1926.\r\n10. \u201cToday at Taylor\u2019s Store-Wide Semi-Annual Remnant Day.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 22, 1927.\r\n11. \u201cEasy Payment Plan at Taylor\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 15, 1926.\r\n12. \u201cSanta Drops In to Start Season.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 19, 1935.\r\n13. \u201cEight Hundred Hail Taylor\u2019s 69th Anniversary,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 10, 1939.\r\n14. \u201cTaylor\u2019s Store is Dream Realized,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 29, 1934.\r\n15. \u201cTaylor Expansion Sale,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 14, 1929.\r\n16. \u201cMid-Season Clearance Taylor\u2019s Store for Men,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 10, 1938.\r\n17. \u201cMay\u2019s Interest in Taylor\u2019s Revealed,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 13, 1945.\r\n18. \u201cMajor Strong Acquires Taylor Store Control,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 22, 1939.\r\n19. \u201cMay\u2019s Interest in Taylor\u2019s Revealed,\u201d\r\n20. \u201cErieview Is Vital Now, Says Mayor,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 31, 1961.\r\n21. \u201cTaylor\u2019s Opens Wide the Doors to Christmas Time,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 23, 1941.\r\n22. \u201cStores to Spur March of Dimes,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 24, 1943.\r\n23. \u201cTaylor\u2019s, The French Room.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 12, 1947.\r\n24. \u201cTaylor\u2019s is the Only Cleveland Department Store that Sells the Famous Martin Motor,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 23, 1948.\r\n25. \u201cTaylor\u2019s Abound for Treasure,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 8, 1960.\r\n26. \u201cTaylor\u2019s Starts Work to Air-Condition Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 13, 1955.\r\n27. \u201cTaylor\u2019s Set for Extensive Remodeling,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 21, 1960.\r\n28. \u201cErieview is Vital Now, Says Mayor.\u201d\r\n29. \u201cWilliam Taylor Son & Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 31, 1961.\r\n30. Ibid.\r\n31. \u201cL.A. Bailey\u2019s, Great Department Store \u2013 A Model Establishment Successfully Opening of all the Departments Yesterday,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 15, 1895.\r\n32. \u201cA Model Department Store, L.A. Bailey\u2019s Great Department Store is Becoming Very Popular,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 5, 1895.\r\n33. \u201cThe Bailey Department Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 21, 1899.\r\n34. \u201cTomorrow at Bailey\u2019s, Begins a Week of Celebration Sales,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 10, 1909.\r\n35. \u201cA New Grocery Store, L.A. Bailey Successful Opening of His New Pure Food Department,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 20, 1895.\r\n36. \u201cEuclid Bare When Bailey\u2019s Started,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 22, 1951.\r\n37. Ibid.\r\n38. \u201cYes, Bailey\u2019s Greater March Sales Begin Monday Morning,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 3, 1929.\r\n39. \u201cCities Loss of Guns to Spur Big Bond Push,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 16, 1943.\r\n40. Adin C. Rider, \u201cBailey to Expand East Side Store, Adjoining Property,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 9, 1945.\r\n41. \u201cAdvanced Styling In Store Design, New Suburban Bailey Store Embodies Novel Ideas,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 22, 1951.\r\n42. \u201cIt All Began in 1899,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 11, 1951.\r\n43. \u201cGolden Anniversary for Bailey Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 1, 1949.\r\n44. \u201cBailey Continues Negotiations for Federal Stores,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 7, 1961.\r\n45. John E. Bryan, \u201cBailey\u2019s Stores\u2019 Sale in Under Negotiation.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 11, 1958.\r\n46. Ibid.\r\n47. \u201cBailey Store Plans Branch at Eastgate,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 22, 1959.\r\n48. \u201cThe New Bailey\u2019s Cleveland First Union Department Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 27, 1959.\r\n49. \u201cTwo Bailey Stores to be Opened Sundays,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 15, 1962.\r\n50. John E. Bryan, \u201cClosing Downtown Bailey\u2019s to Expand in Suburbs Soon,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 15, 1962.\r\n51. Rober Glueck, \u201cWare Directs Bailey Growth,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 16, 1964.\r\n52. \u201cBailey\u2019s Will Buy 67% of Chain in East,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 18, 1963.\r\n53. \u201cSanta at Bailey\u2019s, Store is Ready for Yule Shopping,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 29, 1964.\r\n54. Philip W. Porter, \u201cA Look at Erieview and Shopping Habits,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 16, 1962.","rendered":"

The resurgence of the Euclid Avenue corridor over the past two decades as a premier residential neighborhood has brought new life to downtown Cleveland.\u00a0 One of the new luxury apartment complexes, at 668 Euclid Avenue, affords quality retail and office space for this growing district.\u00a0 Prior to this recent renovation effort, this massive structure had been all but abandoned.\u00a0 What many Clevelanders today may not realize is that this refurbished landmark was once the home to one of Cleveland\u2019s most popular department stores, the William Taylor\u00a0Son & Company.<\/p>\n

It all began in the 1850s when two Scots adventurers William Taylor\u00a0(1832-1887) and Thomas Kilpatrick\u00a0migrated to the U.S.\u00a0 They first settled in Boston, MA\u00a0where they worked for Hogg, Brown and Taylor the nation\u2019s largest dry goods store.[1]<\/sup><\/a> Its Managing Partner was William Taylor\u2019s older brother.\u00a0 In the late 1860s, Taylor and Kilpatrick moved to Cleveland.\u00a0 Cleveland was a boomtown then and they wanted to capitalize on it.\u00a0 These two enterprising businessmen, in 1870, established their-own dry goods store called Taylor & Kilpatrick.[2]<\/sup><\/a> It began as a one-room dry goods store with 36 salespersons.\u00a0 The store quickly gained a positive reputation based on \u201cHonesty in Word and Ware.\u201d<\/p>\n

A part of the recently completed Block, located on the south side of Euclid Avenue just east of Public Square, this one-room establishment outshone local competitors in several distinct ways.[3]<\/sup><\/a> (PD 4\/21\/1940 p.24.)\u00a0 They introduced such things as late store hours and radio photography.\u00a0 They also initiated mail-in orders and customer service phone lines.\u00a0 But, perhaps their greatest single contribution to local retailing involved eliminating the bartering system for purchasing goods.\u00a0 Instead of using traditional bartering techniques, they applied non-negotiable price tags on all items.<\/p>\n

Their business partnership dissolved in 1886 with the retirement of Thomas Kilpatrick.\u00a0 William Taylor\u00a0(1832-1887) took a great leap in faith that same year when he opened a second retail establishment downtown.\u00a0 One store sold to wholesale clients while the other served everyday shoppers.[4]<\/sup><\/a> Mounting overhead expenses forced the closing of the additional outlet a short time later.\u00a0 When his son John Livingston Taylor\u00a0joined the firm in 1887, the senior Taylor renamed his department store William Taylor\u00a0Son & Company.\u00a0 Young Taylor died in in 1892.<\/p>\n

The unexpected death of John Livingston Taylor\u00a0posed a major dilemma for store officials.\u00a0 Who would operate this growing enterprise?\u00a0 After much discussion, the Board of Directors appointed his widow, Sophia Strong Taylor\u00a0as its President.\u00a0 The 31-year old Mrs. Taylor was no stranger to business.\u00a0 Her father had owned a very successful engineering firm for many years.\u00a0 Mrs. Taylor remained President until 1935 when she turned it over to her brother Colonel Charles H. Strong\u00a0(1872-1960).\u00a0 The board elected her its chairperson.\u00a0 Mrs. Taylor died in September 1936 at the age of 75.<\/p>\n

Mrs. Taylor guided this Cleveland department store into the 20th century.\u00a0 A deeply religious woman she refused to advertise in the local dailies on Sunday or allow shoppers to gaze at the store\u2019s display windows that day.\u00a0 However, her strong religious convictions did not prevent her from making bold business moves when it helped the company.\u00a0 For example, she did not hesitate in 1901 to purchase the entire stock of high quality rugs from one of her chief competitors Root & McBride Company.[5]<\/sup><\/a> Taylor\u2019s literally overnight became a leading fine rugs merchant.<\/p>\n

Although Mrs. Taylor rejected the idea of spending hard-earned dollars on Sunday advertising, that did not mean she overlooked it entirely.\u00a0 She knew full-well the importance of advertising least the public forget who you are.\u00a0 Therefore, Mrs. Taylor spent a great deal of money on it.\u00a0 This included its-own promotion device called \u201cStore News.\u201d\u00a0 It appeared in daily newspapers beginning in 1902.[6]<\/sup><\/a> This advertisement\u00a0kept customers abreast of the latest fashion trends and the many bargains found only at Taylor\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Talk of building a modern facility on Euclid Avenue in the heart of Cleveland\u2019s retail district first surfaced in 1901.\u00a0 The fantastic increase of sales following Mrs. Taylor\u2019s appointment convinced stockholders of the need for such a store.\u00a0 After some deliberation, the board, in 1905, authorized the construction of a full-service department store.\u00a0 Taylor\u2019s, on March 19, 1907, opened its grand retail establishment at 666 Euclid Avenue.\u00a0 Designed by Franz Childs Warner\u00a0(1876-1947) on the former site of the Samuel Cowles mansion, this five–story terra-cotta clad structure included nearly 2,000 employees.[7]<\/sup><\/a> With its bright electric lights, extended canopied front, special in-house telephone system, fireproof construction, quality restaurant, customized vacuum cleansing process and free flowing heating and ventilation systems, it was, without a doubt, one of the finest department stores in the nation.\u00a0 Increasing sales over the next several years led officials in 1911 to approve the construction of three more floors.<\/p>\n

The store\u2019s economic success continued into the 1920s.\u00a0 Like its other downtown competitors, Taylor officials knew the importance of repeat business.\u00a0 It was their lifeline.\u00a0 Promotional activities directly aided this cause.\u00a0 One such activity to receive very favorable publicity occurred in 1920.\u00a0 Universal Studios produced a special movie clip to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of William Taylor\u00a0Son & Company.\u00a0 This film highlighted the store\u2019s daily activities.\u00a0 It also included a history of the City of Cleveland and a special fashion show.\u00a0 The public loved it.[8]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Spectacular sales also insured returning business.\u00a0 Many of Taylor\u2019s most popular sales celebrated in-house events.\u00a0 They covered the gamut from clearance sales; remnant sales and founder-day sales to anniversary sales, gift week sales and French fashion sales.\u00a0 One of its greatest sales ever occurred on September 14, 1929.\u00a0 This extravaganza called Taylor\u2019s Expansion Sale\u00a0brought thousands of people downtown.\u00a0 The store was never busier.\u00a0 Up to three hours of free parking at the Auditorium Garage\u00a0located at the corner of East 6th Street\u00a0and St. Clair Avenue\u00a0also encouraged further business.<\/p>\n

Taylor\u2019s advertising at the time of the First World War\u00a0emphasized the convenience of the store\u2019s credit card.\u00a0 Department stores including Taylor\u2019s first issued credit cards\u00a0during the first decade of the 20th century.\u00a0 However, customers rarely used them.\u00a0 Store officials attempted to change their thinking through advertising.\u00a0 Early 1920s advertisements\u00a0stressed efficiency by saying that shoppers who used their store credit cards often saved time by purchasing more items per visit than those who did not.\u00a0 An important point to bring out, it had little impact on card usage.\u00a0 The nagging question facing Taylor\u2019s advertising department was how to reverse this trend.<\/p>\n

Taylor\u2019s advertising staff decided to use psychology.\u00a0 Advertisements, beginning in December 1926, emphasized the fact that those who used the store\u2019s credit cards\u00a0enjoyed faster service at the checkout line.\u00a0 Using these cards also lessened the need of customers to carry large amounts of cash.\u00a0 Lastly, they provided an instant record of all purchases made.[9]<\/sup><\/a> Apparently, psychology paid-off.\u00a0 The percentage of customers using Taylor\u2019s credit card, between 1926 and 1929, increased five-fold.\u00a0 The fact that store officials offered customers three hours of free parking at the Auditorium Garage\u00a0on St. Clair Avenue\u00a0also helped their cause.[10]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

This department store also led the pack when it came to installment plans.\u00a0 Store officials during the \u201cRoaring Twenties\u201d considered installment buying essential to increasing sales.\u00a0 This was particularly true when it came to selling slow-moving luxury items.\u00a0 Taylor\u2019s, in 1926, introduced their-own special credit option.\u00a0 Under this special agreement, customers with good credit had the opportunity to purchase luxury items with only a 25% down payment followed by six-monthly payments.[11]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 The store charged a minimum carrying charge for this service.\u00a0 Taylor\u2019s used a similar installment plan for selling clothing.\u00a0 Known as Taylor\u2019s Apparel Budget Plan, it enabled shoppers the opportunity of spreading out their payments over a longer time span.<\/p>\n

The Stock Market Crash, in October 1929, symbolized the beginning of the worst economic calamity in U.S. history.\u00a0 Thousands lost their jobs literally overnight.\u00a0 Over 25% of the work force, in 1932, was unemployed.\u00a0 The country had never seen anything like this before or since.\u00a0 Downtown department stores were not immune from it.\u00a0 Sales plummeted everywhere forcing many popular retail stores to fold.\u00a0 Cleveland was no exception to this rule.\u00a0 Fortunately, Taylor\u2019s weathered it.\u00a0 Its board offered a wide variety of sales throughout the year and of course during the Christmas season.\u00a0 Taylor\u2019s, in the early 1930s, joined forces with other several other local retailers to sponsor a very special Christmas show for thousands of children.[12]<\/sup><\/a> This show concluded with a special visit from Santa Claus.<\/p>\n

The slogan developed by Taylor\u2019s advertising department, at that time, said it all: \u201cThe Store of the Christmas Spirit \u2013 A Gift from Taylor\u2019s Means More.\u201d\u00a0 Store officials promoted loyalty among their salespersons by hosting gala dine and dance parties.\u00a0 President Charles H. Strong, at one of these events, announced that the public is now welcomed to view the store\u2019s window displays on Sunday and that Taylor\u2019s would begin advertising in the Sunday newspapers.\u00a0 Most of the staff supported these actions.[13]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Part of Taylor\u2019s initial success resulted from its ability to anticipate the needs and wants of its patrons.\u00a0 Store officials also recognized that brand name recognition played a major role in sales.\u00a0 They further understood that modern retail establishments appealed to shoppers from all walks-of-life.\u00a0 With those thoughts in mind, William Taylor\u00a0Son & Company, in 1934, embarked upon a major store refurbishing effort.\u00a0 This $500,000 renovation included installing an impressive bronze name plaque on the Euclid Avenue side of the store.\u00a0 Other improvements included bronze light fixtures throughout; classic oriental rugs, highly polished chrome furniture upholstered in black and red, soft overhead lights, new speedy elevators and enlarged departments.[14]<\/sup><\/a> Board members also purchased the adjacent Clarence Building\u00a0and Taylor Arcade.[15]<\/sup><\/a> Talks began in 1929 on purchasing the Taylor annex; however, the economic reversals of the early 1930s put everything on hold.<\/p>\n

The annual meeting concluded with the stockholders approving a name change.\u00a0 William Taylor\u00a0Son & Company became Taylor\u2019s Department Store.\u00a0 Their latest motto \u201cTry Taylor\u2019s First\u201d reflected this new upbeat mood.\u00a0 The addition, in 1938, of Taylor\u2019s Apparel Budget Plan\u00a0appealed to many budget conscious shoppers.\u00a0 Qualified customers, under this arrangement, could now buy quality merchandise for only a small down payment, minimal monthly payments and a small service charge.[16]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

The May Company followed these developments by its competitor with great interest.\u00a0 Any sudden surge in sales at that department store might prove disadvantageous for its Public Square facility.\u00a0 Following the death of Mrs. Taylor in September, 1936, Taylor\u2019s board started to liquidate her assets based on provisions spelled out in her will.[17]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 The store\u2019s President Charles H. Strong, in 1939, gained controlling interest when he purchased from his sister\u2019s estate 10,000 shares of preferred stock and 5,000 shares of common stock.<\/p>\n

New store directors, in 1939, included Charles H. Strong, Edgar A. Hahn\u00a0and William C. Kenough.[18]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 The May Company decided the time to act was now.\u00a0 Its board took full advantage of this liquidation by becoming Taylor\u2019s leading minority stockholder.[19]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Further investment in Taylor\u2019s by May Company stockholders continued into the 1940s.\u00a0 This buyout enabled Taylor\u2019s to expand and grow well into the post-war years.\u00a0 In keeping with Mrs. Taylor\u2019s wishes, President Charles H. Strong, in 1939, resigned.\u00a0 David H. Scholl\u00a0succeeded him.\u00a0 Scholl remained President until 1960 when the board named William J. Weinberg.[20]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Taylor\u2019s executives did not view this buyout as a hostile takeover, far from it.\u00a0 The May Company made it quite clear that its board did not plan to close Taylor\u2019s Department Store.\u00a0 Its stockholders believed that there was enough room for both retailers.\u00a0 This favorable move by the May Company enabled that neighboring retailer to expand beyond its traditional upper middle class customer-base to embrace the working class who frequented Taylor\u2019s.\u00a0\u00a0 The accounting department at the May Company believed that the more diverse the store\u2019s portfolio the better the chances for long-term profit and reduced debt.\u00a0\u00a0 Looking to an even brighter tomorrow, Taylor officials, in 1941, adopted a new motto \u201cIn Cleveland Its Taylor\u2019s for Young Fashions at Famous Thrifty Prices.\u201d\u00a0 Taylor\u2019s board, that same year, approved further renovations.\u00a0 Refurbishing resulted in a new fur department, personal service bureau and new budget shop.[21]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

The surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor\u00a0on December 7, 1941 led the U.S. into the Second World War.\u00a0 Many of Taylor\u2019s most trusted employees fought bravely in the Armed Services.\u00a0 Still others supported the wartime effort on the home front.\u00a0 Taylor\u2019s fully supported these efforts.\u00a0 They sold Liberty Bonds\u00a0and encouraged employees and their families to cultivate their-own liberty gardens.\u00a0 Store officials utilized fewer resources and shortened store hours.\u00a0 Taylor\u2019s in conjunction with the Retail Merchant\u2019s Board\u00a0set up and manned collection booths for the March of Dimes\u00a0an organization dedicated to eliminating polio in children.[22]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

The board, immediately following the war, approved further store renovations.\u00a0 That included new stainless steel elevators valued at $2,000,000.\u00a0 A 1947 store slogan set the stage for further changes by saying that \u201cYou, too, will enjoy shopping at Taylor\u2019s, Cleveland\u2019s centrally located, easy-to-reach department store.\u201d\u00a0 Its newly remodeled French Room showcased the latest Parisian fashions and accessories.[23]<\/sup><\/a> Sports enthusiasts marveled at the technically advanced Martin \u201c40\u201d Outboard Motors for speed boats.[24]<\/sup><\/a> Still others took advantage of its many clothing sales.\u00a0 There was something for everyone at the new Taylor\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Taylor\u2019s Department Store remained very popular during the post-war years.\u00a0 Officials, in the early 1950s, introduced their-own special gift certificates available at Christmas.\u00a0 However, they were not your run-of-the-mill gift certificates in that certificate recipients were the shoppers who purchased it.\u00a0 Under this unique arrangement, participants purchased a Taylor Book of Credit for a predetermined amount.\u00a0 That dollar figure represented the amount of money a shopper planned to spend on Christmas gifts that year.\u00a0 Customers paid a small down payment when receiving the book and then arranged with store officials to pay the remainder off over time.\u00a0 The coupons in the book were the same as cash and could be used anytime in any department.<\/p>\n

One novel promotion geared especially for children involved a national photography contest.\u00a0 Sponsored in 1960 by the National Association of Department Store Photography\u00a0Studios and Taylor\u2019s photography studio, the winner received up to $10,000.\u00a0 Contest judges included celebrates such as Anne Bancroft, Shari Lewis\u00a0and Ed Sullivan.[25]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Hoping to increase its summer business, Taylor\u2019s, in 1955, spent $1,500,000 to air condition its fifty year old store.\u00a0 Albert Higley & Company; Horn & Rhinehart architects and Paul Fleming Consulting Engineer\u00a0completed this major renovation.[26]<\/sup><\/a> The store\u2019s new slogan said it all \u201cYou\u2019ll Enjoy Shopping at Taylor\u2019s, New Carrier Air-conditioning System Makes It Healthful to Shop.\u201d\u00a0 To celebrate this major event, Taylor\u2019s ran a series of sales.<\/p>\n

The Board of Directors, two years later, approved the building of a branch store at the Southgate Shopping Center\u00a0in Maple Hts., OH.\u00a0 Designed by Welton Beckett Associates of California\u00a0at a cost of $5,000,000, this full-service store featured natural colored wood cabinets with appropriate trim.\u00a0 Its exterior veneer with its glazed gray bricks, concrete and glass placed against a backdrop of California canyon stone was striking.\u00a0 Southgate Shopping Center\u00a0included 87 stores and 6,000 parking spaces.<\/p>\n

Taylor officials in June 1960 unveiled plans to renovate their downtown facilities.\u00a0 This $1,000,000 remodeling effort included updating Euclid Avenue display windows.\u00a0 Customers also appreciated the new safety lighting installed on either side of to its main entrance.\u00a0 Additional improvements ranged from a new Men\u2019s Shop and self-service fabric department to an updated beauty salon and enlarged auditorium.[27]<\/sup><\/a> Unfortunately, these major changes came too late.<\/p>\n

Two economic recessions, one in 1957-58 followed by another one in 1960-61, resulted in a downturn in department stores sales.\u00a0 The largest retailers with low inventories\u00a0and ample capital resources rebounded quickly, while those with less recognizable identities, high inventories and minimum capital reserves did not fare as well.\u00a0 In fact, more than forty U.S. department stores, between 1958 and 1961, filed for bankruptcy.\u00a0 That number might have doubled without consolidated and merger.\u00a0 These legal tactics whereby two or more retailers join forces saved hundreds of smaller department stores from extinction.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, customers were not prepared at all for the major changes resulting from such actions.\u00a0 Consolidation and mergers may have saved financially strapped retailers, but nothing was ever the same again.\u00a0 Familiar names, retail customs and long-standing traditions were often sacrificed in the name of \u201cprogress.\u201d\u00a0 Excluding customers from this process may have made perfect business sense; however, it often led to disaster.\u00a0 Customers wanted to feel a part of the process, and that local retailers were considering their needs and wants throughout it all.\u00a0 Not including customers in the loop angered many.\u00a0 In retaliation, they often left the fold and shopped at other establishments where they believed they were more appreciated.\u00a0 Ultimately, the consumer, not the business community, determined which retailers survived and which did not.<\/p>\n

This simple business lesson so readily understood at the turn of the 21st century completely eluded local retailers sixty years ago.\u00a0 Business practices among large retailers were dictated by traditional profit and loss scenarios.\u00a0\u00a0 The big question facing large department stores such as the May Company, in the late 1950s and early 1960s, was whether a subsidiary like Taylor\u2019s was worth the infusion of large amounts of capital to save it, with the hope that it would quickly rebound, or was it better to cut one\u2019s losses?\u00a0 In most cases, retailers favored cutting losses rather than continuing to invest within a questionable venture.\u00a0 These business leaders spent very little time worrying about the economic, political or social ramifications of their actions.\u00a0 It was an issue of dollars and cents, profits and losses, and nothing more.<\/p>\n

Such was the case when on October 30, 1961 the May Company announced Taylor\u2019s closing.[28]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Cutting mounting expenses through consolidation prompted the board\u2019s decision.\u00a0 May Company officials hoped to generate sufficient capital to promote further expansion and debt reduction.\u00a0 The fact that many Clevelanders liked to shop at Taylor\u2019s had little direct impact on the final decision.\u00a0 In the minds of the Board of Directors, Taylor Department Store had indeed served the community faithfully for many years providing affordable, quality merchandise.\u00a0 Unfortunately, decreasing sales posed a real dilemma.\u00a0 Changing fashions and a changing customer-base also concerned thoughtful May Company executives and stockholders.\u00a0 Keeping Taylor\u2019s financially afloat through this period of uncertainty seemed very risky.\u00a0 With no guarantee of future success, the board decided to fold Taylor\u2019s into the May Company.<\/p>\n

The official press release announcing Taylor\u2019s closing was not that blunt.\u00a0 Company officials attempted to soften the blow by saying that Cleveland economic picture had changes greatly during the post-war years.\u00a0 They focused on the fact that changing patterns in shopping, led by the mass exodus of Clevelanders to the suburbs, had made Taylor\u2019s obsolete.\u00a0 More and more people in the 1950s had chosen to shop at the May Company, Halle\u2019s and Higbee\u2019s leaving Taylor\u2019s behind. May Company officials further pointed out that over 80% of Taylor\u2019s credit card holders enjoyed similar privileges at the May Company.\u00a0 Executives concluded that providing duplicating services for a growingly diverse customer-base no longer made sense, and that in closing Taylor\u2019s the May Company would be able to offer even a greater selection of merchandise at lower prices.[29]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

The May Company wasted no time in closing the Euclid Avenue facility and converting Taylor\u2019s suburban store at Southgate Shopping Center\u00a0into its-own branch.\u00a0 The once venerable Taylor\u2019s Department Store was no more.\u00a0 Perhaps the early 20th century architect Charles Lamb\u00a0summed it up best when he said \u201cthe fa\u00e7ade of a department store is as much an old familiar face as is a human face. When it\u2019s gone we feel a personal lost.\u201d[30]<\/sup><\/a> Grieving the loss of Taylor\u2019s, many of its customers reluctantly turned to the May Company and other downtown retailers for merchandise and services.<\/p>\n

William Taylor\u2019s retail success, in the early 1870s, provided inspiration for a whole host of enterprising Clevelanders including Lewis A. Bailey, Colonel Louis Black\u00a0and Charles K. Sunshine.\u00a0 These three innovative businessmen in 1881 pooled their financial resources and opened their-own retail establishment.\u00a0 Known as the L.A. Bailey Dry Goods Company\u00a0and located in the former Farmer\u2019s Block at the corner of Ontario Street\u00a0and Prospect Avenue, this store offered reasonably priced quality clothing, groceries and home furnishings.\u00a0 It also sold tailor-made dresses, trimmed hats, infant ware and silks.\u00a0 Part of Bailey\u2019s\u00a0initial success rested with its competent sales staff.\u00a0 They were always courteous and helpful.\u00a0 However, it was more than that.\u00a0 Lewis Bailey was an admirable man and a born salesman.[31]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 He liked people and they liked him.\u00a0 He also knew that effective advertising gimmicks and promotions would bring crowds into the store and that crowds meant sales.<\/p>\n

One of his earliest promotions involved ringing a large store bell during Greater Monday Sales Days.\u00a0 That store bell chimed every half hour.\u00a0 Those customers lucky enough to be handing money to the cashiers at that very moment received those items free.[32]<\/sup><\/a> Store officials, in 1909, stimulated sales by introducing Merchant Stamps.\u00a0 Customers who collected enough Merchant Stamps also qualified for free merchandise.[33]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Promotional gimmicks like those worked.<\/p>\n

Bailey\u2019s\u00a0Board of Directors, in 1895, approved plans to totally refurbish the premises.\u00a0 Store improvements ran the gamut from ornate iron elevators, bright electric lighting and proper ventilation to an expanded men\u2019s shop, larger millinery parlor, bigger grocery and specialized children\u2019s department.[34]<\/sup><\/a> He also, in 1900, added more floor space.\u00a0 Bailey led the pack in other inventive and unique ways.\u00a0 For example, this retailer encouraged recent immigrants to shop at his store by providing language interpreters at all sales stations.[35]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Bailey also promoted his employees with many rising in the ranks from cashier or stock boy to store buyer or department manager.[36]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Store employees, in 1899, mourned the loss of Lewis A. Bailey.\u00a0 Colonel Black and Charles Sunshine took over operations.\u00a0 These retailers, later that same year, acquired Cleveland Dry Goods Company.\u00a0 The 20th century brought big changes to Bailey\u2019s.\u00a0 It began, in 1901, with the construction of a new store at the corner of Ontario Street\u00a0and Prospect Avenue.\u00a0 This impressive six–story building topped by a vintage Mansard roof opened to rave reviews.\u00a0 Significant increases in sales over the next several years convinced owners, in 1910, to build a ten–story addition.\u00a0 Bailey\u2019s had found its retail niche.\u00a0 Now known as \u201cThe Store for all the People,\u201d it continued to offer great values for the money.\u00a0 More and more customers shopped there.<\/p>\n

Frequent sales brought thousands to Bailey\u2019s.\u00a0 Their Greater March Sales, in particular, appealed to pennywise shoppers.\u00a0 It enabled customers to purchase some of the store\u2019s finest items at greatly reduced prices.\u00a0 Executives also encouraged customers to use their Bailey\u2019s credit cards.\u00a0 Those availing themselves of that service also qualified for the store\u2019s special installment plan.\u00a0 Under this arrangement, shoppers had up to ten weeks to pay-off the balance owed on their purchases without incurring interest or service charges.[37]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Customers also enjoyed Bailey\u2019s Soda Fountain\u00a0where they could purchase a reasonably priced lunch.<\/p>\n

Bailey\u2019s\u00a0slogan in the 1920s \u201cLet Nothing Keep You Away\u201d truly reflected its new, upbeat attitude.\u00a0 Sales nearly quadrupled between 1919 and 1926.\u00a0 Skyrocketing sales convinced board members to expand their retail activities throughout the country.\u00a0 Under the careful direction of President Victor Sincere\u00a0(1876-1955), the Board of Directors, in 1927, established their-own nationwide chain with Bailey\u2019s as its anchor store.\u00a0 Called National Department Stores, this New York-based corporation\u00a0operated for more than thirty years.\u00a0 The store\u2019s trailblazing leadership did not stop with the establishment of the National chain.<\/p>\n

The 1920s symbolized a period of great growth and change for both Cleveland and this most ambitious retailer.\u00a0 One significant breakthrough in urban life involved the development of middle and upper class residential neighborhoods within newly emerging suburbs such as Cleveland Hts; East Cleveland, Euclid, Lakewood and Shaker Hts.\u00a0\u00a0Bailey\u2019s\u00a0officials, in 1929, tapped into this retail market by opening their first branch store.\u00a0 This highly successful store, located at 10007 Euclid Avenue in Doan\u2019s Corner, offered many of the same high quality items found downtown.<\/p>\n

Many Cleveland retailers closed their doors during the Great Depression of the 1930s but not Bailey\u2019s.\u00a0 The store\u2019s capable sales staff and effective board managed to keep it going even in the darkest economic times.\u00a0 Its motto at that time \u201cIt\u2019s Smart to be Thrifty\u201d appealed to a great many Clevelanders with modest incomes.\u00a0 Adding high quality Persian rugs\u00a0with linen fringes to its line of merchandise put Bailey\u2019s a cut above its competitors.\u00a0 Bailey\u2019s officials, throughout the 1930s, sponsored major sales on a regular basis.\u00a0 One of the most popular sales occurred in each February.\u00a0 This extravaganza encouraged shoppers to purchase fine quality pieces of furniture at great savings.<\/p>\n

Christmas seasons, throughout the 1930s, brought thousands downtown.\u00a0 Children, in particular, enjoyed visiting Santa Claus\u00a0in his glistening white house.\u00a0 Bailey\u2019s, in the height of the Great Depression, opened a second suburban branch.\u00a0 This no-frills full-service store, at 14725 Detroit Avenue\u00a0in Lakewood, OH, proved an instant moneymaker.\u00a0 Steady increases in sales especially in the late 1930s convinced officials that they were doing the right things.\u00a0 Their catchy slogan \u201cBailey\u2019s Sign of Quality, Value and Style\u201d summed it up best.<\/p>\n

Like other downtown department stores, Bailey\u2019s, in the 1940s, wholeheartedly supported the war effort.\u00a0 Its officials worked diligently to sell war bonds and to conserve energy and natural resources whenever possible.\u00a0 It hosted, in 1943, a very special war bond rally appropriately called Heroes Day.[38]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Store executives stationed thirteen members of the Armed Services\u00a0in special booths throughout the store to sell war bonds.\u00a0 Customers purchased thousands of dollars-worth of bonds that day.\u00a0 By the end of the Second World War, Bailey\u2019s and the seven other large downtown retailers had sold a total of $134,000,000 in bonds.\u00a0 Bailey\u2019s led its competitors in selling defense stamps.<\/p>\n

Store officials after the war decided to modernize one of its branch stores and build another.\u00a0 Board members considered such investments an effective way to insure permanent, long-term growth.\u00a0 Modernization efforts began in August 1945, with its Euclid Avenue outlet.[39]<\/sup><\/a> Little had been done to improve this site during the war years.\u00a0 Bailey\u2019s\u00a0legal counsel extended the store\u2019s lease to 1955 with an option to renew for an additional five years.\u00a0 It also purchased the adjacent Laurel Building\u00a0and annex for $225,000.\u00a0 This acquisition nearly doubled that outlet\u2019s size.\u00a0 Officials, in 1951, unveiled plans for a new store this time in Euclid, OH.\u00a0 Designed by the well-respected architectural firm of Weinberg & Teare\u00a0and located near the intersection of East 228th Street\u00a0and Lakeshore Boulevard, this branch store drew thousands of customers mostly from the east side.[40]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Bailey\u2019s\u00a0celebrated its grand opening with a new slogan \u201cEast Side\u2013West Side\u2013All-Around the Town.\u201d\u00a0 The public loved it and net sales remained high throughout the 1950s.\u00a0 This department store\u2019s wide selection of durable affordable fashions prices appealed to money conscious Clevelanders.[41]<\/sup><\/a> Now with three locations, everyone could shop at Bailey\u2019s.\u00a0 Store officials took great pride in their top notched service and ability to anticipate customers\u2019 needs.\u00a0 To illustrate this last point, Bailey\u2019s, in 1949, outshone their competitors when it introduced a teenage shop geared for high school girls.[42]<\/sup><\/a> Executives also prided themselves than many of their employees had been with Bailey\u2019s for more than 25 years.<\/p>\n

Bailey\u2019s\u00a0financial success did not escape the attention of other local and nationally-based department stores.\u00a0 In fact, a number of large retailers tried unsuccessfully to purchase it.\u00a0 Hoping to significantly increase its hold on the Cleveland retail market, Bailey\u2019s in the early 1950s endeavored to buyout some of its competitors.\u00a0 One merger attempt receiving a fair amount of local media attention involved Federal Department Stores. \u00a0Merger talks begun in 1955 continued well into the 1960s.[43]<\/sup><\/a> Major economic turmoil on Bailey\u2019s home front ended further discussions.<\/p>\n

Bailey\u2019s\u00a0parent company the New York-based National Department Stores, in 1955, announced plans to divest itself of all its retail operations.[44]<\/sup><\/a> National officials had first broached this subject during the height of the Korean Conflict\u00a0when the demand for natural energy raised prices to unprecedented high levels.\u00a0 Increasingly, its board members believed that harnessing natural energy sources such as coal, gas and oil represented the next great business opportunity.\u00a0 It was an untapped market waiting for bold investors.\u00a0 Those willing to take that gamble now would profit handsomely, while those who hesitated would be soon left behind.\u00a0 Retailing, on the other hand, had seen its day.\u00a0 Not much room for future growth within an already saturated local market.\u00a0 National\u2019s board concluded that the mid-1950s represented an ideal time to sell its retail assets and invest in mining and drilling operations.\u00a0 That prompted the establishment of the International Mining Corporation (IMC).\u00a0 IMC, over the next three years, sold all its stores in New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas\u00a0and West Virginia.<\/p>\n

The actions taken by National\u2019s board members set the stage for Century Food Market Company (CFM).\u00a0 CFM, in 1958, purchased Bailey\u2019s\u00a0Department Store.[45]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 A Youngstown-based company with 26 stores and annual sales running somewhere between $13,000,000 to $15,000,000 CFM planned to convert Bailey\u2019s into one of Cleveland\u2019s largest department store chains.\u00a0 The CFM board wasted no time and, in 1959, financed a fourth branch store at Eastgate Shopping Center\u00a0in Mayfield Hts., OH.\u00a0 Like the other Bailey branches, this retail outlet catered primarily to Cleveland\u2019s working class.\u00a0 Anthony Visconsi\u00a0& Associates\u00a0designed this new 75,000 square foot one-story store.[46]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

One of the first challenges facing Bailey\u2019s\u00a0new ownership involved the rights of employees to unionize.\u00a0 Based in Youngstown, OH, a pro-union town, CMF had always supported workers\u2019 causes.\u00a0 Therefore, it came as no surprise when the board, in 1959, upheld the right of its employees to unionize and participate in collective bargaining.\u00a0 Now an active member of Retail Employees Local #880, Bailey\u2019s represented the first Cleveland downtown department store to encourage employee unions.[47]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

CMFs also led the fight to repeal the blue laws that prohibited Sunday sales throughout Greater Cleveland.\u00a0 Officials said that it no longer made any sense to remain closed on Sunday since many of their customers worked off hours and could only shop on the weekend.\u00a0 Tightly upheld blue laws prevented many customers from shopping in their favorite department store.\u00a0 Why deny them their right to shop based on outmoded laws?\u00a0\u00a0 Bailey\u2019s\u00a0Euclid and Mayfield Hts.\u00a0locations in 1963 were opened on Sunday.[48]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

The national recession of 1960-61 did not dampen CMF\u2019s enthusiasm.\u00a0 Great fanfare accompanied the grand opening, in 1960, of the Mayfield Hts., OH store.\u00a0 Unfortunately, gala grand openings did not always insure long-term success.\u00a0 Bailey\u2019s\u00a0now found itself competing against a new breed of retailing, the discount department stores.\u00a0 The Mayfield Hts.\u00a0outlet at the Eastgate Shopping Center\u00a0seemed old fashion when compared to new sleek competitors such as K-Mart\u00a0or Giant Tiger.\u00a0 This store never generated sustained profits.<\/p>\n

Part of the problem facing traditional retailers such as Bailey\u2019s\u00a0originated with the shoppers themselves.\u00a0 The 1960s introduced a whole new generation of customers who were not in the least impressed with functional stores like Bailey\u2019s.\u00a0 Younger shoppers demanded excitement and flair.\u00a0 They wanted to be dazzled by bright lights, colorful displays, glistening counters and fancy promotions.\u00a0 Leading discounters of that era such as Zayre\u2019s, K-Mart, Bradlee\u2019s, Giant Tiger\u00a0and Uncle Bill\u2019s\u00a0catered to those customers.\u00a0 Bailey executives were not unaware of what was happening.\u00a0 They made a consorted effort to update their store\u2019s drab image by introducing affordable quality merchandise within a more appealing setting.\u00a0 Unfortunately, the public did not buy it.<\/p>\n

Declining store sales, throughout the 1960-61 shopping season, led to major changes.\u00a0 CMF President Jules J. Aron\u00a0on February 14, 1962 unveiled plans to downsize current operations.[49]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Downsizing, in this instance, meant reducing the number of employees in all branches and demolishing the downtown store.\u00a0 Demolition of this landmark took place in August 1962.\u00a0 The public expressed outrage.\u00a0 How could CMF tear down Bailey\u2019s?\u00a0 That kind of public outpouring convinced store officials to reopen this time at another, smaller location.\u00a0 The local media praised CMF for its action.\u00a0 Under the direction of the store\u2019s newest President Irvin J. Ware, the former Bing Furniture, at 514 Prospect Avenue, soon became the latest Bailey\u2019s Department Store.[50]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

The CMF board, the following year, announced further reductions.\u00a0 These cutbacks included reducing the sales staff and converting its less-than-profitable Eastgate outlet into a new discount store.\u00a0 Behind the scenes, CMF discussed merger possibilities with several other retailers.\u00a0 However, nothing materialized until autumn.\u00a0 The Plain Dealer, in November 1963, announced a merger between Bailey\u2019s\u00a0and Miracle Mart.[51]<\/sup><\/a> Miracle Mart, a successful chain of 25 stores located in nine states, wanted to expand into the Great Lakes region.\u00a0 This merger provided a way to do just that.\u00a0 Under this agreement, CMF remained in charge of Bailey\u2019s with Miracle Mart handling all financial and legal issues.\u00a0 Miracle Mart executives were very optimistic.\u00a0 They projected profits of at least $70,000,000 by the mid-1960s.<\/p>\n

Miracle Mart, hoped to offset recent losses by infusing some much needed capital into this ailing retailer.\u00a0 Its board firmly believed that all Bailey\u2019s\u00a0needed was sprucing up.\u00a0 Renovations began in March 1964, with the Lakewood, OH\u00a0store.\u00a0 Plans called for adding another 24,000 square feet to this thirty-year old facility.\u00a0 Other improvements included a new second-story entrance that led into the adjoining garage; a brand new white concrete fa\u00e7ade accented by mosaic panels and special lighting, an expanded men\u2019s department and a special area for young girls.[52]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Neville\u2019s\u00a0Department Store, later that same year, bought it.\u00a0 Austere business measures during the 1965-66 shopping season did not appreciably improve sales.\u00a0 CMF, in a last ditch effort, disbanded its clothing lines to focus exclusively on furniture.\u00a0 The new Miracle Mart failed to impress shoppers and Bailey\u2019s, in 1968, declared bankruptcy.<\/p>\n

Analysts, at that time, blamed both CMF and Miracle Mart\u00a0for Bailey\u2019s\u00a0demise.\u00a0 They said that neither company knew anything about retailing traditions in Cleveland.\u00a0 If they had, then they would have left Bailey\u2019s alone.\u00a0 Critics claimed that the financial problems currently plaguing stores, like Bailey\u2019s, were only temporary.\u00a0 The local economy would soon rebound and that would undoubtedly restore confidence within the local retail sector.\u00a0 It was just a matter of time.\u00a0 Regrettably, outside retailers such as CMF and Miracle Mart lacked the patience necessary to ride out the storm.\u00a0 That sealed Bailey\u2019s fate.<\/p>\n

In reality, the store\u2019s demise was not that simple or straight-forward.\u00a0 Bailey\u2019s\u00a0served the needs and wants of an earlier period in Cleveland history.\u00a0 Its shoppers, primarily working class Clevelanders, made up a large percentage of its buying public then.\u00a0 However, as the city grew and prospered the demand for no frills retailers such as Bailey\u2019s lessened.\u00a0 More sophisticated Clevelanders, in the 1960s and 1970s, insisted upon upscale department stores and specialty shops, many in the suburbs, and they were willing to pay for them.[53]<\/sup><\/a> CMF and Miracle Mart\u00a0cannot be blamed for the demise of Bailey\u2019s.\u00a0 Its time had indeed come and gone.\u00a0 Nostalgia notwithstanding, no corporation\u00a0in the 1960s or 1970s could have saved it.<\/p>\n

The taste of customers had changed greatly and only the most sophisticated department stores with plenty of available capital had a fighting chance of surviving this challenge.\u00a0 Unfortunately, Bailey\u2019s\u00a0was not destined to be a part of the select few.\u00a0 However, that does not lessen its importance or impact on Cleveland\u2019s local retail scene.\u00a0 Less we forget, Bailey\u2019s represented a wonderful store that served the needs of Clevelanders for many years and, for that alone, it should be commended for a job well done.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

1. William Ganson Rose, Cleveland: The Making of a City, (Kent: Kent State University Press, 1950), 72.
\n2. \u201cTaylor\u2019s Closes After Ninety Years,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 17, 1961.
\n3. Ibid.
\n4. \u201cBirthday of an Old Store, This is the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Opening of Taylor\u2019s History of the Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 21, 1900.
\n5. \u201cVery Important Store News from Taylor\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 1, 1902.
\n6. Ibid.
\n7. \u201cTaylor\u2019s Store is Thrown Open,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 20, 1907.
\n8. \u201cGolden Film to be Made for Taylor\u2019s Jubilee,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 2, 1920.
\n9. \u201cThey Know Me at Taylor\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 10, 1926.
\n10. \u201cToday at Taylor\u2019s Store-Wide Semi-Annual Remnant Day.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 22, 1927.
\n11. \u201cEasy Payment Plan at Taylor\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 15, 1926.
\n12. \u201cSanta Drops In to Start Season.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 19, 1935.
\n13. \u201cEight Hundred Hail Taylor\u2019s 69th Anniversary,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 10, 1939.
\n14. \u201cTaylor\u2019s Store is Dream Realized,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 29, 1934.
\n15. \u201cTaylor Expansion Sale,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 14, 1929.
\n16. \u201cMid-Season Clearance Taylor\u2019s Store for Men,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 10, 1938.
\n17. \u201cMay\u2019s Interest in Taylor\u2019s Revealed,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 13, 1945.
\n18. \u201cMajor Strong Acquires Taylor Store Control,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 22, 1939.
\n19. \u201cMay\u2019s Interest in Taylor\u2019s Revealed,\u201d
\n20. \u201cErieview Is Vital Now, Says Mayor,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 31, 1961.
\n21. \u201cTaylor\u2019s Opens Wide the Doors to Christmas Time,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 23, 1941.
\n22. \u201cStores to Spur March of Dimes,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 24, 1943.
\n23. \u201cTaylor\u2019s, The French Room.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 12, 1947.
\n24. \u201cTaylor\u2019s is the Only Cleveland Department Store that Sells the Famous Martin Motor,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 23, 1948.
\n25. \u201cTaylor\u2019s Abound for Treasure,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 8, 1960.
\n26. \u201cTaylor\u2019s Starts Work to Air-Condition Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 13, 1955.
\n27. \u201cTaylor\u2019s Set for Extensive Remodeling,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 21, 1960.
\n28. \u201cErieview is Vital Now, Says Mayor.\u201d
\n29. \u201cWilliam Taylor Son & Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 31, 1961.
\n30. Ibid.
\n31. \u201cL.A. Bailey\u2019s, Great Department Store \u2013 A Model Establishment Successfully Opening of all the Departments Yesterday,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 15, 1895.
\n32. \u201cA Model Department Store, L.A. Bailey\u2019s Great Department Store is Becoming Very Popular,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 5, 1895.
\n33. \u201cThe Bailey Department Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 21, 1899.
\n34. \u201cTomorrow at Bailey\u2019s, Begins a Week of Celebration Sales,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 10, 1909.
\n35. \u201cA New Grocery Store, L.A. Bailey Successful Opening of His New Pure Food Department,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 20, 1895.
\n36. \u201cEuclid Bare When Bailey\u2019s Started,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 22, 1951.
\n37. Ibid.
\n38. \u201cYes, Bailey\u2019s Greater March Sales Begin Monday Morning,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 3, 1929.
\n39. \u201cCities Loss of Guns to Spur Big Bond Push,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 16, 1943.
\n40. Adin C. Rider, \u201cBailey to Expand East Side Store, Adjoining Property,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 9, 1945.
\n41. \u201cAdvanced Styling In Store Design, New Suburban Bailey Store Embodies Novel Ideas,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 22, 1951.
\n42. \u201cIt All Began in 1899,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 11, 1951.
\n43. \u201cGolden Anniversary for Bailey Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 1, 1949.
\n44. \u201cBailey Continues Negotiations for Federal Stores,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 7, 1961.
\n45. John E. Bryan, \u201cBailey\u2019s Stores\u2019 Sale in Under Negotiation.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 11, 1958.
\n46. Ibid.
\n47. \u201cBailey Store Plans Branch at Eastgate,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 22, 1959.
\n48. \u201cThe New Bailey\u2019s Cleveland First Union Department Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 27, 1959.
\n49. \u201cTwo Bailey Stores to be Opened Sundays,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 15, 1962.
\n50. John E. Bryan, \u201cClosing Downtown Bailey\u2019s to Expand in Suburbs Soon,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 15, 1962.
\n51. Rober Glueck, \u201cWare Directs Bailey Growth,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 16, 1964.
\n52. \u201cBailey\u2019s Will Buy 67% of Chain in East,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 18, 1963.
\n53. \u201cSanta at Bailey\u2019s, Store is Ready for Yule Shopping,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 29, 1964.
\n54. Philip W. Porter, \u201cA Look at Erieview and Shopping Habits,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 16, 1962.<\/p>\n

  1. Rose, William Ganson. Cleveland: The Making of a City<\/em>. Kent: Kent State University Press, 1950, pp. 72. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  2. \u201cTaylor\u2019s Closes After Ninety Years.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 17, 1961. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  3. Ibid<\/em>. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  4. \u201cBirthday of an Old Store, This is the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Opening of Taylor\u2019s History of the Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 21, 1900. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  5. \u201cVery Important Store News from Taylor\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 1, 1902. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  6. Ibid<\/em>. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  7. \u201cTaylor\u2019s Store is Thrown Open.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 20, 1907. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  8. \u201cGolden Film to be Made for Taylor\u2019s Jubilee.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 2, 1920. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  9. \u201cThey Know Me at Taylor\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 10, 1926. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  10. \u201cToday at Taylor\u2019s Store-Wide Semi-Annual Remnant Day.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 22, 1927. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  11. \u201cEasy Payment Plan at Taylor\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 15, 1926. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  12. \u201cSanta Drops In to Start Season.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 19, 1935. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  13. \u201cEight Hundred Hail Taylor\u2019s 69th Anniversary.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 10, 1939. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  14. \u201cTaylor\u2019s Store is Dream Realized.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 29, 1934. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  15. \u201cTaylor Expansion Sale.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 14, 1929. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  16. \u201cMid-Season Clearance Taylor\u2019s Store for Men.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 10, 1938. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  17. \u201cMay\u2019s Interest in Taylor\u2019s Revealed.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 13, 1945. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  18. \u201cMajor Strong Acquires Taylor Store Control.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 22, 1939. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  19. \u201cMay\u2019s Interest in Taylor\u2019s Revealed.\u201d ↵<\/a><\/li>
  20. \u201cErieview Is Vital Now, Says Mayor.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 31, 1961. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  21. \u201cTaylor\u2019s Opens Wide the Doors to Christmas Time.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 23, 1941. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  22. \u201cStores to Spur March of Dimes.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 24, 1943. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  23. \u201cTaylor\u2019s, The French Room.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 12, 1947. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  24. \u201cTaylor\u2019s is the Only Cleveland Department Store that Sells the Famous Martin Motor.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 23, 1948. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  25. \u201cTaylor\u2019s Abound for Treasure.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 8, 1960. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  26. \u201cTaylor\u2019s Starts Work to Air-Condition Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 13, 1955. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  27. \u201cTaylor\u2019s Set for Extensive Remodeling.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 21, 1960. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  28. \u201cErieview is Vital Now, Says Mayor.\u201d ↵<\/a><\/li>
  29. \u201cWilliam Taylor Son & Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 31, 1961. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  30. Ibid<\/em>. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  31. \u201cA Model Department Store, L.A. Bailey\u2019s Great Department Store is Becoming Very Popular.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 5, 1895. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  32. \u201cThe Bailey Department Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 21, 1899. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  33. \u201cTomorrow at Bailey\u2019s, Begins a Week of Celebration Sales.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 10, 1909. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  34. \u201cA New Grocery Store, L.A. Bailey Successful Opening of His New Pure Food Department.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 20, 1895. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  35. \u201cEuclid Bare When Bailey\u2019s Started.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 22, 1951. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  36. Ibid<\/em>. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  37. \u201cYes, Bailey\u2019s Greater March Sales Begin Monday Morning.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 3, 1929. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  38. \u201cCities Loss of Guns to Spur Big Bond Push.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 16, 1943. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  39. Rider, Adin C. \u201cBailey to Expand East Side Store, Adjoining Property.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 9, 1945. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  40. \u201cAdvanced Styling In Store Design, New Suburban Bailey Store Embodies Novel Ideas.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 22, 1951. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  41. \u201cIt All Began in 1899.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 11, 1951. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  42. \u201cGolden Anniversary for Bailey Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 1, 1949. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  43. \u201cBailey Continues Negotiations for Federal Stores.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 7, 1961. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  44. Bryan, John E. \u201cBailey\u2019s Stores\u2019 Sale in Under Negotiation.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 11, 1958. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  45. Ibid<\/em>. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  46. \u201cBailey Store Plans Branch at Eastgate.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 22, 1959. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  47. \u201cThe New Bailey\u2019s Cleveland First Union Department Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 27, 1959. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  48. \u201cTwo Bailey Stores to be Opened Sundays.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 15, 1962. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  49. Bryan, John E. \u201cClosing Downtown Bailey\u2019s to Expand in Suburbs Soon,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 15, 1962. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  50. Glueck, Robert. \u201cWare Directs Bailey Growth.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 16, 1964. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  51. \u201cBailey\u2019s Will Buy 67% of Chain in East.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 18, 1963. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  52. \u201cSanta at Bailey\u2019s, Store is Ready for Yule Shopping.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 29, 1964. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  53. Porter, Phillip W. \u201cA Look at Erieview and Shopping Habits.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 16, 1962. ↵<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/div>","protected":false},"author":4,"menu_order":6,"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-58","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\/58","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=58"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/58\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":188,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/58\/revisions\/188"}],"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\/58\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=58"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=58"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=58"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}