{"id":81,"date":"2016-06-03T14:14:59","date_gmt":"2016-06-03T18:14:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/?post_type=chapter&p=81"},"modified":"2018-11-29T14:46:34","modified_gmt":"2018-11-29T19:46:34","slug":"watch-us-grow-the-may-company","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/chapter\/watch-us-grow-the-may-company\/","title":{"rendered":"Watch Us Grow: The May Company"},"content":{"raw":"The May Company was the last major department store to locate in downtown Cleveland.\u00a0 Founded in 1877 in Leadville, CO\u00a0by David May\u00a0(1838-1927) and his brother-in-law Moses Shoenberg\u00a0and originally known as May, Holcomb & Dean, this retail establishment grew very quickly.\u00a0 It sold large quantities of Levi jeans to the local miners.\u00a0 Early financial success prompted David May, in 1878, to open a second store called The Great Western Auction House & Clothing.[footnote]Abrams, Jeanne. \u201cDavid May.\u201d Immigration Entrepreneurship German American Business Biographies<\/em>. http:www.immigrationentrepreneur.org.[\/footnote]\u00a0 He moved his headquarters, in 1888, from Leadville, CO to Denver, CO.\r\n\r\nThis enterprising retailer did not stop there.\u00a0 David May, in 1892, bought Famous Department Store\u00a0in St. Louis, MO.\u00a0 That purchase put him into the big leagues.\u00a0 St. Louis was one of the fastest growing cities at the turn of the last century, and Famous Department Store had played a major role in that community\u2019s expanding retail sector.\u00a0 David May, in 1905, relocated his headquarters there.\r\n\r\nDavid May\u00a0unlike many other downtown Cleveland retailers was not native to Cleveland.\u00a0 He grew up in Cincinnati, OH\u00a0before moving west for health issues.\u00a0 Therefore, such things as family pressure or nostalgia played no role in his final decision to locate in Cleveland.\u00a0 It was purely a business decision.\u00a0 Cleveland\u2019s phenomenal growth, during the second half of the 19th century, in conjunction with that city\u2019s expanding and lucrative local retail market more than anything prompted his move.\u00a0 David May\u2019s business plan focused on finding the best possible retail markets throughout the country, and then establishing large department stores in those areas.\u00a0 Cleveland represented one of the fastest growing markets at the turn of the 20th century and David May\u00a0wanted to be a part of it.\u00a0 Therefore, he and his brother-in-law Colonel Louis Beaumont\u00a0waited for the right opportunity to enter the Cleveland market.\u00a0 It came with a bang in 1899.\r\n\r\nA well-established Cleveland department store called E.R. Hull & Dutton Company\u00a0had fallen into hard economic times.\u00a0 High inventories\u00a0and mounting debt forced its-owners to liquidate their merchandise and negotiate a buyout.\u00a0 Edward R. Hull\u00a0and William F. Dutton, during the summer of 1898, had met with officials from the May Company to discuss merger.\u00a0 However, the two parties failed to reach an agreement.\u00a0 Apparently, Hull and Dutton believed that their current financial crisis was temporary, and that their new reorganization plan would remedy it.\u00a0 They were wrong.[footnote] \u201cBehind Closed Doors.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 26, 1898.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nIncreased sales that autumn ending in a profitable Christmas season may have lessened their debt; but, it was not the cure-all.\u00a0 Hull and Dutton, recognizing the problem, reinitiated negotiations.\u00a0 This time negotiations went smoothly, and on February 4. 1899 the two concerns merged.[footnote]\u201cBig Deal Consummated.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 5, 1899.[\/footnote]\u00a0 This $300,000 merger package not only introduced the May Company to an eager customer-base in Cleveland; but also, provided much needed capital to expand operations.[footnote] \u201cTomorrow\u2019s the Last Day.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 8, 1899.[\/footnote] In addition, the May Company\u2019s worldwide retail connections broadened its purchasing power without significantly increasing customer prices.\r\n\r\nFor the next several months everything appeared much the same.\u00a0 Even the store\u2019s original name remained.\u00a0 However, the new management team was working diligently behind the scenes.\u00a0 Hull & Dutton\u2019s General Manager John C. McWatters, in February 1899, resigned his post.[footnote] \u201cMcWatters Has Resigned, Severs the Connection with the Hull & Dutton Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 9, 1899.[\/footnote] S.E. Graves soon followed.\u00a0 Both businessmen established their own clothiers.\u00a0 Graves later merged with the larger McWatters & Dolan.\u00a0 Officials hired E.M. McGillin\u00a0to replace John McWatters.\r\n\r\nAn established and respected Cleveland merchant, McGillin operated several departments.\u00a0 Henry Curtin\u00a0of St. Louis became the new head of advertising.[footnote]\u201cMr. M.E. McGillin.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 26, 1899.[\/footnote] David May\u00a0made it very clear from the outset that his managers, unlike other, less experienced retailers, \u201cstudy the fashions and the economy with a determination to give its patrons the best prices that are a welcome release from extravagance.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hull & Dutton held a special clearance sale that summer followed by \u201cA Change of Firm\u00a0Sale\u201d that autumn.\u00a0 E.R. Hull & Dutton Company\u00a0disappeared after these sales.[footnote] \u201cPassing of the Hull & Dutton Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 9, 1899.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThis new downtown department store had not only purchased the entire Hull & Dutton stock; but also, sold its merchandise at the lowest possible price.\u00a0 Nothing was left to chance.\u00a0 However, David May\u00a0recognized that it would take much more than low prices to bring the crowds downtown.\u00a0 He must also develop a loyal customer-base quickly.\u00a0 The May Company board determined that one of the surest ways to guarantee success was to hire Clevelanders for as many high profile jobs as possible.\u00a0 Store officials also believed that offering affordable, high quality merchandise from both U.S. and Europe markets would insure repeat business.\u00a0 They were correct on both accounts.\r\n\r\nThe Board of Directors, in July 1899, demolished the store\u2019s annex and replaced it with a modern eight-story retail facility.\u00a0 Designed by the Cleveland architectural firm of Knox and Elliot, this semi-fireproof structure noted for its decorative terra-cotta veneer and large plate glass windows cost $35,000.[footnote]\u201cA Magnificent Building, It Will Be Constructed on the Square for the May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 8, 1899.[\/footnote]\u00a0 It opened on December 1, 1899 to great fanfare.\u00a0 The store\u2019s continued success led board members, in 1907, to refurbish a nearby Euclid Avenue building that once housed William Taylor\u00a0Son & Company.\u00a0 This $75,000 renovation effort provided customers a weather-enclosed connecter linking Euclid and Prospect avenues.\r\n\r\nClaiming to be \u201cthe largest retail store in Ohio,\u201d the May Company, in 1900, carried a wide selection of merchandise ranging from fashionable women\u2019s hats, various perfumes, fur coats and special notions to top quality men\u2019s suits, ladies corsets, soft leather shoes and infant clothing.[footnote] \u201cThe May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 13, 1899.[\/footnote] Store officials also introduced a new bargain counter.\u00a0 It featured seal, grain calf, and alligator belts and wallets.\u00a0 The May Company\u2019s expanded toy department included magnetic tops, tool chests, toy trucks and metal soldiers.\r\n\r\nThe public not only appreciated the high quality merchandise, but also, its fair prices and expert salesmanship.\u00a0 Its optimistic advertising staff, in 1899, adopted a new catchy slogan \u201cWatch Us Grow.\u201d[footnote] \u201cAnnual May Sale.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 1, 1907.[\/footnote] It remained popular for years.\u00a0 The board, wanting its staff to be both healthy and productive, created an employee benefit society.\u00a0 This organization, known as the Mutual Benefit Association, allotted members up to $6.00 a week for illnesses and $100 in death benefits.\u00a0 It also sponsored popular social gatherings, sporting events, dances and summer picnics.[footnote]\u201cFour Years of Steady Growth.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 31, 1904.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe May Company led others in providing a full range of valuable new customer services.\u00a0 For example, as early as 1901 it offered free home delivery.\u00a0 Its board, in 1904, also built an indoor playground that accommodated up to 250 children.[footnote] \u201cImmigrants\u2019 Pioneer Spirit Lives in 50-Years Old May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 9, 1949.[\/footnote] It featured toy train rides and a very popular Merry-Go-Round.\u00a0 Other retail firsts included such things as cosmetic demonstrations by the Chicago-based \u201cTemple of Beauty\u201d and a designated \u201cvisitor\u2019s space\u201d for conventioneers.[footnote] \u201cMme. Yale Sends Two Beauty Demonstrations from Chicago to the May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 14, 1903. \u201cFor the Knights Templars, The May Company\u2019s Preparations to Accommodate Them.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 7, 1903.[\/footnote]\u00a0 As important as these firsts were in establishing the May Company as a major force in downtown retailing, they were not the only things gaining the public\u2019s attention.\r\n\r\nThe store\u2019s many fantastic sales really impressed Cleveland\u2019s buying public.\u00a0 Hardly a week went by without one.\u00a0 They ranged from furniture clearances and lace\/embroidery extravagances to kitchen appliance give-a-ways and sales on durable trousers.\u00a0 Annual events such as the February Furniture Sale\u00a0and the Great May Sale\u00a0brought thousands downtown.[footnote] \u201cThird Annual August Sale of Furniture.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 7, 1904.[\/footnote]\u00a0 January White Sales, Spring Fashion Sales, Silk Sales\u00a0and Furs Sales provided an excellent way to sell-off slow moving merchandise.\r\n\r\nOther local retailers may have offered sales, but not with the finesse and flair of the May Company.\u00a0 This retailer knew how to do things right.\u00a0 The May Company\u2019s extensive buying power and worldwide distribution\u00a0network enabled store executives to offer items not readily found elsewhere.\u00a0\u00a0 For example, this retailer served as the sole agent for Knabe \u201cMignon\u201d Grand Piano Company.\u00a0 It also specialized in French style women\u2019s dress coats, men\u2019s silk dinner jackets and close-cropped knit underwear.\u00a0 The May Company prided itself on offering the best in hand-woven Persian rugs\u00a0and colorful Indian throw-rugs.\r\n\r\nThe store\u2019s new installment plan, with no down payment and zero interest, enabled many qualified customers to purchase expensive new items such as phonographs with accompanying records and cylinders.\u00a0 Free musical concerts featuring Marguerite Clerx-Winter\u00a0a Soprano, Edwin Douglass\u00a0a Baritone and Isador Weiss\u00a0a violinist further heightened the customer\u2019s shopping experience.[footnote] \u201cFree Musicale in our New Auditorium.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 15, 1907.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Not to be outdone by others, the May Company, in 1907, began carrying auto accessories.\u00a0 They ranged from Diamond, Goodrich and Gilbert tires and Presto-lite gas tanks\u00a0to Columbia dry batteries and soft leather driving gloves.[footnote]\u201cThe May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 7, 1907.[\/footnote]\u00a0 This store also featured bargain towels and sheets at its Prospect Avenue entrance.\r\n\r\nThe May Company\u2019s profits soared during the first decade of the 20th century.\u00a0 One early sales promotion became a mainstay for this store.\u00a0 The May Company, in February 1908, started offering Eagle Stamps\u00a0for all purchases.[footnote]\u201cThe May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 2, 1907.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Shoppers received blank stamp books and a certain number of stamps, each visit, based on the cost of the item or items they bought.\u00a0 They simply licked the back of the stamps and placed them in the book.\u00a0 Once they collected enough stamps to fill a book ($3.00 to $5.00 in value) then they would trade in the book for valuable merchandise.[footnote]\u201cEagle Trading Stamps.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 23, 1908.[\/footnote] Store officials claimed that shoppers saved an average of 3% on all items bought.\u00a0 This retailer continued to give away Eagle Stamps until the 1990s.\u00a0 At its height in the mid-1970s, over 70% of Cleveland households saved them.\r\n\r\nThe store\u2019s advertising department, in 1908, coined another catch phrase, \u201cFor the Best of Everything-Go to May Company First.\u201d[footnote] \u201cFor the Best of Everything, Go to the May Company First.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 22, 1908.[\/footnote] Officials soon expanded their merchandise lines to include such things as efficient gas-powered stoves along with Valspar\u00a0paints and wallpapers.\u00a0 They also offered cooking lessons.[footnote] \u201cOur Annual May Company Sale.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 10, 1908.[\/footnote]\u00a0 The May Company prided itself on its many art exhibitions that included a rare oil painting entitled \u201cBattle of Gettysburg\u201d which was worth $100,000.\u00a0[footnote] \u201cFine Overcoats and Suits.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 14, 1908.[\/footnote] \u00a0Other magnificent paintings by David Lithgow\u00a0and Herbert de Mareau also gained public attention.\u00a0 The May Company restaurant not only stayed open later on Saturdays, but also, served a variety of popular dishes at reasonable prices.\r\n\r\nBoard members, in 1909, wanting to increase store sales before Noon, adopted a new sales strategy called \u201cEarly Morning Specials.\u201d[footnote] \u201cMorning Specials Notice.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 23, 1909.[\/footnote] Local newspaper advertisements\u00a0promoted these morning specials by emphasizing the store\u2019s extensive buying power, and how that enabled them to sell the best quality merchandise at a low cost.\u00a0 The success of \u201cEarly Morning Specials\u201d convinced store officials to extend it through the lunch hour.\u00a0 Renamed \u201cUntil Noon Specials,\u201d those purchasing merchandise then were eligible for a special installment plan not offered during peak hours.[footnote] \u201cThe May Company May Sale.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 15, 1910.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe May Company\u2019s financial picture brightened considerably when its Board of Director, in 1910, announced its incorporation in the State of New York.\u00a0 Two high-profile, New York brokerage firms Goldman, Sachs & Company\u00a0and Lehman Brothers\u00a0underwrote it.[footnote] \u201cDepartment Stores Combine, Holding Company for Western Enterprises Incorporation for $20,000,000.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, June 5, 1910.[\/footnote] Its capitalization breakdown was as follows: $15,000,000 in common stocks and $5,000,000 in preferred stocks.\u00a0 Under this financial arrangement, common stockholders received dividends up to 4% after the payment of 7% in cumulative dividends to preferred stockholders\u00a0and the accumulation of a $250,000 surplus.\u00a0 Common stock dividends may exceed the 4% maximum line, but only when the company\u2019s surplus attained $1,000,000.\u00a0 The State of New York and organizational taxes required $10,000.\r\n\r\nNational brokerage firms, at the beginning of the 20th century, considered the May Company to be a good, solid investment.\u00a0 Store profits soared from $712,899 in 1906 to $1,271,727 by 1910.\u00a0 Preferred stocks, in 1910, paid 7% dividends.\u00a0 The New York Stock Exchange, in 1911, listed the May Company.\u00a0 The store\u2019s Board of Directors, that same year, purchased the St. Louis based-retailer William Barr Dry Goods.\u00a0 This led to the establishment of the Famous-Barr Company.\u00a0 May Company sales in 1912 topped at $14,800,000 with net profits exceeding $1,500,000.\u00a0 Stockholders, that same year, approved the $1,000,000 acquisition of the Akron-based O\u2019Neil\u2019s\u00a0Department Store.\u00a0 Founded in 1877 by Michael O\u2019Neil\u00a0and Isaac Dyas, O\u2019Neil\u2019s\u00a0was known for its extravagant Christmas displays.\u00a0 That merger enabled the May Company to expand into the Akron-Canton retail market.\u00a0 Store officials continued to use the O\u2019Neil name into the 1980s.\r\n\r\nOne of the biggest Cleveland news stories of 1913 involved May Company expansion plans.\u00a0 The store\u2019s General Manager Nathan L. Dauby\u00a0(1873-1964), in March, announced that the Board of Directors had approved plans to erect a new, $3,000,000 department store that would extend from Public Square to Prospect Avenue.[footnote] \u201cMay Company to Erect Magnificent Home, Will Build $3,000,000 Sore Extending from Euclid Avenue to Prospect Avenue S.E.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 23, 1913.[\/footnote] Designed by the Chicago architectural firm of D.H. Burnham, this 1,080,700 square foot, terra-cotta clad structure not only included the current May Company premises, but also, the adjacent Winslow Block.\u00a0 The Winslow Block formerly housed another popular retail concern called Crow & Whitmarsh.\r\n\r\nThe new fireproof superblock featured a large dining room, modern rest rooms, library, showers, baths and gymnasium.\u00a0 In order to defray the costs resulting from recent acquisitions and construction, the May Company, in 1915, under the auspices of the Chicago brokerage firm of Greenbaum Sons, issued First Mortgage 6% Gold Bonds.\u00a0 They ranged anywhere from $500 to $1,000.\u00a0 Rents collected from May Company stores served as collateral.\r\n\r\nThe May Company scored a number of first during the First World War.\u00a0 They included such things as an electric vacuum called the \u201cMary Jane;\u201d $.39 novels in its bookstore, $.89 framed portraits of either Pope Pius X\u00a0or Pope Benedict XV\u00a0and travel reimbursement for customers who lived within a 100 mile radius of the store.[footnote] \u201cThe Catholic Universe.\u201d September 4, 1914.[\/footnote] Shoppers also enjoyed a new indoor driving range and professional putting greens.\u00a0 Thrifty female customers loved the store\u2019s expanded millinery department.\u00a0 Free eye examination; amateur tennis matches, art exhibits and practical use of charcoal and crayons in drawing also gained the public\u2019s attention.\u00a0 The introduction of a branch of the U.S. Post Office\u00a0made the sending of gifts and cards so easy.[footnote] \u201cThings Worth Knowing, The May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 4, 1915.[\/footnote] Free Christmas gift wrapping also appealed to many shoppers.\r\n\r\nBoard members, in 1915, secured 6% Gold bonds in denominations of $500 and $1,000.\u00a0 The store\u2019s total assets were $27,000,000.[footnote] \u201cFirst Mortgage 6% Gold Bonds.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 2, 1915.[\/footnote] Officials, the following year, introduced the Citizen\u2019s Christmas Money Club. Customers, at the end of each December, determined how much they wanted to spend on Christmas gifts the following year.\u00a0 They then opened an account with Citizen\u2019s Savings & Trust Company\u00a0and started to deposit funds on a weekly basis.\u00a0 Those reaching their pre-determined goal, through regular deposits over the next 50-weeks, not only received a check from Citizen\u2019s Savings for the full amount earned, but also, 4% in interest.[footnote] \u201cJoin One of these Classes in the Citizen\u2019s Christmas Money Club.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 30, 1916.[\/footnote] Customers loved it.\r\n\r\nHoping to stimulate greater interest in Eagle Stamps, store executives, in November 1916, ran full page advertisements\u00a0in the local dailies promoting its many advantages.\u00a0 These advertisements reminded those customers who paid their utilities on or before the 10th of the month at the May Company, that they qualified for a small discount on their monthly bills, and that they should consider taking that discount in the form of Eagle Stamps.\u00a0 Officials also encouraged parents to purchase their children\u2019s school books at the May Company.\u00a0 It represented an excellent way to receive additional stamps.[footnote] \u201cFood for Thought about Eagle Stamps.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 30, 1916.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe 1920s represented a period of tremendous growth for this highly enterprising department store.\u00a0 Net profits for the 4th quarter of 1919 stood at $4,198,104 equal to $24.92 a common share.\u00a0 Its income that year reached $7,848,104 as compared to $5,848,104 at the end of 1918.\u00a0 The store\u2019s inventory jumped to $10,253,908 from $6,018,123, while accounts payable climbed from $831,951 to $3,208,781.\u00a0 The store\u2019s total surplus in 1919 was $13,578,361 as compared to $10,788,371 the previous year.\u00a0 Annual stock dividends also increased from 7% to 8%.[footnote] \u201cMay Department Stores Stock Earns $24.92 a Share Last Year Against $15.40 in 1918.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 6, 1920.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nPart of the store\u2019s success resulted from its new buying policy.\u00a0 Store buyers purchased merchandise for the next spring the previous autumn.[footnote] \u201cBuy Now for Spring to Keep Up Trade.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, November 13, 1920.[\/footnote] This action eliminated the possibly of price hikes closer to the season.\u00a0 It also provided them room for negotiations.\u00a0 That strategy apparently paid-off well, as profits continued to grow.\u00a0 Gross assets for 1921 topped $58,981,639.\u00a0 Its net profit that year was $3,788,707 equal to $16.82 a common share.[footnote] \u201cMay Department Stores Net Profits $3,788,707 in 1921 Equivalent to $16.82 Per Share.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, March 28, 1922.[\/footnote] That favorable balance continued over the next several years.\u00a0 May Company assets in 1925 topped $32,205,492, while its liabilities were only $7,778,236.[footnote] \u201cEarns $10.64 on $50.00 Par Common Share May Department Stores Company.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, March 24, 1925.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nIn order to capitalize on their latest financial windfall, stockholders in 1926 approved a 2-for-1 stock split whereby 520,000 shares of common stock value at $55.00 a share were exchanged for 1,200,000 in newly issued common stock.\u00a0 The new stock was valued at $25.00 a share.[footnote] \u201cMay Stores Stock Change, New Shares to be traded for old, Two-for-One Basis.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, November 24, 1926.[\/footnote]\u00a0 The board held the remaining stock for employees, and set a date of April 1, 1927 to redeem preferred stock at $125 a share.\u00a0 Its $4,200,000 acquisition, in 1923, of Los Angeles-based A. Hamburger & Sons\u00a0Department Store proved very beneficial to this retailer.\u00a0 Not only did it provide the May Company the highly lucrative retail market of Southern California; but also, significantly increased the value of its stock.\u00a0 The May Company became the stock of choice for many shrewd investors throughout the \u201cRoaring Twenties.\u201d\r\n\r\nNew shopping services made this Cleveland store very special.\u00a0 Customers particularly enjoyed its new bakery, chocolate malted shakes at the snack bar, children\u2019s barber shop, same day dry cleaning service and supervised indoor playground for children.\u00a0 Large-size patrons eagerly shopped the new Women\u2019s Department,[footnote] \u201cThe May Company\u2019s Daily Shopping Bulletin.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 11, 1920.[\/footnote] while parents increasingly attended child rearing lectures given by an authority in the field called Mrs. Helen B. Paulsen.[footnote] \u201cMothers, A Study of the Rearing and Education of Children.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 14, 1920.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Men in-the-know appreciated Society brand suits and sports jackets, while homemakers enjoyed using the \u201cSimplex Ironer.\u201d[footnote] \u201cSociety Brand Clothes.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 30, 1921. \u201cSimplex Ironer, the Best Ironer.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 28, 1920.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nFor the fashioned conscious women, the beauty salon featured the latest \u201cbobbed\u201d hair style for only $.75.[footnote] \u201cThe May Company\u2019s Bulletin.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 12, 1922.[\/footnote] However, store officials did not stop there.\u00a0 They went so far as to promote their store through song and verse.\u00a0 Two composers Carl Rupp\u00a0and Marion Campbell\u00a0wrote a tune commemorating that great department store.\u00a0 Called \u201cSo This Is May Day,\u201d this song expounded the many virtues of shopping at this leading retailer.\u00a0 Later on, many other stores emulated the May Company and promoted their merchandise through similar song and verse.\r\n\r\nHowever, May Company firsts went beyond those bounds.\u00a0 For example,\u00a0\u00a0 McCall\u2019s Magazine, in 1920, began selling its clothing patterns in the store.[footnote] \u201cThe May Company is on McCall Street.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 2, 1920.[\/footnote] Not to be outdone by others, Vogue Magazine\u00a0sponsored its-own popular in-house fashion shows throughout the 1920s.\u00a0 Store officials, as a service to their customers, sponsored a daily advertising section in local newspapers.\u00a0 Called the \u201cMay Company Bulletin,\u201d it listed all sale items for that day along with their description and price.\u00a0 The May Company\u2019s latest slogan, \u201cOhio\u2019s Best and Largest Store\u201d said it all.[footnote] \u201cJust in Time for the Thanksgiving Holiday, Dinner and Dance Frocks.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 24, 1922.[\/footnote] This retailer, in 1923, also led competitors when it introduced one of the first all metal washing machines manufactured by Hurley.\u00a0 Qualified customers could purchase this $125 appliance through a special installment plan.\u00a0 This plan required an initial down payment of $10.00 followed by 12--monthly payments of only $9.50.[footnote] \u201cIf it\u2019s a Question of which machine, Consider these Facts.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 18, 1923.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nProviding convenience customer services became a major goal of the May Company.\u00a0 Executives, in 1924, built a large parking garage at the southwest corner of Lakeside Avenue\u00a0and Ontario Street.[footnote] \u201cThe May Company\u2019s Patrons Garage Opens Tomorrow.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 21, 1925.[\/footnote] Designed by the Boston architectural firm of Lehman & Schmidt\u00a0and erected by Sam W. Emerson, this facility accommodated hundreds of cars.\u00a0 The May Company also provided customers a free shuttle service to and from the garage along with a special waiting room for chauffeurs.\u00a0 Shoppers received up to three hours of free parking with a minimal charge for additional time.\r\n\r\nBoard members, in 1925, initiated a new credit plan that required an initial down payment on all items purchased followed by weekly payments.[footnote]\u201cA Sale of Fine New Winter Overcoats.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 2, 1925.[\/footnote]\u00a0 However, the amount paid on a weekly basis was subject to change based on the current economic situation of the customer or customers involved.\u00a0 No other Cleveland store offered such flexible payment arrangements.\u00a0 The late 1920s represented a period of sustained growth under the direction of a Cleveland native Nathan L. Dauby.\u00a0 He served many years as its General and Merchandise Manager.[footnote] \u201cN.L. Dauby Dies; Builder of May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 18, 1964.[\/footnote]\u00a0 The St. Louis-based Board of Directors, in 1927, approved the $2,300,000 acquisition of the Baltimore-based Bernheimer-Leader retail chain.\u00a0 Board members and employees mourned the loss of the store\u2019s founder David May\u00a0that same year.\u00a0 He was 79 years old.\u00a0 After turning over the reins, to his son and heir, Morton J. May\u00a0(1881-1968), in 1917, the elder May remained active in the business.\r\n\r\nA highly innovative retailer, the May Company continued to prosper.\u00a0 For example, net sales in 1926 reached $100,522,928 as compared to $97,117,891 the previous year.\u00a0 Preferred dividends, that same year, totaled $336,875 with common dividends equaling $2,989,871.\u00a0 Due to the high costs incurred by the recent merger, the May Company\u2019s net income dropped by 20% from $8,608,311 in 1925 to $6,972,161 in 1926.[footnote] \u201cMay Stores\u2019 Income $6,952,101 Net in 1926.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, March 23, 1927.[\/footnote] However, that did not prevent savvy investors from buying large blocks of common stock over the next several years. The earlier 2-for-1 stock split made it irresistible.\r\n\r\nA prime example of this kind of stock buying frenzy, occurred in 1929, when the New York brokerage firm of Dillon, Reed & Company\u00a0purchased 75,000 shares.[footnote] \u201cDillon Read Buys May Stores Stock.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, September 22, 1929.[\/footnote] Increasing sales in specialty items and services such as high speed power boats and luxury European tours illustrated the growing sophistication of the Cleveland retail market.\u00a0 One new service, initiated in 1928, enabled qualified customers to use their in-house credit card in any May Company store nationwide.\u00a0 No other Cleveland retailer offered that kind of convenience.\u00a0 Additional services included delivery service to hotel guests and mail service to out-of-town locations.\u00a0 The local press expressed great excitement when the Cleveland Orchestra\u00a0serenaded May Company shoppers at the 1928 Easter\u00a0Fashion Show held at the Keith Theatre\u00a0in Playhouse Square.[footnote] \u201cAll Next week, See Our Style Show at Keith\u2019s Palace Theatre.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer,<\/em> March 31, 1928.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe May Company also furnished interiors for model homes.\u00a0 It began in 1927 with the \u201cEducational Model Home\u201d built by Klein Lampl Homesite.[footnote] \u201cThe Klein Lampe Homesite Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 17, 1929.[\/footnote] Store officials, in March 1929, proudly announced the grand opening of their redesigned restaurant.\u00a0 Now known as the Spanish Room Restaurant\u00a0and Tea Room, it offered quality food at reasonable prices.[footnote] \u201cOpening Monday The Spanish Room Restaurant-Tea Room.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 10, 1929.[\/footnote] Special events, in the 1929 shopping season, ran the gamut from an International Silk Sale in March; special program for children hosted by Uncle Wiggly and Funny Clown\u00a0that April and \u201cExposition of Toiletries\u201d in May to the grand re-opening of its book department in July, Surety Hat Sale\u00a0that September and \u201cJubilee Sales\u201d that November.[footnote] \u201cFor Fall Surety Hats.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 21, 1929.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe late 1920s represented a period of consolidation and modernization for this leading retailer.\u00a0 Such prudent action enabled it to survive the Great Depression of the 1930s.\u00a0 The May Company withstood the economic on-slot of that decade by maintaining large stocks of merchandise as inventory.\u00a0 This ability to draw upon existing inventory, when necessary, provided store executives flexibility.\u00a0 Specifically, they adjusted item pricing by adding together old and new prices and then average them out.\u00a0\u00a0 That resulted in quick price changes based on fluctuating demand for specific items.\u00a0 Not every retailer could do that.[footnote] \u201cLehman Brothers Collection.\u201d\u00a0Contemporary Business Archives<\/em>, Harvard University Business School, library.hbs.edu.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe May Company\u2019s extensive buying network permitted each store, including Cleveland, to have its-own buyers.\u00a0 These buyers catered to the specific needs of the community they served.\u00a0 Centralized buying facilities and mass purchasing power enabled them to secure the best possible prices and to keep the company afloat even during the worst economic times.\u00a0 Executives firmly believed that the May Company had \u201cthe right merchandise at the right time with prices for every pocketbook.\u201d\u00a0 Although store sales dropped to $72,500,000 by 1932, they gradually increased.\u00a0 Sales figures during the second half of the decade rose to $98,400,000 by 1938.\u00a0 Net profits in 1939 remained firm at $3,800,000.\r\n\r\nThe May Company, in 1931, became Ohio\u2019s largest department store.\u00a0 To celebrate this major achievement, its board unveiled its latest renovation plans.\u00a0 This refurbishing of the Public Square store represented much more than cosmetic changes.\u00a0 It included a three-story addition.\u00a0 The architectural firm of Anderson, Probst and White, successor to D.H. Burnham & Company, received the contract.[footnote] \u201cMaking Good Our Slogan Watch Us Grow, Ohio Largest Store Becomes Even Larger.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 19, 1931.[\/footnote] This business strategy apparently paid-off with sales increasing slightly that autumn.\r\n\r\nPromotional activities throughout the Great Depression brought customers to the May Company.\u00a0 Two of the most popular events in 1930 included the Home Furnishing Institute\u00a0that November and a special visit by the Washington Senator\u2019s professional baseball pitcher and manager Walter Johnson\u00a0(1887-1946) in December.[footnote] \u201cThe Homefurnishing Institute Sponsored by the May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 9, 1930. \u201cBaseball fans, Walter Johnson in Person.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 3, 1930.[\/footnote] The May Company also proudly hosted the Second Annual Exhibit of Cleveland Artists and Sculptors, in January 1931, and provided sewing classes on how to make stylish dresses beginning that March.[footnote] \u201cAnnouncing Second Annual Exhibit Cleveland Artists and Sculptures.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 25, 1931. \u201cSewing Studio.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 8, 1931.[\/footnote]\u00a0 The May Company Expansion Sale\u00a0and a special Paint and Wallpaper Sale highlighted the spring season.[footnote] \u201cPaint Sale.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 3, 1931.[\/footnote] An Infant\u2019s Clothing Sale in August, the National Air Races at Cleveland Hopkins Airport\u00a0that September and a fun-filled Christmas Musical Program\u00a0rounded off that year\u2019s events.[footnote] \u201cAugust Sales Vanta Baby Week.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 16, 1931.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nA metered electric refrigerator, in the early 1930s, received a great deal of attention.[footnote] \u201cYou Can Buy The Famous Frigidaire.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 8, 1934.[\/footnote] Through a special installment arrangement called the \u201cMeter Ice Plan,\u201d qualified customers were now able to purchase a $225 refrigerator for a few pennies a day with no down payment.\u00a0 Their refrigerator came with a tampered-resistant metered coin box and cord.\u00a0 The cord was connected to the residential electric meter.\u00a0 Customers deposited $.25 a day in the coin box and the refrigerator operated for the next 24-hours.\u00a0 This enabled them to take full advantage of their new appliance while paying off the remainder-owed.\u00a0 Upon receipt of the final payment, May Company representatives removed the coin box and the refrigerator was theirs free and clear.\u00a0 Should the owner tamper with the coin box or the electric meter then store officials would repossess the refrigerator.\r\n\r\nThe Board of Directors, in 1932, installed air-conditioning.\u00a0 The Cleveland store, that same year, celebrated its first $1,000,000 sales day.\u00a0 Popular items ranged from scented chiffon hose for women; Stewart-Warner\u00a0movie cameras and Dorothy Gray\u00a0beauty products to reversible woolen blankets and tree bulbs.[footnote] \u201cMay Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 9, 1932. \u201cProduction Sales Beginning Today.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 10, 1932.[\/footnote]\u00a0 The store\u2019s no penalty clause regarding late payments distinguished it from other local retailers.[footnote] \u201cThe May Company Inaugural Day Celebration Today March 4th.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 4, 1933.[\/footnote] Knowing the financial straits facing many of their loyal shoppers, store officials did not want to make the situation worse.\r\n\r\nBoard members, in July 1933, introduced an easy payment plan for those purchasing furniture.[footnote] \u201cAugust Furniture Sale, No Better Time than Now to Spend and Save.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 16, 1933.[\/footnote] Qualified customers paid a 20% down payment on all purchases exceeding $25.00 along with a nominal carrying charge.\u00a0 The May Company, in exchange, held the furniture free-of-charge for up to 90 days.\u00a0 Upon receipt of the final payment, the store delivered the furniture to the customer\u2019s home.\u00a0 The May Company also started to cash customers checks.\u00a0\u00a0 That included liquidation \u201cpayoff\u201d checks issued by local banking institutions.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cDay After-Thanksgiving Mark-Down Sale\u201d brought thousands downtown as did the \u201cSnow Suits\u00a0for Women Sale\u201d in mid-December.[footnote] \u201cWe Will Cash Checks.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 20, 1933. \u201cFriday at the May Company Beginning our Annual After-Thanksgiving Mark Down Sale.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 30, 1933. \u201cSnow Suits, $7.95.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 13, 1933.[\/footnote]\u00a0 In fact, Christmas sales, in 1933, increased by 10% over a year ago.\u00a0 Remnant Sales Days, in January 1934, provided cheap prices for quality items.\u00a0 The May Company further led the pack in selling the popular Home Art Frocks.[footnote] \u201cAt the May Company, A Scoop for our Yarn Goods Department, Home Art Frocks cut, trimmed-Ready to Sew.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 28, 1934.[\/footnote] The store\u2019s optical department also enjoyed a banner year as did housewares.\r\n\r\nStore officials, in the spring of 1934, exhibited a model of the Chicago\u2019s World\u2019s Fair.[footnote] \u201cIt\u2019s Always May First in Cleveland.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 1, 1934.[\/footnote] Decorative cookware, beautifully crafted Swiss watches and fine-tuned radios highlighted the summer and autumn shopping seasons.\u00a0 The May Company, ended the year, by decorating a large Christmas tree in Public Square.\u00a0 Store executives continued this tradition for many years to come.\r\n\r\nNet profits, in 1934, totaled $3,301,614 after depreciation, amortization of buildings and leaseholds, interest, federal taxes, decline in sundry investments and other miscellaneous expenses.\u00a0 That equaled $2.68 a share minus the 136,938 shares held in the treasury.\u00a0 May Company assets leveled-off at $30,989,198, while its cash and government securities stood at $8,533,788.\u00a0 Current liabilities exceeded $3,875,142.\u00a0 Nineteen thirty-five saw store assets reach $32,559,816, while its cash and government securities grew to $10,339,359.\u00a0 Store liabilities increased to $4,999,926.[footnote] \u201cMay Stores Group Clears $3,301,614.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 4, 1935.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nStore sales continued to improve reaching $89,200,000 by year\u2019s end.\u00a0 Net profits in 1936 rose to $5,070,458.\u00a0 Common stock also increased from $2.81 a share in 1935 to $4.12 a share.[footnote] \u201cRusseks Sales Up 21.9% in 12 Months, Increased Showings Made also by May Department Stores and Outlet Company.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 6, 1937.[\/footnote]\u00a0 This surge in store sales peaked in early 1937.\u00a0 An unexpected downturn in the stock market during the 2nd and 3rd quarters of 1937 resulted in a 7.5% drop in sales.[footnote] \u201cDepartment Stores.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 27, 1938.[\/footnote] A rebounding economy during the first half of 1938 continued into the following year.\u00a0 The May Company posted profits of $1,256,527 for the first six months of 1939.[footnote] \u201cMay Stores Earn $4,402,894 in Year.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 3, 1940.[\/footnote]\u00a0 This trend continued for the remainder of the year.\u00a0 Net profits for 1939 stood at $4,402,894 equal to $3.58 a share on 1,230,396 shares of $10.00 par capital stock.\u00a0 Net assets that same year reached $14,345,712, while liabilities were $5,416,635.\r\n\r\nPromotional activities played an increasingly important role during the mid-to late-1930s.\u00a0 For example, officials hosted a highly successful fashion show as part of the 1935 Cleveland Auto Show.[footnote] \u201cThe May Company Fashion Revue Apparel.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 20, 1935.[\/footnote] A Six-Day In-House Bike Race soon followed.\u00a0 It featured well-known professional cyclists from throughout the world.[footnote] \u201cAgain, Today Six-Day Bike Race.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 9, 1935.[\/footnote] The store, in 1936, offered a dressmaking course for high school girls and swimming lessons by an Olympic champion named Mickey Riley (1909-1959).[footnote] \u201cHeadquarters for Mickey Riley Perfect Swim Trunks.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 26, 1936.[\/footnote]\u00a0 An exhibition of original paintings by U.S. artists fascinated customers, while its \u201cJubilee Day\u201d at the Great Lakes Exposition\u00a0in 1936-37 with its special productions of \u201cJack and the Beanstalk\u201d delighted children.[footnote] \u201cTomorrow August 14 Will be Jubilee Day at the Great Lakes Exposition.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 13, 1937.[\/footnote] Executives also offered accordion and piano lessons for only $1.25 a week.[footnote]\u201cEasy to Play, Easy to Pay.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 12, 1937.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe May Company exhibited the latest sewing machines at the 1938 Cleveland Food Show.[footnote] \u201cSpring Fabric Carnival.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 13, 1938.[\/footnote] The Board of Directors, in cooperation with the Group Work Council of the Cleveland Welfare Federation, showcased the many worthwhile recreational activities sponsored by neighborhood settlement houses.\u00a0 A rebounding national economy led to increased sales in both the Men\u2019s and Millinery departments.\u00a0 Summer classes in tap dancing, junior dressmaking and children\u2019s ballet reflected the cultural side of the May Company.\u00a0 The store\u2019s debut, in 1939, of the Crosley automobile\u00a0received national press coverage.\r\n\r\nIts Advanced Credit Plan, introduced in December 1939, represented an important first in local retailing.[footnote] \u201cImportance Notice, Announcing a New May Company Service Advanced Credit Coupons.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 6, 1939.[\/footnote] Store officials encouraged qualified customers to purchase credit coupon books in units of $10, $15, $25, $50 or more.\u00a0 Customers then opened a coupon book account at the store, made a small deposit and paid a nominal carrying fee.\u00a0 Those paying cash upfront paid no carrying fee.\u00a0 Shoppers then paid the remainder in five-monthly installments.\r\n\r\nMuch of the store\u2019s financial success, prior to the Second World War, originated with its many customer services.\u00a0 They ranged from a comfortable waiting room, first class lending library, luxury travel agency, popular beauty parlor, and inspiring ecclesiastic department to its efficient post office substation, ample check room, quality dry cleaning department and free gift wrapping service.\r\n\r\nThe decade of the 1940s opened with translucent China being sold in housewares.\u00a0 A China service for 12 with 93 pieces cost only $49.99.[footnote] \u201cIntroducing America\u2019s Largest Creation in Fine Translucent China.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 21, 1940.[\/footnote] Local newspaper advertisements, in April 1940, promoted fashionable Sunset Boulevard Hats and beautiful Sac-de-Perle\u00a0handbags, while the new Home Planning Studio provided decorating hints.[footnote] \u201cNew and Exclusive in Cleveland with the May Company Sunset Boulevard Hat Fashions.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 9, 1940. \u201cHand Painted Summer flowers Sac-de-Perl Handbags.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 17, 1940. \u201cThe May Company Announces the Opening of the New Home Planning Studio.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 4, 1940.[\/footnote] September featured the highly popular Hiawatha Heirloom needlepoints\u00a0for as little as $.29 and Junior Miss plaid-styled frocks beginning at $3.50.\r\n\r\nIts Aladdin Beauty Shop\u00a0provided fashionable women with the Yvette Machineless Permanent for only $4.25.[footnote] \u201cThe May Company Beauty Special in our Aladdin Shop.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 19, 1940.[\/footnote] The May Company, in October 1940, hired several salespersons to commemorate National Business Women\u2019s Week.\u00a0 A November 24, 1940 advertisement\u00a0in The Cleveland Plain Dealer reminded May Company shoppers that time was running out to join the Christmas Piano Club.\u00a0 Hallet & Davis Spinet Piano\u00a0with bench were available for the remarkable price of only $245.\r\n\r\nNo sooner had the Great Depression ended and war broke out.\u00a0 Although the Second World War\u00a0began in Europe on September 1, 1939, few in the U.S. paid much attention to it prior to the bombing of Pearl Harbor\u00a0on December 7, 1941.\u00a0 In fact, domestic sales in stores such as the May Company soared throughout the 1940-41 shopping season.\u00a0 Top selling items included Beaux Arts\u00a0coats for only $39.95; popular record albums for $1.79 a piece[footnote] \u201cIntroducing the New and Exclusive Beaux Arts Coats.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 9, 1941. \u201cClassic Records in Complete Albums.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 2, 1941.[\/footnote] and Streamliner slack sets for the amazing low price of $4.50.[footnote] \u201cStreamliner Slack sets Tailored by Mayfair $4.50 a Set.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 19, 1941.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nCleveland\u2019s Divisional Manager Sam Rosenberg\u00a0attributed this resurgence in sales to a rebounding economy.\u00a0 Mr. Rosenberg was absolutely correct.\u00a0 Prior to this nation\u2019s entrance into the Second World War, Cleveland factories produced a great deal of war materials destined for the European battle fields.\u00a0 Good-paying factory jobs increased disposable income, which in turn, led customers to spend more in stores such as the May Company.\u00a0 Retail sales continued to soar through the 1941 Christmas season.\u00a0 However, this ended quickly as war needs took precedent over domestic concerns.\r\n\r\nThe May Company, wholeheartedly, supported the war effort beginning as early as January 1942 when it sold its first supply of Defense Stamps and Savings Bonds.[footnote] \u201cU.S. Defense Stamps Are on Sale at the May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 12, 1942.[\/footnote] Store executives also encouraged their shoppers to use their May Company charge cards, whenever possible, so that they could spend more time on important defense duties.\u00a0 They further reminded everyone that new federal regulations required all cardholders to pay their debts in-full within forty days of purchase.\u00a0 The May Company displayed its patriotism in November 1942 when it celebrated \u201cWomen at War\u201d Week.[footnote] \u201cThe May Company, This is Women at War Week.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 23, 1942.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nStore officials abided by federal guidelines when selling merchandise.\u00a0 For example, the May Company, in February 1943, announced that customers wishing to purchase shoes on either February 9th or June 15th were required to use Stamp No. 17 from the War Ration Book.[footnote] \u201cNotice to All Men, Women and Children Who Wish to Buy Shoes.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 2, 1943.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Federal officials established the Office of Price Administration, in August 1941, to print and distribute these ration stamps.\u00a0 Shoppers used them to purchase a wide assortment of permitted items.\u00a0 They ranged from fuel oil, tires, shoes and nylons to sugar, coffee, meats and processed foods.\u00a0 Federal officials set limits on distribution\u00a0based on the scarcity and market value of the item in question.\u00a0 Those involved in the defense of the nation or in crucial occupations received priority over others engaged in less-essential occupations.\r\n\r\nSupporters contended that using these stamps fairly and honestly would guarantee effective management of natural resources during such critical times.\u00a0 It would also cut down on waste by restricting domestic production and controlling distribution, while minimizing spending opportunities on what federal officials and military experts considered essential war materials.\u00a0 In theory, it seemed both fair and practical.\u00a0 Consumers get some of what they needed and wanted with little difficulty.\u00a0 However, many people abused the system whenever possible for their-own self interests.\u00a0 Unscrupulous underworld leaders fed into this frenzy by illegally selling ration stamps.\u00a0 The black market boomed during the Second World War\u00a0and for the immediate post-war years.\r\n\r\nThe May Company Board of Directors not only followed federal guidelines regarding ration stamps, but also, conserved natural resources whenever possible.\u00a0 That resulted in shorten store hours and more female employees especially in sales.\u00a0 However, some earlier tradition sales such as \u201cMay Days\u201d continued.\u00a0 Board members thought they owed them to their customers.[footnote] \u201cAdvanced Information to an Inquiring Public: Yes We Will Have May Day.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 29, 1943.[\/footnote] These sales also provided an effective way to dispose of quality items without adversely affecting the cost of living.\r\n\r\nBoard members, in 1944, offered some new incentives for those purchasing war bonds.\u00a0 It included a five full-colored reproductions of an \u201cOpen Letter to the Unconquerables\u201d by Joseph Auslander.[footnote] \u201cPrelude to the Fourth War Loan, Tribute to the Unconquerables, Norway Day.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 14, 1944.[\/footnote] Those buying bonds in denominations greater than $25.00 also received information packets describing resistance activities within occupied nations.\u00a0 A full page spread in the Cleveland Plain Dealer on October 18, 1944 encouraged Clevelanders to give generously to the 27th Annual War Chest\u00a0campaign.\u00a0 In terms of its current financial situation, May Company net sales, in 1944, reached $181,727,000.\u00a0 That represented an increase of $167,919,000 over the previous year.\r\n\r\nTowards the end of the war, store executives initiated changes.\u00a0 It began when Vice Presidents Nathan L. Dauby\u00a0and Jack L. Strauss\u00a0announced the establishment of a new corporate entity called Affiliated Retailers Incorporated (ARI).\u00a0 Headed by Howard B. Barber, formerly of Montgomery Ward\u00a0and Company, ARI encouraged internal buying and merchandise promotion.[footnote] \u201cAffiliated Retailers, Incorporated, Formed by Macy & Company and May Stores.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, August 22, 1944.[\/footnote] Goldman, Sack\u2019s and Company and Lehman Brothers, on April 10, 1945, offered 150,000 shares of May Company $3.75 cumulative preferred stock at $103.50 a share and accrued dividends from March 1, 1945.\r\n\r\nStore officials used this additional capital to build new branch stores and modernize existing facilities.\u00a0 For each year ending on July 1st, beginning with 1948, the corporation\u00a0planned to retire, through a special sinking fund, 1% of the total number of preferred shares of the initial series issued prior to that year.\u00a0 These shares were redeemable at $107.50 a share prior to July 1, 1947, with successive reductions of $1.00 a share on that date and on each second July 1st thereafter to $103.50 a share.[footnote]\u201cMay Stores Stock Offered at $103.50.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 10, 1945.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nStockholders had set the stage for this offer when they authorized the issuance of 250,000 shares of new preferred under this issue.\u00a0 They also approved a 2-for-1 split of common stock that reduced its par value to $5.00 a share.\u00a0 The initial dividend paid on the new $5.00 common stock stood at $.42\u00bd.[footnote] \u201cDividends, Profits for May Stores Company.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, May 4, 1945.[\/footnote]\u00a0 The May Company, at the same time, significantly increased its percentage of the Cleveland retail market when it obtained minority control of one of its chief competitors William Taylor\u00a0Sons & Company.\u00a0 This merger enabled the May Company to own 49% of William Taylor\u00a0Sons & Company common stock and 54% of its preferred stock.\u00a0 The May Company also reserved the option of purchasing the remaining shares at a later time.[footnote] \u201cMay Widens Its Holdings, Substantial Minority Interests is Taken in Cleveland Store.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 4, 1945.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThese bold financial moves proved very profitable.\u00a0 Sales figures for 1945 reached $202,449,639, an increase of $20,772,480 over the previous years.\u00a0 The store\u2019s President Morton J. May, in September 1946, announced a merger with Kaufmann\u2019s, a popular Pittsburgh-based department store chain.\u00a0 Combined sales figures in 1946-47 for both the May Company and Kaufmann\u2019s equaled a whopping $246,354,000.\r\n\r\nThis merger required the issuance of 1\/5th share of a new $3.40 dividend bearing preferred stock and 9\/20th share of May Company common stock for each outstanding common share of Kaufmann\u2019s\u00a0surrendered.\u00a0 The Board of Directors, that same year, declared a 3rd quarter dividend of $.75 a share on common stock.\u00a0 That represented a $.25 increase over the 2nd quarter.\u00a0 Officials in St. Louis, envisioning no additional changes in capitalization, kept the Kaufmann management staff in place.[footnote] \u201cMay Stores Incorporated, and Kaufmann\u2019s Announce Plans for a Merger.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, July 7, 1946.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nWith this new infusion of capital, May Company executives approved major changes for the Cleveland store.\u00a0 It began, in the autumn of 1945, with the refurbishing of the 4th floor record department.[footnote] \u201cThe May Company\u2019s Newly Enlarged Modernized Record Department.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 25, 1945.[\/footnote] Board members also initiated a $.05 downtown loop bus.[footnote] \u201cLoop Bus Service To and From The May Company Garage Begins Tuesday, September 4th.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 3, 1945.[\/footnote] The Layette Shop\u00a0opened in 1947 assisted young mothers in selecting the best items for their infants.[footnote] \u201cVanta Baby Week.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 5, 1947.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Knowledgeable salespersons also assisted customers in designing their-own ensembles made from Mengel Module furniture\u00a0pieces.[footnote] \u201cThe May Company Proudly Presents the most Versatile, Usable Sectional Furniture to date Mengel Module.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 25, 1947.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe board announced, on January 1, 1948, the grand opening of both its new home furnishing department and expanded TV\/-radio department.\u00a0 That was followed, in March 1949, by Beauty Serenade Week\u00a0and a special sale on \u201cDecco\u201d Aluminum Frame Furniture.[footnote] \u201cThis is Beauty Serenade Week at May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 27, 1949.[\/footnote] Quality Tappan Gas Ranges\u00a0went on sale in September and beautifully furnished Colonial Style Doll Houses excited small girls that December.[footnote] \u201cHighest Quality Appliances at September-Low Prices.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 11, 1949. \u201cFirst in Cleveland at the May Company Five-Room Colonial Doll House.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 2, 1949.[\/footnote] The Art Exhibit for Younger Children, in November 1949, brought thousands downtown, as did the \u201cPeggy\u201d angora beret.[footnote] \u201cScoop First in Cleveland Big Picture TV at a small price Admiral TV Combination.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 7, 1948. \u201cMay Company Peggy Angora Beret.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 13, 1949.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nIncreased sales reflected a period of tremendous growth.\u00a0 Net sales in 1945, for example, reached a new record of $330,331,000 as compared to $202,449,000 a year ago.[footnote] \u201cMay Stores Sales Increase $20,722,480 Net is $7,680,039 in Record $202,449,639.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, May 1, 1946.[\/footnote] Net profits for the May Company reached $7,680,039 equal to $2.94 a share compared with $5,561,836 or $2.26 a share in 1944.\u00a0 Inventory stood at $22,105,833 vs. $20,820,269 the previous year.\u00a0 This momentum continued into the 1946-47 shopping season.\u00a0 For the 12 month period ending July 31, 1947 total net sales at the May Company exceeded $341,077,283.\r\n\r\nSuch unprecedented growth convinced board members that expansion was in order.\u00a0 With that idea in mind, they investigated possible mergers with other regional department stores.\u00a0 This resulted, in 1948, in the acquisition of a Youngstown-based department store called Strouss-Hirshberg Company.\u00a0 This $5,700,000 merger brought the May Company into Eastern Ohio and Northwest Pennsylvania.\u00a0 Another merger, in 1948, with T.S. Martin Department Stores\u00a0of Sioux City, IO opened up the upper Midwest.[footnote] \u201cT.S. Martin Sold to May Company.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, January 1, 1949.[\/footnote]\u00a0 May Company expansion activities paid-off.\u00a0 Net sales figures for the 12-month period ending July 31, 1949 soared to $404,020,000.[footnote]\u201cMay Stores\u2019 Sales Off in Half-Years.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, September 26, 1949.[\/footnote] Net earnings during that same time period were $5,124,000 equal to $1.55 a share as compared to $6,475,000 or $2.11 a share in 1948.\r\n\r\nNineteen fifty began with a major announcement.\u00a0 The May Company now carried popular Stromberg-Carlson\u00a016 inch televisions.[footnote] \u201cPresenting the Provincial Stromberg Carlson\u2019s Newest 1950.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 19, 1950.[\/footnote]\u00a0 It also became the exclusive local agent for the Heartbeat Casual Dress line\u00a0by Pat Hartley.[footnote] \u201cThe May Company Pat Hartley\u2019s Heart Beat a Junior\u2019s Delight.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 5, 1950.[\/footnote] The May Company, in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, co-hosted the 1950 All Ohio Sports & Outdoor Show.[footnote] \u201cBe Sure to Visit the May Company\u2019s All Ohio Sports and Outdoor Show.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 5, 1950.[\/footnote] Self-adjusting spring mattresses took the public by storm that August.[footnote] \u201cSimmons, Self-Adjusting Spring $49.50.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 3, 1950.[\/footnote] Visits by M. Roget, a hair stylist from Helena Rubinstein\u2019s New York salon and Ernestine Gilbreth Cary, author of Cheaper by the Dozen, increased sales significantly that autumn.[footnote] \u201cM. Roget is Here Famous Hairstylists from Helena Rubinstein\u2019s New York Salon.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 22, 1950. \u201cYou're Invited to Meet Ernestine Gilbreth Cary.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 29, 1950.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nStore President Morton J. May, in the fall of 1950, announced his retirement.\u00a0 Board members, in 1951, elected his son, Morton D. May\u00a0(1914-1983) to assume the reins.\u00a0 He served for the next 16 years.\u00a0 A special fashion show, part of the Arthur Murray Dance Extravaganza, highlighted the 1951 spring shopping season.[footnote] \u201cThe May Company Fabric Department Presents Arthur Murray Dancers in a Musical Fashion Show.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 7, 1951.[\/footnote] The store also introduced a special offer for music lovers.\u00a0 Qualified customers now had the opportunity of renting a piano, with the option of purchasing it later, for only $10.00 a month.[footnote] \u201cRent a Piano.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 15, 1951.[\/footnote] Officials, that autumn, unveiled a wide array of new items.\u00a0 They included such things as a toy doll that also served as a nightlight; Pepperell electric blankets\u00a0and Ripple-Edge Nylon curtains.[footnote] \u201cPepperell Electric Blankets $25.00.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 14, 1951. \u201cSale Ripple Edge Nylon Curtains.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 7, 1951.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nNineteen fifty-two ushered in new kind of casual blouse popularized by the Hollywood actress Dorothy Collins.[footnote] \u201cExclusive at the May Company \u2013 The TV Blouse.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 14, 1952.[\/footnote] The May Company also sold Modern American Encyclopedias and modern light fixtures.[footnote] \u201cExclusively at the May Company, Seven-Volume Modern American Encyclopedia Set.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 21, 1952.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Demonstrations by the Westinghouse\u00a0Corporation on the latest laundry techniques helped hundreds of shoppers who had recently purchased washing machines.\u00a0 The May Company Santa Claus\u00a0and Bo-Bo the Clown, on December 22, 1952, performed for two hundred disable youngsters.[footnote] \u201cSpirit of Holiday Gets Early Start, Parties Around the Clock Keep City Bustling.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 23, 1952.[\/footnote] The highly anticipated American \u201cTourister\u201d Luggage\u00a0sale kicked off the 1953 shopping season.[footnote] \u201cFine American Tourister Luggage at Big Savings.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 22, 1953.[\/footnote] MGM star Debbie Reynolds\u00a0that March posed for camera buffs and the ultra-modern Mayfair Room\u00a0restaurant re-opened.[footnote] \u201cAmateur Camera Fans Enter the Hieland Research Photo Contest.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 15, 1953. \u201cEat, The Mayfair Room.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 15, 1953.[\/footnote] Scottsdale suits went on sale in November and Hickok Christmas Gift Show\u00a0that December brought shoppers downtown.[footnote] \u201cCleveland Greatest Clothing Value Scottsdale Suits.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 22, 1953. \u201cHickok Christmas Gift Shop Presents the Greatest Gift Show on Earth.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 13, 1953.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nNet sales for the first half of 1953 stood at $205,349,000 as compared to $193,959,000 the previous year.\u00a0 Net income, over that same period of time, increased to $4,220,000 or $.62 a share on common stock.\u00a0 That compared with $3,665,000 or $.52 a share of common stock in 1952.[footnote] \u201cMay Department Stores\u2019 Net in Half Year Is Placed at $4,220,000 or $.62 a share.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, September 21, 1953.[\/footnote] Unfortunately, these gains did not last long.\u00a0 Store earnings for the nine month period ending October 31, 1954 dropped by 19.3%.\u00a0 Net income was $6,205,000 or equal to $.91 a common share as compared to $7,688,000 or $1.16 a common share in 1953.[footnote] \u201cMay Stores Show 19.3% Dip in Profit.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, December 4, 1954.[\/footnote] The high cost of downtown renovations and the completion of its first suburban store in Sheffield, OH\u00a0adversely affected store profits.\r\n\r\nRevenue losses notwithstanding customers flocked to the new Sheffield, OH\u00a0branch store.\u00a0 Designed by the Cleveland architectural firm of Weinberg & Teare, this 157,000 square foot, modern-styled, three-story O\u2019Neil\u2019s\u00a0Department Store was an important part of the new $10,000,000 Sheffield Centre shopping complex.[footnote]\u201cThree Big Shopping Center Costing $18,200,000 to Open.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 6, 1954. \u201cSheffield Center Opening Today.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 1, 1954.[\/footnote] The recent success of the May Company\u2019s retail marketing strategy convinced the national investment firm of Ball, Burge & Kraus, in 1954, to endorse the May Company as a sound investment.\r\n\r\nThat brokerage firm pointed out that with rare exception this retailer\u2019s operating ratio had exceeded its general expenditures.\u00a0 Its sales nationwide exceeded $450,000,000, while its long-term debt remained reasonable at about $39,000,000.\u00a0 Also, the May Company had never defaulted on paying dividends to its stockholders.\u00a0 Its stocks yielded 6% interest and were selling at about $29.00 a share.[footnote] \u201cWhy Buy Stocks? The May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 16, 1954.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe May Company Board, in February 1955, filed with the Security and Exchange Commission to issue $25,000,000 of 3\u00bc % sinking fund debentures with a maturation date of March 1, 1980.[footnote] \u201cMay Stores Files A $25,000,000 Issue.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, February 10, 1955. \u201cThree New Issues on Market Today.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, March 1, 1955.[\/footnote]\u00a0 They intended to increase the amount of general funds available for working capital and store expansion.\u00a0 The chain included over twenty stores.\u00a0 Goldman, Sachs and Lehman Brothers\u00a0underwrote it.\u00a0 Sales figures for the 1st quarter of 1955 reached a record level of $91,558,000.[footnote] \u201cChain Lifts Sales 8.7% for Quarter.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, June 1, 1955.[\/footnote] That represented an 8.7% increase over the previous year.\r\n\r\nThe May Company, in 1954, offered a new Freezer Food Service\u00a0for those customers purchasing Westinghouse\u00a0Refrigerators.\u00a0 Under this arrangement, a food consultant would assist customers in selecting the amount and kind of food they required over the next six month period.\u00a0 The consultant would then place the order and make sure that it was delivered in a timely fashion.\u00a0 This service cost anywhere from $12.67 to $15.48 based on food choices and amount needed.[footnote] \u201cEat Better for Less with the New and Dependable Freezer Food Service Program.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 12, 1954.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe public eagerly watched May Company demonstrations of the latest White Sewing Machine at the 1955 Greater Cleveland Home & Flower Show.\u00a0 Charm Magazine in its February 1955 issue profiled four May Company employees.[footnote] \u201cShe Works in Cleveland.\u201d Charm Magazine<\/em>, February 1955.[\/footnote] Store executives provided free wallpaper hanging lessons for those customers purchasing \u201cTrimz,\u201d the new Ready Pasted Wallpaper.[footnote] \u201cPremier Showing of the New White Automatic.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 20, 1955. \u201cWallpaper Demonstration.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 10, 1955.[\/footnote] The public rushed to the May Company, that September, to buy Christian Dior\u00a0stockings for an unbelievable price of only $1.65 a pair.[footnote] \u201cChristian Dior Stockings Exclusively at May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 11, 1955.[\/footnote] Floor coverings and electric lighters gained shopper\u2019s attention that Christmas.\u00a0 Nineteen fifty-six introduced a new store slogan \u201cYou can always find what you want at the May Company.\u201d\u00a0 Specialty items that year included such things as Parisian inspired nylons; life-like, beautifully matted, pictures by world artists placed in framed double shadow boxes and Lady Ronson Electric Shavers.[footnote] \u201cExclusive at May Company\u2026Decorator Pictures.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 19, 1956. \u201cThe May Company Midwest Preview of the brand New Lady Ronson Electric Shaver.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 2, 1956.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nStore profits rose sharply over the three month period ending October 31, 1956.\u00a0 Net income topped $4,957,000 or $.79 a common share, up from $4,264,000 or $.67 a common share the previous year.\u00a0 Net sales also increased by 3.6% reaching $127,759,000.[footnote] \u201cMay Stores Lift Sales and Profits, Figures for Latest Quarter and Nine Months Surpass Those of \u201955 Periods.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, December 7, 1956.[\/footnote] Merger with Denver-based Daniels & Fisher\u00a0resulted in the creation of a new retail division amply called May D&F Division.\u00a0 Expecting a fantastic Christmas season, the May Company placed full page advertisements\u00a0in the Cleveland newspapers calling for part-time workers.\r\n\r\nIts mid-year financial statement reported a net income for the first 3-month period of 1957 of $2,680,000 equal to $.40 a share.\u00a0 First quarter sales figures rose to $111,619,000, while store earnings increased by 10.6%.[footnote] \u201cMay Department Stores, First Quarter Profits Raised to a $.40 a share from $.36.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, June 15, 1957.[\/footnote] A coloring contest for children, Oneida dinnerware, Zircon cocktail rings, and Speed Queen washers\/dryers made 1957 a very special year.[footnote] \u201cMonkey Business for Ginger, Zippy and You.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 17, 1957. \u201cNow at the May Company the Romantic New Ballard Pattern in Oneida Community Silverplate.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 2, 1957. \u201cExclusive at May\u2019s Carloads Sale, Special Savings on 1957 Deluxe Speed Queen Washers, $119.95.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 22, 1957.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe Board of Director, that November, announced major credit and payment changes.\u00a0 Board members broadened existing choices to include four convenient lines of credit.\u00a0 All were closely tied to recently-issued customer charge plates.\u00a0 Customer credit lines\u00a0and monthly payment schedules ranged anywhere from as little as $120 with $10-monthly payments to $300 with $23-monthly payments.\r\n\r\nStockholders also publicized the grand opening of the May Company\u2019s newest location in University Hts., OH.\u00a0 Designed by Victor Gruen\u00a0Associates of Detroit, MI and Jack Bialosky\u00a0& Partners\u00a0of Cleveland, OH this 346,000 square foot modern-styled store included gas heating and cooling.[footnote] \u201cEven the Air is Modern at the New May Company Store Comfort-Conditioned by Gas.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 1, 1957.[\/footnote] It also featured a fashionable beauty salon and full-service garage.\u00a0 Known as \u201cMays-on-the-Hts.,\u201d it was downsized in 2000 and 2006.\r\n\r\nA devastating fire, in March 1958, at the St. Clair Avenue\u00a0Apartment House left one hundred people homeless.\u00a0 The May Company management donated clothes.\u00a0 Downtown and University Heights stores, that spring, hosted a special Berkshire Fashion Show\u00a0starring Alice Weston, a local celebrity.[footnote] \u201cThe May Company Tire Sale.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 10, 1957. \u201cCome to the May Company, Berkshire Fashion Show.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 18. 1958.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Another merger, involving a $37,000,000 stock exchange, brought the Baltimore-based Hecht Company\u00a0into the May Company fold.[footnote] \u201cStore Merger Set By May and Hecht.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, October 15, 1958.[\/footnote] The acquisition of the Cohen Brothers\u00a0Department Store chain out of Jacksonville, FL\u00a0expanded retail trade into the Deep South.\r\n\r\nThe big news item, in August 1958, was the grand opening of the new Taylor\u2019s Department Store at the Southgate Shopping Center\u00a0in Maple Hts., OH.\u00a0 Southgate Shopping Center, under the guidance of Ernest H. Siegler, opened in 1955.\u00a0 Taylor\u2019s at Southgate, which was a May Company subsidiary, became one of that shopping center\u2019s new anchor stores.\u00a0 Designed by the architectural firm of Welton Beckett Associates at a cost of $5,000,000, this three-story 204,000 square foot branch featured the Tree Top Room\u00a0Restaurant and Jiffy Bird Snack Bar.\u00a0 Becoming a branch of the May Company in 1961, it remained opened until 1989 when it was demolished it.\u00a0 A Giant Eagle Super Market\u00a0now occupies this site.\r\n\r\nNineteen fifty-nine began with a sour note.\u00a0 The Federal Trade Commission\u00a0prohibited the May Company from engaging in false advertising and price fixing for furs.\u00a0 Store officials admitted no wrong, although they complied with the order.[footnote] \u201cMay Company Bows to Decree.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, June 29, 1959.[\/footnote] The May Company, in June 1959, broke ground on its latest suburban store at Parmatown Shopping Center\u00a0Parma, OH.\r\n\r\nThis four-story, 305,000 square foot building was noted for its reinforced concrete block walls, textured brick veneer and turquoise blue and ceramic flat columns accented in white.\u00a0 It also featured central air conditioning, central audio system and protected exterior colonnade.\u00a0 It epitomized the modern-styled branch store of that era.\u00a0 Two well-known architects Victor Gruen\u00a0of Los Angeles and Harry A. Sharpe\u00a0of Cleveland designed this $7,000,000 facility.[footnote] \u201cMay\u2019s Store is Rising in Parmatown.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 27, 1960. Hirschfeld, Mary. \u201cThird Store in May Group Serving Greater Cleveland.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 28, 1960.[\/footnote]\u00a0 This suburban store later became Macy\u2019s.\u00a0 It was demolished in 2014.\r\n\r\nThe board, in 1959, unveiled its latest credit plan.\u00a0 It not only included the traditional 30-day charge option and a new monthly payment arrangement; but also, two other new alternatives.\u00a0 One required a small down payment and easy monthly payments, while the second afforded a reasonable payment schedule for customers wishing to purchase expensive items.[footnote] \u201cThe May Company Has a Credit Plan to Meet your Every Budget Need.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 25, 1959.[\/footnote] Board members, in 1959, also approved the resignation of James C. Walsh\u00a0as Secretary and Assistant Treasurer.\u00a0 He became the May Company\u2019s new Vice President and Treasurer.\r\n\r\nStockholders appointed Lyle M. Allen\u00a0Sr. to serve as Secretary and Assistant Treasurer.[footnote]\u201cExecutive is Elevated By the May Stores Company.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, March 15, 1960.[\/footnote] Warner B. (Dusty) Rhoads\u00a0of the Cleveland division became its Executive Vice President and General Manager.\u00a0 Sales for the 1st half of 1960 leveled-off at $151,738,000 with net earnings leveling-off at $2,105,000.\u00a0 That equaled $.26 a common share.\u00a0 For the 12-month period ending July 31, 1960, net income reached $22,717,000 or $3.13 a share on sales of $682,545,000.\u00a0 The new Parmatown store opened on August 23rd.\u00a0 Demolished in 2014, it served most recently as a Macy\u2019s.\r\n\r\nSam Rosenberg, the long-time Vice President and General Manager of the Cleveland division, in 1961 announced his retirement.\u00a0 Rosenberg began his career in 1933 as Divisional Merchandise Manager for Ladies Ready-to-Wear Clothing.\u00a0 He was 84 years old when died in November 1977.[footnote] \u201cObituaries, Sam Rosenberg, Retired May Company Manager.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 26, 1977.[\/footnote] Francis A. Coy\u00a0replaced him as the store\u2019s Regional President.\u00a0 Coy, a former divisional merchandise manager for Higbee\u2019s, had most recently served as the Executive Vice President and General Manager for Gold\u2019s Department Store\u00a0in Lincoln, NE.\u00a0\u00a0 Coy remained in that post for ten years.\u00a0 He later chaired United Way\u00a0and the Downtown Development Corporation.\u00a0 Francis A. Coy\u00a0died in 1992.\r\n\r\nThe May Company entered the 1960s in trouble.\u00a0 An allegedly illegal payment of $12,207 by the May Company to William Finnegan, Executive Secretary of the Cleveland AFL-CIO Federation of Labor, resulted in a federal investigation.\u00a0 Held in March 1961, federal prosecutors accused the defendants of undue favoritism, a direct violation of the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947.\u00a0 The court acquitted both parties that August.\u00a0 Sales and office personnel that April rejected a bid by the AFL\/CIO to represent them in collective bargaining.[footnote]Disantis, Anthony J. \u201cMay Company\u2019s Employees Turn Down Unions in Balloting.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 29, 1960.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nSome of the featured items, in the 1960-61 shopping season, included Webcor phonographs; Wilton carpeting, Fiberglas drapes, English slippers, floor lamps Dunlap tubeless tires and Duracrest appliances.\u00a0 Net sales for 1961 were a record $708,481,000 up 3.5% from $684,839,000 in 1960.\u00a0 Net earnings reached $23,409,000 equal to $3.20 a share compared with $22,643,000 or $3.11 a share the previous year.[footnote]\u201cMay Stores Company.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 27, 1962.[\/footnote] The board announced, on December 17, 1961, the closing of William Taylor\u00a0Sons & Company.[footnote] \u201cOne Door Closes Another Opens Wide With Welcome as Taylor\u2019s Comes to May\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 17, 1961.[\/footnote] Officials also assumed control of Taylor\u2019s Southgate Store.\u00a0 The full clothing line carried by Taylor\u2019s transferred over to the May Company, and most of Taylor\u2019s employees found work there.\r\n\r\nThis merger helped the May Company increase sales and earnings.\u00a0 Net sales in 1962 nearly doubled reaching a record $709,652,000, while net earnings increased to $24,790,000.\u00a0 That equaled $3.40 a common share.[footnote]Reckert, Clare M. \u201cContinental Can Adds to Dividends.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 24, 1963.[\/footnote]\u00a0 With over fifty stores and six regional shopping centers, officials expected an equally profitable year the following year.\u00a0 They were not disappointed.\u00a0 Net sales in 1963 stood at $723,714,000, a 2% increase over the previous year.\u00a0 Net earnings reached $30,663,000.[footnote] \u201cFifty-Five Stores Comprise May Company\u2019s Network.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 19, 1964.[\/footnote]\u00a0 New merchandise ran the gamut from semi-gloss paints, drip dry cotton blouses and children\u2019s easy wash playwear to acrylic embossed plush pile carpeting, telephone amplifiers and special ski lessons. Board members, in June, approved plans calling for the creation of a new real estate firm known as May Realty & Investment.\u00a0 It bought shopping centers and other selected properties for the parent corporation.\u00a0 David May\u00a0II\u00a0(1912-1992) led it.\u00a0 An aggregate distribution\u00a0of about 15% of its outstanding stocks in the form of dividends to common stockholders fulfilled any obligations owed to their stakeholders.[footnote] \u201cMay Stores to Form Separate Realty Firm.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 16, 1962.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe Board of Directors, in 1963, built two new auto and tire centers: one at \u201cMay\u2019s-on-the Heights\u201d and the other at Parmatown.\u00a0 They also erected another suburban store at the Great Lakes Mall\u00a0in Mentor, OH.\u00a0 This 145,000 square foot, multi-level structure, designed by Welton Beckett Associates of Los Angeles, CA, opened in April 1964.[footnote] \u201cNow Four Great Tire Centers to Serve You.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 22, 1964.[\/footnote]\u00a0 It featured open air escalators surrounded by transparent glass.\u00a0 Its restaurant d\u00e9cor included murals depicting the history of the Western Reserve of Ohio.[footnote] \u201cMays Opening April 22, Western Reserve is Store Motif.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 11, 1964.[\/footnote] Store officials enlarged and remodeled it in the mid-1970s.\u00a0 Kaufmann\u2019s, in 1993, replaced the May Company.\u00a0 Federated Department Stores, in 2006, converted it into a Macy\u2019s.\u00a0 Simon Property Group, in 2011, financed extensive renovations.\r\n\r\nOfficials, that September, unveiled their latest credit options.\u00a0 They included a 30-day No Interest Charge Account, an ABC Revolving Account\u00a0with no down payment or a Deferred Payment Plan with no down payment and up to 36-months to pay off the balance.[footnote] \u201cTent Sale Starts Today.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 8, 1962.[\/footnote]\u00a0 In a bold attempt to increase downtown sales, the Board of Directors, in 1963, constructed a 3,000 car nine-story parking garage on the former site of Bailey\u2019s\u00a0Department Store.\u00a0 Located at the corner of Prospect Avenue and Ontario Street\u00a0and named the Parkade, this self-service parking facility featured curved entrance and exit ramps.\u00a0 Shoppers with proof of purchase paid only $.10 per half hour for the first two hours and then $.15 per half hour.\u00a0 The May Company charged those without purchases $.20 per half hour up to two hours and then $.15 per half hour.[footnote]\u201cShop May\u2019s Today, May\u2019s New Parkade Opens Today.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 23, 1964.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe May Company, in the spring of 1964, reported record net earnings for the 1st Quarter.\u00a0 It totaled $5,094,000 equal to $.69 a common share.\u00a0 That compared with $3,940,000 or $.52 a common share the previous year.\u00a0 Net sales over that same time span equaled $159,908,000 up 7.9% from $148,259,000 in 1963.[footnote] \u201cProfits at Peak For May Stores, Earnings Rise to $5,094,000.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, May 19, 1964.[\/footnote] President Morton D. May, in April 1965, proudly announced the acquisition of the 109-year old Portland, OR-based retailer called Meier & Frank Company.[footnote] \u201cMay Company Completes Its Bid for Control of Meier and Frank.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 27, 1965.[\/footnote] Meier & Frank stockholders exchanged their common stock on a one-to-one ratio for newly issued May Company convertible preferred stock.\u00a0 This stock was redeemable for $50.00 a share after September 30, 1970.\u00a0 The May Company operated Meier & Frank as a separate district division for nearly forty years.\r\n\r\nThe May Company that same year added some new items and services.\u00a0 Some of the new merchandise found on its shelves included inexpensive Robanne watches; Flemish yarn and Irish linen handkerchiefs.[footnote] \u201cSale Robanne Watches for all the Family.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 11, 1965. \u201cIrish Linen Hankies with her Initials.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 28, 1965.[\/footnote]\u00a0 New store services ranged from free ski movies in the main auditorium downtown; teen modeling contests at Southgate and art exhibitions at several prime locations.\u00a0 New departments such as the Boulevard Shoe Shop; Fashion Accessories, Jewelry and Executive Gift Shop brought many shoppers to Public Square.[footnote] \u201cMay\u2019s New Street Floor Your Passport to Fashion.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 12, 1965.[\/footnote] The financial picture for 1965 appeared very rosy with store sales topping a new all-time record of $869,169,000.\u00a0 Net earnings that year climbed to $45,860,000 or $3.07 a common share.\r\n\r\nNineteen sixty-five produced some other pleasant surprises for this growing retailer.\u00a0 The May Company, that September, opened its newest branch at the Great Northern Shopping Center\u00a0in North Olmsted, OH.\u00a0 Designed by Welton Beckett Associates of Los Angeles, CA, this 185,000 square foot three--story facility with its unique Bermuda, split-faced, precast stone unit exterior veneer featured a highly decorative 17-foot chandelier.[footnote]\u201cChandelier Is Eye Catcher.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 5, 1965.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Suspended from the ceiling over its central escalator core, the chandelier was a crowd pleaser.\u00a0 This successful retailer, in October, celebrated the grand opening of its latest O\u2019Neil\u2019s\u00a0Department Store at Summit Mall\u00a0in Fairlawn, OH.\u00a0 Replacing a smaller store in the Fairlawn Shopping Center, this new 125,700 square foot two-story structure served the needs of Greater Akron for many years to come.[footnote] \u201cFairlawn Gets Preview of Nee Shopping Center.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 27, 1965.[\/footnote]\u00a0 The May Company, in the 1980s, enlarged the store and Federated in 2006 refitted it as a Macy\u2019s.\r\n\r\nThe second half of the 1960s was characterized by further innovation and growth.\u00a0 January 1966 saw the expansion of the jewelry department.\u00a0 Shoppers loved the Oriental pearls.[footnote] \u201cOriental Bazaars.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 24, 1966.[\/footnote] They ranged in price from $39.95 to $150.00.[footnote] \u201cDiscover the Magic of Christmas at A Wonderful World of Gifts.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 1, 1965.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Shiseido cosmetics debuted, that spring, as did the Wurlitzer Portable Piano.[footnote] \u201cRunning Out of Hobbies?\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 7, 1966.[\/footnote] The board announced that autumn a merger with the Hartford, CT-based department store known as G. Fox & Company.[footnote] \u201cMay Stores Sets Earnings Records.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, November 17, 1965.[\/footnote] That facility remained in operation until 1993.\r\n\r\nEscalating costs incurred from mergers; remodeling efforts and the construction of a new retail outlet as part of the Stow-Kent Shopping Center\u00a0in Kent, OH lessened profits.\u00a0 Net earnings in 1966 dropped to $38,416,000 or equal to $2.50 a common share as compared with $47,377,000 or $3.10 a share the previous year.\u00a0 Miscalculations by store accountants made this situation worse.\u00a0 Specifically, bad debts incurred by the Cleveland and Washington, D.C. divisions negatively impacted the bottom line.\u00a0 In the case of Cleveland, customer accounts receivable debts reached $3,300,000 as compared to $500,000 in 1965.[footnote]\u201cProfits Decline for May Stores, But Volume for Fiscal 1966 Reaches Record Level.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 7, 1967. Sloane, Leonard. \u201cMay Stores\u2019 Meeting Dominated by Wrangling Over Accountants.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, June 9, 1967.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nPoor accounting practices, high inventories, lack of item turnover and inadequate margins triggered these unprecedented losses.\u00a0 The accounting firm of Arthur Anderson replaced Touche, Ross, Bailey & Swart.\u00a0 When asked to explain the sudden drop in store profits, the Board President Morton D. May\u00a0attributed it to mounting concerns over the U.S. economy and the political uncertainties associated with the Viet Nam War.\u00a0 The May Company, in July 1966, also withdrew from the Charga-Plate\u00a0program.\u00a0 In its place, it furnished customers with their-own charge cards.\u00a0 Part of a new, state-of-the-art electronic data processing system these charge cards reduced purchasing time by half.[footnote]Kelly, Michael.\u201cMay Company Ends Charga-Plate Link.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 16, 1966.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe store also underwent some major managerial changes.\u00a0 It began in 1967 with the resignation of the company\u2019s CEO\/President Morton D. May.\u00a0 The Board of Directors appointed Stanley J. Goodman\u00a0(1910-1992) to the post.\u00a0 He served from 1967 to 1975.\u00a0 Goodman implemented some major changes while in office.\u00a0 They included such things as a new management program for store buyers that emphasized the need to think potential company profit and losses when purchasing merchandise.[footnote]Barmash, Isadore. \u201cMay Chain Stresses Excitement and Agility.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, July 4, 1968.[\/footnote] In the early 1970s, Goodman encouraged more dialogue between store officials and customers as a way of gauging shoppers concerns and wants.[footnote]\u201cWalsh Is Names by May Stores.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 18, 1967.[\/footnote] Officials at that same time elected James C. Walsh\u00a0Vice President of Administration Control and Richard G. Freiden\u00a0as Assistant Treasurer and Corporation Tax Department Manager.[footnote] \u201cWalsh Is Names by May Stores.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 18, 1967.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nStore officials boasted that \u201cwhatever it is, you can get it at May Company.\u201d\u00a0 They meant every word of it.\u00a0 To better accommodate the growing needs of their customers, the May Company, in 1967, opened a new, 13,000 square foot home furnishings warehouse.\u00a0 Located at the corner of Payne Avenue\u00a0and East 41st Street, this spacious warehouse was one of the largest distribution\u00a0centers in the country.\u00a0 No other major department store in Cleveland provided so many conveniences to its shoppers.\u00a0 One of the local dailies said it best the store has an unblemished record of integrity and dependability.\r\n\r\nO\u2019Neil\u2019s\u00a0Department Store, in 1967, opened a new suburban store at the Chapel Hill Mall\u00a0in Akron, OH.[footnote]Kashar, John. \u201cAkron Battles Heart Decay.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 7, 1965.[\/footnote]\u00a0 It is currently occupied by Macy\u2019s.\u00a0 The May Company\u2019s net earnings, for the nine month period ending October 31, 1967, totaled $7,842,000.\u00a0 That equaled $.51 a common share vs. $8,497,000 or $.55 a common share the previous year.\u00a0 Sales that same year increased to $247,963,000 as compared with $238,396,000 in 1966.[footnote] \u201cMay Department Stores Net Slips.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, November 18, 1967.[\/footnote] The Federal Trade Commission, in 1967, limited further acquisitions for the next ten year period unless approved by them first.\r\n\r\nNineteen sixty-eight store sales broke all previous at $1,000,000,000.[footnote] \u201cSales at May Company Surge.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, January 25, 1968.[\/footnote] Unfortunately, profits dropped to $36,200,000.\u00a0 Hoping to shore up recent losses, store executives established their-own discount chain called Venture.\u00a0 A respected discounter John F. Geisse\u00a0headed it.\u00a0 Venture stores did quite well financially from the day they opened. \u00a0That chain operated more than twenty stores by the mid-1970s.\u00a0 The May Company, in 1968, also took the lead over its competitors when it introduced its-own flex option account system.\u00a0 This electronic accounting system monitored all unpaid bills.\r\n\r\nCardholders now had the option of paying their outstanding balances either through a special 30-day charge account or a convenient monthly payment plan.\u00a0 The May Company, in the latter case, reserved the right periodically to adjust monthly finance and service charges.\u00a0 Those customers defaulting on monthly payments were required to pay the full amount due on the next payment cycle or face possible prosecution.[footnote] \u201cWhy Isn\u2019t Johnny Ready for School Now, His Mother Doesn\u2019t Have May\u2019s Charge Card Yet.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 25, 1968.[\/footnote] Officials, in 1968, reported record sales although earnings declined due to the $.22 a share surcharge tax.\u00a0 Earnings topped $34,006,000 equal $2.21 a share as compared with $36,287,000 or $2.36 a share the previous year.\r\n\r\nO\u2019Neil\u2019s\u00a0Department Store, in 1969, opened another retail outlet at Mellet Mall\u00a0in Canton, OH.\u00a0 This 120,000 square foot store closed in 2006.\u00a0 Some of the latest merchandise added during the 1968-69 shopping seasons included such things as pop records; fashionable patio furniture, Coty and Max Factor cosmetics, Rubbermaid kitchen items and Teflon coated waffle grilles.\u00a0 Third Quarter sales figures for 1969 were up by 4.2% to $273,076,000, while earnings fell by 29.8% to $5,389,000 or $.35 a share.\u00a0\u00a0 Analysts, at that time, expressed some concern regarding recent earnings losses; however, store executives seemed unaffected by it.[footnote] \u201cMay Company Profits Dip on Record Sales.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 8, 1969. Reckert, Clare M. \u201cSome Retail-Chain Profits Dip.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, November 21, 1969.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe 1970s produced a whole set of new economic challenges.\u00a0 The growing popularity of discount stores did not appear to faze the May Company board.\u00a0 Store officials had successfully battled competitors in the past and won.\u00a0 They were sure they could do it again.\u00a0 Popular events such as the January White Sales; Foreign Food Fair, May Days Celebration and Cleveland Post Office Summer Arts Program & Festival brought large crowds into the various stores.\u00a0 The grand opening, in 1971, of the new, 126,000 square foot O\u2019Neil\u2019s\u00a0Department Store at Belden Village\u00a0Shopping Center ushered-in a new era of sophisticated shopping.[footnote]Colebrook, Paul F. Jr. \u201cEaves Dropping Mobilizers Move.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 10, 1969.[\/footnote] Designed by Jacobs, Visconsi & Jacobs, this store is currently occupied by Macy\u2019s.\r\n\r\nCleveland division President Francis A. Coy, in May 1971, announced his resignation.\u00a0 The Board of Directors named Denny G. Arvanites\u00a0as his successor.\u00a0 Arvanites held that post until August 1975 when the board appointed Raymond L. Klauer.[footnote] \u201cCoy Moves Up.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 8, 1971.[\/footnote] Stockholders, in 1971, approved a new insurance plan for shoppers.\u00a0 Qualified customers now had the opportunity to purchase a modified life insurance policy naming the May Company their beneficiary.\u00a0 In the event of their death, the May Company would collect the insurance money and pay-off any-and-all outstanding debts owed this department store.\u00a0 The board also agreed to reimburse policy holders for all stolen merchandise.\u00a0 The May Company, in 1972, led others by debuting the area\u2019s first catalog showroom and sold items from Communist China.\r\n\r\nStore officials, in November 1972, attempted to bolster Christmas sales by encouraging customers to use their May Company credit cards.\u00a0 Those using their credit cards to purchase $300 or more in merchandise from November 11th through December 31st would not be billed until February 1973.[footnote] \u201cHoliday Dollars Another Good Reason to Have a May Company Charge Account.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 19, 1972.[\/footnote] May Company\u2019s earnings for the 3rd quarter of 1972 were up 23% from a year ago, while sales increased by 17.3%.[footnote]Reckert, Clare M. \u201cThree Retail Chains Increase Profits Sharply; Other Companies Report Earnings.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, November 16, 1972.[\/footnote] That trend continued into the following year.\r\n\r\nNet earnings for the 26 weeks ending August 4, 1973 reached $13,700,000.\u00a0 That equaled $.89 a common share as compared to $10,300,000 or $.67 a share the previous year.\u00a0 Store sales, over that same period of time, totaled a whopping $672,000,000.\u00a0 That compared with $617,000,000 in 1972.[footnote]Reckert, Clare M. \u201cMay Stores Registers Record Earnings and Volume.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, August 23, 1974.[\/footnote] The recession in 1974 brought this upward trend to an end.\u00a0 For the 13 week period ending November 2, 1974, May Company net earnings declined by 6.1% to $7,800,000.\u00a0 That equaled $.51 a common share as compared with $8,300,000 or $.54 a common share one year ago.[footnote]Reckert, Clare M. \u201cThree Store Chains Show Profit Drops.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, November 20, 1974.[\/footnote] The mid-1970s represented yet another period of rapid change and expansion.\u00a0 It began, in 1975, when its Board of Directors named David C. Farrell\u00a0to replace Stanley J. Goodman\u00a0as CEO\/President.\u00a0 Farrell served for 26 years.\u00a0 Goodman became the new Chairman of the Board.\u00a0 In Cleveland, H. Gene Nau\u00a0replaced Raymond L. Klauer as Cleveland divisional head.[footnote]Kelly, Michael. \u201cNau to Take May Company Helm Here.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 18, 1976.[\/footnote] Nau remained head into the 1980s.\r\n\r\nHoping to capture an even larger percentage of the Akron-Canton retail market, May Company officials, in August 1975, opened another O\u2019Neil\u2019s\u00a0Department Store at the Rolling Acres Mall\u00a0in Akron, OH.\u00a0 This 103,000 square foot building in 2006 became a Macy\u2019s.\u00a0 It closed less than two years later.\u00a0 Continual branch expansion paid-off for stockholders.\u00a0 Net earnings for the 13-weeks ending August 2, 1975 stood at $9,100,000 or equal to $.59 a common share.\u00a0 This compared to $7,200,000 or $.47 a share one year ago.\u00a0 Sales for that same quarter remained high at $446,100,000.\u00a0 That represented a 14% gain from 1974 figures.[footnote]Reckert, Clare M. \u201cPenny Net Down; Federated and May Show Profit Gains.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, August 20, 1975.[\/footnote] Its profitable subsidiary Venture stores accounted for 9% of the May Company\u2019s entire sales which was valued at $1,750,000,000.\r\n\r\nThe August 1976 opening of the May Company\u2019s latest branch store at Randall Park Mall\u00a0in North Randall, OH\u00a0received a great deal of media attention.\u00a0 The idea of Youngstown native and shopping mall magnate Edward J. DeBartolo\u00a0Sr. (1909-1994), Randall Park was dubbed the \u201cLargest Mall in the World\u201d when it first opened.\u00a0 Dallas-based RYA Architects\u00a0and Cleveland designers Dalton, Dalton, Little & Newport\u00a0designed it.\u00a0 The May Company's 177,000 square foot, two-story structure featured a multitude of departments along with the popular Thistle Grill Restaurant.[footnote] \u201cDesigned from Inside Out, D\u00e9cor Important in New May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 8, 1976.[\/footnote] It became Macy\u2019s\u00a0in 2006 and closed in February 2008.\u00a0 Another branch opened in 1977 at the Euclid Square Mall\u00a0in Euclid, OH.\u00a0 Its precast concrete panels; rough stone veneer and strip lights lent character to this 177,000 square foot facility.\u00a0 It featured other special touches such as parquet floors, shiny counters, raised ceilings and recessed lighting.\u00a0 Designed by the Cleveland architectural firm of Dalton, Dalton, Little & Newport it included Three Crowns Restaurant\u00a0and a coffee shop.[footnote] \u201cMay Company to be Fashion Leader at Euclid Square.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 1, 1977.[\/footnote] This store in 2004 became a discount department store called \u201cOutlets USA.\u201d\u00a0 Its asset value, in 2009, was $1,780,000.\r\n\r\nThe May Company, throughout the 1970s, provided its customers with a wide array of new and exciting products.\u00a0 They ranged from antique satin drapes; Ponderosa Pine furniture, Farberware and Dutch tulips ready for planting to original lithographs, Presto Coffeemaker Week, Colby Cotton Summer Knits and wine dispensers.\u00a0 A host of special contests and public service activities such as free trips to Las Vegas, children\u2019s coloring contests along with the Violet Club\u00a0and \u201cSmoke Enders\u201d also appealed to discerning shoppers.[footnote] \u201cYou Will Stop Smoking on October 22nd, Calmly and Comfortably.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 4, 1975.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThere was always something happening at the May Company.\u00a0 Newspaper advertising, in the late 1970s, continually reinforced the important of buying quality merchandise at low prices from stores you trusted.\u00a0 Officials at the May Company understood that their stores represented much more than places to purchase quality merchandise at reasonable prices.\u00a0 They provided shoppers with free delivery and installation services; Eagle Stamps, two-week free home trials on selected items and a variety of credit plans.\u00a0 Not all stores offered that.\u00a0 Their customers must never lose sight of the role that the May Company played in their daily lives.[footnote] \u201cLabor Day Weekend.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 4, 1977.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nMay Company net earnings for the 13-weeks ending October 31, 1977 exceeded $15,900,000 or $.71 a common share.\u00a0 This represented a 9.4% gain over the previous year.\u00a0 Sales also increased by 9.4% to reach $548,300,000.\u00a0 Venture Discount Stores\u00a0posted gains of 18.4%, while May Company catalog showrooms were up by 14.4%.[footnote]Reckert, Clare M. \u201cDepartment Store Chains Show Sharp Profit Rise.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, November 17, 1977.[\/footnote] Venture Discount, in 1978, purchased nineteen stores from Chicago\u2019s Jewel Company\u00a0and the May Company, in 1981, divested its interest in Canadian Consumers Distribution\u00a0Company.\u00a0 The board took this infusion of additional capital, generated by this divestiture, to promote its catalog business.\u00a0 Stockholders that same year approved a 3-for-2 stock split.\r\n\r\nStore executives, in 1979, acquired Topeka, -based Volume Shoe Company\u00a0for about $150,000,000 in stock.[footnote] \u201cEarnings, Allied Stores Profit Off 37.9% in October.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, May 22, 1980.[\/footnote] This acquisition resulted in a profit loss of 1.6%.\u00a0 The board, that same year, approved major renovations for the Public Square store.\u00a0 One gimmick to gain public attention involved what were called \u201cLiving Windows.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cLiving Windows\u201d gave an illusion that the manikins in the display cases were putting on and taken off clothes.\u00a0 In reality, it involved life models, polarized light and revolving platforms.\u00a0 Special cooking demonstrations, a Bonne Bell Running Clinic, a table top club, special financial planning sessions and a celebrity racquet ball challenge brought many shoppers downtown.\u00a0 Special appearances by the Amazing Spider Man, Stan Childress of WJW-TV\u00a0and fashion designer Oscar de la Renta\u00a0highlighted the 1979 shopping season.[footnote] \u201cSee the Superhero at the May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 9, 1979. \u201cWhat\u2019s Happening at the May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 26, 1979. \u201cWhat\u2019s Happening at the May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 23, 1979.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nFirst quarter profits in 1980 had declined by 1.6% to $12,400,000.[footnote] \u201cEarnings, Allied Stores Profit Off 37.9% in October.\u201d[\/footnote] That equaled $.43 a share as compared with $12,800,000 or $.44 a share the previous year.\u00a0 Store sales, over that same period of time, had increased by 6.7% to $846,600,000. The May Company, Prudential Life Insurance Company\u00a0and Melvin Simon Associates, that December, announced merger plans.\u00a0 The newly created entity known as \u201cMay Centers\u201d owned and operated six regional shopping complexes in Denver, CO; Laurel Park, LA and St. Louis, MO.\r\n\r\nUnder this agreement, the May Company borrowed $75,000,000 from Prudential Life Insurance, over a twenty year period, at an annual interest rate of 9%.\u00a0 Store officials expected an after-tax return of $9,000,000 equal to $.30 a share.\u00a0 The gross value of these six regional shopping centers was $145,000,000, while the May Company\u2019s book value on these properties stood at approximately $30,000,000.\u00a0 Store executives amassed close to $75,000,000 in cash, while maintaining a 50% interest in the equity and future appreciation of those six shopping complexes.\u00a0 This business deal excluded May Company structures and parcels located within these centers.[footnote]Barmash, Isadore. \u201cMay and Prudential in Venture.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, December 23, 1980.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThis latest merger produced outstanding results quickly.\u00a0 With more than 180 stores, the May Company\u2019s annual sales advanced to $708,200,000 as compared with $646,600,000 in 1980.[footnote]Wiggins, Phillip H. \u201cFederated Stores\u2019 Net Up 53.6% May, Allied, Dayton Also Gain.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, May 21, 1981.[\/footnote] The introduction of new high-end items appealed to many fashion conscious shoppers.\u00a0 These products included Coach name brand items; Candies shoes and a wide selection of Strawberry Shortcake\u00a0fashions.[footnote] \u201cNew at the May Company Strawberry Shortcake Shop.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 1, 1981.[\/footnote] In response to this merger, stockholders decided to extend their special insurance protection program to include all credit cardholders.\r\n\r\nStore officials and employees, in April 1983, mourned the passing of their former President\/CEO Morton D. May.\u00a0 He was 69 years old.[footnote]Gruson, Lindsey. \u201cMorton D. May Dies in St. Louis; Headed Department Store Chain.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 14, 1983.[\/footnote] The board that same year acquired HRT Industries, Zody\u2019s\u00a0Discount Department Store chain, and Craddock-Terry Shoe Company.\u00a0 That action resulted in the establishment of the Payless Shoe\u00a0chain.\u00a0 Shoppers especially enjoyed Payless Shoes latest Pro-Wings\u00a0line of sneakers.\r\n\r\nThe Board of Directors, in January 1984, appointed Robert B. Cockayne to replace H. Gene Nau\u00a0as President of the Cleveland-division.[footnote]Gleisser, Marcus. \u201cNation Sees Sun but Ohio Outlook Remains Cloudy.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 29, 1984.[\/footnote] The New York brokerage firm of L.F. Rothschild, Unterberg and Towbin, that March, commended the May Company for its very insightful leadership.[footnote]Barmash, Isadore. \u201cMarket Place, Power Cited in Retailers.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 24, 1984.[\/footnote] First quarter profits in 1984 reaching $27,500,000.[footnote]Barmash, Isadore. \u201cMarket Place, May Stores As a Target.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, July 20, 1984.[\/footnote] That represented a 35% increase over the previous year.\u00a0 That equaled $.95 a common share as compared with $20,300,000 or $.70 a share in 1983.\u00a0 Sales, during that same time period, soared by 14.3% to $842,600,000.\r\n\r\nStore officials, in early 1986, made two very important announcements concerning the future of Associated Dry Goods\u00a0(ADG).\u00a0 The first involved the acquisition of the Sibley, Lindsey & Curr\u00a0Department Store of Rochester, NY.\u00a0 A part of ADG since 1957, many up-state New Yorkers considered Sibley\u2019s a good and reliable local department store.\u00a0 Some analysts, at that time, questioned the wisdom of this merger since it added very little to the May Company portfolio.\u00a0 What critics did not know was that this acquisition was only the first step leading to a much larger merger later that year.\r\n\r\nMay Company stockholders, in October 1986, approved the acquisition of the entire Associated Dry Goods\u00a0chain for an unprecedented $2,200,000,000.\u00a0 That represented the most costly merger by the May Company to date.\u00a0 The May Company paid $66.00 a share for all 35,000,000 shares of Associated Dry Goods outstanding preferred stock.\u00a0\u00a0 ADG, the nation\u2019s 4th largest retail conglomerate, operated some of the nation\u2019s finest department stores.\u00a0 They including favorites such as p, L.S. Ayers & Company, Loehmann\u2019s, Lord & Taylor\u2019s\u00a0and J.W. Robinson\u2019s of California.\u00a0 The May Company now operated stores in 39 states.[footnote]Schmitt, Eric. \u201cMay Stores Seeks Associated Chain.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, June 23, 1986.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThat same Board of Directors utilized $2,000,000 of the capital generated from this major business deal to open several new stores.\u00a0 Fourth quarter earnings for 1986 increased to $213,000,000 or $1.38 a common share.\u00a0 That symbolized a major increase from $195,000,000 or $1.24 a common share the previous year.\u00a0 Sales, over that same period of time, exceeded $3,360,000,000.\u00a0 That represented an increase of 8% from $3,100,000,000 in 1985.[footnote] \u201cFederated\u2019s Net Rises 11% May\u2019s Is Up 9%.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, March 19, 1987.[\/footnote] The 1986-87 shopping season featured such things as live marionette shows, pop concerts, cabbage patch dolls, career seminars, Sunbeam humidifiers, Gloria chocolates\u00a0and Glemby coats.\r\n\r\nHoping to generate additional capital for further expansion and remodeling, officials, in August 1988, divested themselves of 50% of its shopping centers holdings.[footnote]Barmash, Isadore. \u201cMarket Place, For May Stores Reason to Grow.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, August 2, 1988.[\/footnote] They applied $1,500,000,000 of the capital gained by that divestiture towards the acquisition of two major Federated Department Stores: Filene\u2019s\u00a0in Boston, MA\u00a0and Foley\u2019s\u00a0in Houston, TX.\u00a0 The May Company also cut its year-end losses by selling Caldor\u2019s and Loehmann\u2019s\u00a0to Odyssey Partners LP, a private equity firm and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, a private investment banking house.[footnote]Barmash, Isadore. \u201cMay Stores to Sell Its Caldor Unit.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, October 12, 1989.[\/footnote] These two New York investment groups saw profit potential in these two well-known retail chains.\u00a0 The Board of Directors also closed O\u2019Neil\u2019s\u00a0anchor store in Akron and assumed control of all its branches.\r\n\r\nConsolidation appeared to be the best course of action to follow then based on the fluctuating stock market.\u00a0 Net income for the 3rd Quarter of 1988 increased by a whopping 49.4% to reach $133,000,000.\u00a0 That equaled $.91 a share as compared to $89,000,000 or $.57 a share the previous year.[footnote] \u201cMay Stores Up; Macy has Loss.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, November 11, 1988.[\/footnote] Store revenues grew by $400,000,000 over 1987 figures.\u00a0 Board members, in 1989, consolidated their various stores into well-defined regional divisions.\r\n\r\nLeaders, within those various district divisions, strove to implement new company policies in direct and efficient ways.\u00a0 They also encouraged their individual stores to meet the challenges posed by their ever-changing customer-base.\u00a0 The regional business model, adapted by the May Company, emulated a business form fist developed by Macy\u2019s\u00a0in the 1970s.\u00a0 Executive at the May Company firmly believed that more efficiently-run stores would survive the on-slot of competitors.\r\n\r\nThe decade of the 1990s began with the May Company centralizing both its buying and distribution\u00a0processes.\u00a0 Board members, in 1990, also built a new 104,000 square foot facility at Midway Mall\u00a0in Elyria, OH.\u00a0 It later became Macy\u2019s.\u00a0 Officials transferred Venture to their shareholders through a special tax-free distribution.\u00a0 The May Company, in 1990, also purchased the 148-year old Richmond, VA-based department store known as Thalhimers.\u00a0 It soon became part of the May Company\u2019s Hecht division.\u00a0\u00a0 Board members, in the autumn of 1992, approved a merger with Pittsburgh-based Kaufmann Department Store.\u00a0 They also discard the May Company name and logo.\u00a0 The Kaufmann name and logo began to appear in May Company stores throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania.[footnote] \u201cKaufmann\u2019s Replacing May Company On Store Signs.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 28, 1993.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nHowever, this merger led to even bigger changes for the Greater Cleveland retail sector.\u00a0 The May Company announced, on October 17, 1992, plans to close its downtown store.[footnote]Hill, Miriam. \u201cIt Won\u2019t Seem Like Cleveland Anymore.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 17, 1992.[\/footnote]\u00a0 Even though the Public Square facility generated about $19,000,000 in sales annually, its profits over the past several years had averaged only $250,000.\u00a0 Store officials also eliminated 500 to 750 jobs in its sixteen Ohio stores.\u00a0 The Public Square store closed on January 31, 1993 following a massive liquidation sale.\u00a0 Store officials firmly believed that they could sell this retail parcel quickly.\u00a0 They were wrong.\u00a0 A number of possible deals never materialized.[footnote]Lubinger, Bill. \u201cDowntown May Company Loses Buyer Solon Firm Drops Plans to Rebuild Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 10, 1995. Lubinger, Bill. \u201cMay Company Building Downtown May Be Renovated as a Hotel.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 1, 1998. Lubinger, Bill. \u201cAuto Museum Considering Downtown Sites More Storage, Exhibit Space Needed for Historic Showplaces.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 24, 1999.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nFinally, the Cadillac Ranch, in 2008, rented 18,000 square feet for its restaurant\/bar and Cuyahoga Community College, in 2009, converted 26,000 square feet into its new, state-of-the-art Culinary Center.[footnote]Jarboe, Michelle. \u201cRestaurant Club for May Company Site Cadillac Ranch.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 2, 2008. Okobeu, Janet. \u201cTri-C to Open Culinary Center in old May Company Building.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 28, 2009.[\/footnote]\u00a0 A Cleveland developer named Bob Rains\u00a0unveiled plans, in September 2013, to build luxury one and two bedroom apartments within this popular historic site.\r\n\r\nOther business changes affecting the May Company in the early 1990s included establishing a new Californian-based Robinson\u2019s-May division\u00a0and adding ten Hess Department Stores branches.\u00a0 The Board of Directors also opened a new Great Lakes Data Center\u00a0on the former site of O\u2019Neil\u2019s\u00a0in Sheffield Center.[footnote]Hudak, Stephen. \u201cMay Company to add 100 Jobs at Credit Card Service Center.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 22, 1995.[\/footnote] The May Company, over the next five years, expected to spend $4,600,000,000 to create 100 new retail outlets and 1,200 shoe stores.\u00a0 Officials also planned to refurbish 60 older stores.\u00a0 Net sales during the 1st Quarter of 1994 reached $2,526,000,000, while net income, over that time span, topped $112,000,000.\u00a0 Sales figures, in 1995, topped $2,697,000,000 with net income approaching $114,000,000.[footnote] \u201cCompany Earnings, May Department Stores Company.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, May 9, 1995.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe May Company and J.C. Penny Company, in 1995, both filed bids in federal bankruptcy court to purchase the Washington, D.C.-based Woodward & Lothrop\u00a0Department Store.\u00a0 Woodward & Lothrop, in January 1994, had filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11.[footnote] \u201cCompany News, New Offer is Made for Woodward and Lothrop.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, July 28, 1995.[\/footnote] Store executives sought protection in order to restructure their debt.\u00a0 The court decided otherwise.\u00a0 J.C. Penny Company, under this court mandate, secured seven of the Woodward & Lothrop branches with the remainder going to the May Company.\u00a0 The court also allowed the May Company to acquire sixteen Wanamaker stores.\u00a0 The May Company next purchased thirteen Strawbridge & Clothier\u00a0stores.\u00a0 Under this merger agreement, the May Company assumed that retailer\u2019s debt and liabilities totaling about $280,000,000.[footnote] \u201cCompany News, May in Accord to Buy Strawbridge and Clothier.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 5, 1996.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nThe mid-1990s brought on further changes.\u00a0 Divesting itself of the Payless Shoe\u00a0chain resulted in a 13% decrease in store profits for the 3rd Quarter of 1996.\u00a0 Net earnings dropped to $118,000,000 or $.44 a common share vs. $135,000,000 or $.50 a common share a year earlier.\u00a0 Store sales, on the other hand, soared to $2,860,000,000 as compared to $2,570,000,000 the previous year.[footnote] \u201cCompany Earnings, May Department Stores Company.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, November 12, 1996.[\/footnote] With net profits in 1997 exceed $12,000,000,000 stockholders acquired eleven Dillard stores and the Kansas City, MO-based Jones Department Store chain.\r\n\r\nAn unfavorable court ruling, in 1998, resulting from a lawsuit filed against the May Company, for its illegal collection of credit card payments from bankrupt customers, compelled the Board of Directors to pay 37,000 customers over $27,000,000 in damages.[footnote] \u201cMay Stores to Settle Lawsuits on Debt-Collection Tactics.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, November 3, 1998.[\/footnote] Store executives eagerly awaited the completion of Edward DeBartolo\u2019s redevelopment efforts at the Richmond Mall\u00a0in Richmond Hts., OH.\u00a0 The financial losses recently incurred at Euclid Square Mall\u00a0in Euclid, OH\u00a0encouraged officials to seek out space elsewhere.\u00a0 The new Richmond Town Square\u00a0fitted their needs, and construction began on a new Kaufmann\u2019s\u00a0store there.[footnote]Pledger, Marcia. \u201cCurtain is Raised at Renovated Mall About 30 of Richmond Town Square\u2019s 75 New or Renovated Stores are Opened.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 5, 1998. O\u2019Malley, Michael. \u201cClevelanders are Flocking to Euclid Square Mall 24 Houses of Worship are Renting Storefronts for Sunday Services, Weekday Bible Studies.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 7, 2013.[\/footnote] Board members, in 1999, approved the acquisition of Zion Cooperative Mercantile Institution (ZCMI).\u00a0 ZCMI had been a popular Utah\u00a0department store for one hundred and thirty years.\u00a0 It remained in business until 2002.\r\n\r\nThe new Millennium\u00a0signaled further store mergers and additional managerial changes.\u00a0 The May Company, in 2000, purchased David\u2019s Bridal Company\u00a0for $436,000,000.\u00a0 A buyout firm, in 2007, called Leonard Green & Partners\u00a0bought this subsidiary for $750,000,000.\u00a0 The private equity firm of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, in 2012, purchased it for $900,000,000. Board members also secured Gingiss Formal Wear.[footnote] \u201cMay Department Buying 125 Stores from Gingiss Group.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, December 30, 2003.[\/footnote] Stockholders, in 2001, appointed Eugene S. Kahn as its new President\/CEO.\u00a0 Kahn served at that post until 2005.\u00a0 The May Company board, in June 2004, approved merger plans with Marshall Fields.\u00a0 Owned by Dayton-Hudson\u00a0Company since 1990, the May Company bought Marshall Fields for a whopping $3,240,000,000 in cash.[footnote]Rozhon, Tracie. \u201cMay Stores Acquiring Marshall Field\u2019s.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, June 10, 2004.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nA reorganized Federated Department Stores, in 2003, began merger talks with the May Company.\u00a0 The new Federated chain, now with assets exceeding $4,127,000,000, emerged on February 4, 1992 from Chapter 11 protection.\u00a0 Disagreements regarding the purchase price stalled negotiations for several years.\u00a0 Finally, in 2006, an agreement with the May Company was struck.\u00a0 Under this arrangement, Federated stores issued an $11,000,000,000 stock transfer.[footnote] \u201cLos at Federated; Deals for May Company Cited.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, May 11, 2006.[\/footnote] Citi-Group then purchased Federated store\u2019s combined propriety and credit card business.\u00a0 As part of this deal, Federated officials also sold both its Lord & Taylor\u2019s\u00a0and Priscilla\u2019s of Boston.\u00a0 The May Company transferred more than four hundred stores to Macy\u2019s\u00a0and closed its credit operations in Sheffield, OH.\r\n\r\nThe decision to close its Public Square store and remove its May Company logo represented a major tactical blunder for this once popular chain. Regrettably, the \u201cnew and improved\u201d Kaufmann\u2019s\u00a0failed to excite Cleveland customers who were very comfortable with the traditional May Company.\u00a0 Most Clevelanders considered this store synonymous with locally-based retailing.\u00a0 The May Company never hesitated in promoting its hometown image even though its headquarters remained in St. Louis.\u00a0 Cleveland, a highly profitable well-run division for many years, served as a testing ground for many of its future leaders.\u00a0\u00a0 In fact, many of the upper echelon executives began their careers in the Public Square store.\u00a0 They often turned to colleagues in Cleveland for advice.\u00a0 This close connection with headquarters provided local managers with clout when it came to developing and executing national store policies.\u00a0 Add into this favorable business mix, competitive pricing and quality merchandise, and the formula for success was established.\r\n\r\nIt took a major downturn in local sales prompted in large measure by a souring economy before the Board of Directors in St. Louis began to question the value of their Cleveland stores.\u00a0 Consolidation may have seemed appropriate especially given recent sales drops and growing competition by discounters.\u00a0 In their minds, sacrificing the downtown store and the May Company name did not mean that they planned to abandon the Cleveland market, far from it.\u00a0 They firmly believed that once local customers accepted these changes they might even grow to like them.\u00a0 They were wrong.\r\n\r\nLocal shoppers felt betrayed and they made a mass exodus.\u00a0 By the time the Federated Department Stores\u00a0purchased the May Company net sales and profits had dropped by 40% from the early 1990s.\u00a0 The die had been caste.\u00a0 The new glitzy Federated chain, led by the Macy banner, did not compare with the May Company.\u00a0 Through thick and thin, the May Company had always been there, and then, in a flash, it was gone.\u00a0 Consolidation might have made perfect business sense to May Company accountants sitting in St. Louis; however, to loyal customers, living and working in Cleveland, such actions were inexcusable.\u00a0 The May Company was a friend, and a friend does not abandon other friends when times get tough.\r\n\r\nThe May Company Board of Directors should not have acted so arbitrarily.\u00a0 After all, success in retailing is based on honesty, trust and value. Long-term growth results from favorable interaction between merchants and shoppers year after year.\u00a0 Customers expect consistency and product quality. Any sudden changes on the part of the retailer may result in dire economic consequences.\u00a0 This is exactly what happened with the May Company.\u00a0 Finding itself caught in this unenviable position, store officials had two choices.\u00a0 One option encompassed following traditional business practices and riding out the economic downturn of the 1990s, the other involved initiating radical changes while hoping for the best.\u00a0 The May Company chose the latter course and paid the ultimate price, extinction as a local retailer.\r\n\r\n \r\n

Endnotes<\/p>\r\n\r\n

    \r\n \t
  1. Jeanne Abrams, \u201cDavid May,\u201d Immigration Entrepreneurship German American Business Biographies. http:www.immigrationentrepreneur.org.<\/li>\r\n \t
  2. \u201cBehind Closed Doors,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 26, 1898.<\/li>\r\n \t
  3. \u201cBig Deal Consummated,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 5, 1899.<\/li>\r\n \t
  4. \u201cTomorrow\u2019s the Last Day,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 8, 1899.<\/li>\r\n \t
  5. \u201cMcWatters Has Resigned, Severs the Connection with the Hull & Dutton Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 9, 1899.<\/li>\r\n \t
  6. \u201cMr. M.E. McGillin,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 26, 1899.<\/li>\r\n \t
  7. \u201cPassing of the Hull & Dutton Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 9, 1899.<\/li>\r\n \t
  8. \u201cA Magnificent Building, It Will Be Constructed on the Square for the May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 8, 1899.<\/li>\r\n \t
  9. \u201cThe May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 13, 1899.<\/li>\r\n \t
  10. \u201cAnnual May Sale,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 1, 1907.<\/li>\r\n \t
  11. \u201cFour Years of Steady Growth, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 31, 1904.<\/li>\r\n \t
  12. \u201cImmigrants\u2019 Pioneer Spirit Lives in 50-Years Old May Company,\u201d The Plain Dealer, October 9, 1949.<\/li>\r\n \t
  13. \u201cMme. Yale Sends Two Beauty Demonstrations from Chicago to the May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 14, 1903. For the Knights Templars, The May Company\u2019s Preparations to Accommodate Them, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 7, 1903.<\/li>\r\n \t
  14. \u201cThird Annual August Sale of Furniture,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 7, 1904.<\/li>\r\n \t
  15. \u201cFree Musicale in our New Auditorium,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 15, 1907.<\/li>\r\n \t
  16. \u201cThe May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 7, 1907.<\/li>\r\n \t
  17. \u201cThe May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 2, 1907.<\/li>\r\n \t
  18. \u201cEagle Trading Stamps,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 23, 1908.<\/li>\r\n \t
  19. \u201cFor the Best of Everything, Go to the May Company First,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 22, 1908.<\/li>\r\n \t
  20. \u201cOur Annual May Company Sale,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 10, 1908.<\/li>\r\n \t
  21. \u201cFine Overcoats and Suits,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 14, 1908.<\/li>\r\n \t
  22. \u201cMorning Specials Notice.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 23, 1909.<\/li>\r\n \t
  23. \u201cThe May Company May Sale,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 15, 1910.<\/li>\r\n \t
  24. \u201cDepartment Stores Combine, Holding Company for Western Enterprises Incorporation for $20,000,000,\u201d The New York Times, June 5, 1910.<\/li>\r\n \t
  25. \u201cMay Company to Erect Magnificent Home, Will Build $3,000,000 Sore Extending from Euclid Avenue to Prospect Avenue S.E.,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 23, 1913.<\/li>\r\n \t
  26. \u201cThe Catholic Universe,\u201d September 4, 1914.<\/li>\r\n \t
  27. \u201cThings Worth Knowing, The May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 4, 1915.<\/li>\r\n \t
  28. \u201cFirst Mortgage 6% Gold Bonds,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 2, 1915.<\/li>\r\n \t
  29. \u201cJoin One of these Classes in the Citizen\u2019s Christmas Money Club,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 30, 1916.<\/li>\r\n \t
  30. \u201cFood for Thought about Eagle Stamps,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 30, 1916.<\/li>\r\n \t
  31. \u201cMay Department Stores Stock Earns $24.92 a Share Last Year Against $15.40 in 1918,\u201d The New York Times, April 6, 1920.<\/li>\r\n \t
  32. \u201cBuy Now for Spring to Keep Up Trade,\u201d The New York Times, November 13, 1920.<\/li>\r\n \t
  33. \u201cMay Department Stores Net Profits $3,788,707 in 1921 Equivalent to $16.82 Per Share,\u201d The New York Times, March 28, 1922.<\/li>\r\n \t
  34. \u201cEarns $10.64 on $50.00 Par Common Share May Department Stores Company,\u201d The New York Times, March 24, 1925.<\/li>\r\n \t
  35. \u201cMay Stores Stock Change, New Shares to be traded for old, Two-for-One Basis,\u201d The New York Times, November 24, 1926.<\/li>\r\n \t
  36. \u201cThe May Company\u2019s Daily Shopping Bulletin,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 11, 1920.<\/li>\r\n \t
  37. \u201cMothers, A Study of the Rearing and Education of Children,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 14, 1920.<\/li>\r\n \t
  38. \u201cSociety Brand Clothes,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 30, 1921. \u201cSimplex Ironer, the Best Ironer, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 28, 1920.<\/li>\r\n \t
  39. \u201cThe May Company\u2019s Bulletin,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 12, 1922.<\/li>\r\n \t
  40. \u201cThe May Company is on McCall Street,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 2, 1920.<\/li>\r\n \t
  41. \u201cJust in Time for the Thanksgiving Holiday, Dinner and Dance Frocks,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 24, 1922.<\/li>\r\n \t
  42. \u201cIf it\u2019s a Question of which machine, Consider these Facts,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 18, 1923.<\/li>\r\n \t
  43. \u201cThe May Company\u2019s Patrons Garage Opens Tomorrow,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 21, 1925.<\/li>\r\n \t
  44. \u201cA Sale of Fine New Winter Overcoats,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 2, 1925.<\/li>\r\n \t
  45. \u201cN.L. Dauby Dies; Builder of May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 18, 1964.<\/li>\r\n \t
  46. \u201cMay Stores\u2019 Income $6,952,101 Net in 1926,\u201d The New York Times, March 23, 1927.<\/li>\r\n \t
  47. \u201cDillon Read Buys May Stores Stock,\u201d The New York Times, September 22, 1929.<\/li>\r\n \t
  48. \u201cAll Next week, See Our Style Show at Keith\u2019s Palace Theatre,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 31, 1928.<\/li>\r\n \t
  49. \u201cThe Klein Lampe Homesite Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 17, 1929.<\/li>\r\n \t
  50. \u201cOpening Monday The Spanish Room Restaurant-Tea Room,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 10, 1929.<\/li>\r\n \t
  51. \u201cFor Fall Surety Hats,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 21, 1929.<\/li>\r\n \t
  52. Lehman Brothers Collection, Contemporary Business Archives, Harvard University Business School, library.hbs.edu.<\/li>\r\n \t
  53. \u201cMaking Good Our Slogan Watch Us Grow, Ohio Largest Store Becomes Even Larger,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 19, 1931.<\/li>\r\n \t
  54. \u201cThe Homefurnishing Institute Sponsored by the May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 9, 1930. \u201cBaseball fans, Walter Johnson in Person, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 3, 1930.<\/li>\r\n \t
  55. \u201cAnnouncing Second Annual Exhibit Cleveland Artists and Sculptures,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 25, 1931. \u201cSewing Studio,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 8, 1931.<\/li>\r\n \t
  56. \u201cPaint Sale,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 3, 1931.<\/li>\r\n \t
  57. \u201cAugust Sales Vanta Baby Week,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 16, 1931.<\/li>\r\n \t
  58. \u201cYou Can Buy The Famous Frigidaire,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 8, 1934.<\/li>\r\n \t
  59. \u201cMay Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 9, 1932. \u201cProduction Sales Beginning Today,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 10, 1932.<\/li>\r\n \t
  60. \u201cThe May Company Inaugural Day Celebration Today March 4th,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 4, 1933.<\/li>\r\n \t
  61. \u201cAugust Furniture Sale, No Better Time than Now to Spend and Save,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 16, 1933.<\/li>\r\n \t
  62. \u201cWe Will Cash Checks,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 20, 1933. \u201cFriday at the May Company Beginning our Annual After-Thanksgiving Mark Down Sale,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 30, 1933. \u201cSnow Suits, $7.95,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 13, 1933.<\/li>\r\n \t
  63. \u201cAt the May Company, A Scoop for our Yarn Goods Department, Home Art Frocks cut, trimmed-Ready to Sew,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 28, 1934.<\/li>\r\n \t
  64. \u201cIt\u2019s Always May First in Cleveland,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 1, 1934.<\/li>\r\n \t
  65. \u201cMay Stores Group Clears $3,301,614,\u201d The New York Times, April 4, 1935.<\/li>\r\n \t
  66. \u201cRusseks Sales Up 21.9% in 12 Months, Increased Showings Made also by May Department Stores and Outlet Company,\u201d The New York Times, April 6, 1937.<\/li>\r\n \t
  67. \u201cDepartment Stores,\u201d The New York Times, April 27, 1938.<\/li>\r\n \t
  68. \u201cMay Stores Earn $4,402,894 in Year,\u201d The New York Times, April 3, 1940.<\/li>\r\n \t
  69. \u201cThe May Company Fashion Revue Apparel,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 20, 1935.<\/li>\r\n \t
  70. \u201cAgain, Today Six-Day Bike Race,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 9, 1935.<\/li>\r\n \t
  71. \u201cHeadquarters for Mickey Riley Perfect Swim Trunks,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 26, 1936.<\/li>\r\n \t
  72. \u201cTomorrow August 14 Will be Jubilee Day at the Great Lakes Exposition,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 13, 1937.<\/li>\r\n \t
  73. \u201cEasy to Play, Easy to Pay,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 12, 1937.<\/li>\r\n \t
  74. \u201cSpring Fabric Carnival,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 13, 1938.<\/li>\r\n \t
  75. \u201cImportance Notice, Announcing a New May Company Service Advanced Credit Coupons,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 6, 1939.<\/li>\r\n \t
  76. \u201cIntroducing America\u2019s Largest Creation in Fine Translucent China,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 21, 1940.<\/li>\r\n \t
  77. \u201cNew and Exclusive in Cleveland with the May Company Sunset Boulevard Hat Fashions,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 9, 1940. \u201cHand Painted Summer flowers Sac-de-Perl Handbags,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 17, 1940. \u201cThe May Company Announces the Opening of the New Home Planning Studio,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 4, 1940.<\/li>\r\n \t
  78. \u201cThe May Company Beauty Special in our Aladdin Shop,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 19, 1940.<\/li>\r\n \t
  79. \u201cIntroducing the New and Exclusive Beaux Arts Coats,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 9, 1941. \u201cClassic Records in Complete Albums,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 2, 1941.<\/li>\r\n \t
  80. \u201cStreamliner Slack sets Tailored by Mayfair $4.50 a Set,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 19, 1941.<\/li>\r\n \t
  81. \u201cU.S. Defense Stamps Are on Sale at the May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 12, 1942.<\/li>\r\n \t
  82. \u201cThe May Company, This is Women at War Week,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 23, 1942.<\/li>\r\n \t
  83. \u201cNotice to All Men, Women and Children Who Wish to Buy Shoes,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 2, 1943.<\/li>\r\n \t
  84. \u201cAdvanced Information to an Inquiring Public: Yes We Will Have May Day,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 29, 1943.<\/li>\r\n \t
  85. \u201cPrelude to the Fourth War Loan, Tribute to the Unconquerables, Norway Day,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 14, 1944.<\/li>\r\n \t
  86. \u201cAffiliated Retailers, Incorporated, Formed by Macy & Company and May Stores,\u201d The New York Times, August 22, 1944.<\/li>\r\n \t
  87. \u201cMay Stores Stock Offered at $103.50,\u201d The New York Times, April 10, 1945.<\/li>\r\n \t
  88. \u201cDividends, Profits for May Stores Company,\u201d The New York Times, May 4, 1945.<\/li>\r\n \t
  89. \u201cMay Widens Its Holdings, Substantial Minority Interests is Taken in Cleveland Store, \u201cThe New York Times, April 4, 1945.<\/li>\r\n \t
  90. \u201cMay Stores Incorporated, and Kaufmann\u2019s Announce Plans for a Merger,\u201d The New York Times, July 7, 1946.<\/li>\r\n \t
  91. \u201cThe May Company\u2019s Newly Enlarged Modernized Record Department,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 25, 1945.<\/li>\r\n \t
  92. \u201cLoop Bus Service To and From The May Company Garage Begins Tuesday, September 4th,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 3, 1945.<\/li>\r\n \t
  93. \u201cVanta Baby Week,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 5, 1947.<\/li>\r\n \t
  94. \u201cThe May Company Proudly Presents the most Versatile, Usable Sectional Furniture to date Mengel Module,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 25, 1947.<\/li>\r\n \t
  95. \u201cThis is Beauty Serenade Week at May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 27, 1949.<\/li>\r\n \t
  96. \u201cHighest Quality Appliances at September-Low Prices,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 11, 1949. \u201cFirst in Cleveland at the May Company Five-Room Colonial Doll House,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 2, 1949.<\/li>\r\n \t
  97. \u201cScoop First in Cleveland Big Picture TV at a small price Admiral TV Combination,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 7, 1948. \u201cMay Company Peggy Angora Beret,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 13, 1949.<\/li>\r\n \t
  98. \u201cMay Stores Sales Increase $20,722,480 Net is $7,680,039 in Record $202,449,639,\u201d The New York Times, May 1, 1946.<\/li>\r\n \t
  99. \u201cT.S. Martin Sold to May Company,\u201d The New York Times, January 1, 1949.<\/li>\r\n \t
  100. \u201cMay Stores\u2019 Sales Off in Half-Years,\u201d The New York Times, September 26, 1949.<\/li>\r\n \t
  101. \u201cPresenting the Provincial Stromberg Carlson\u2019s Newest 1950,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 19, 1950.<\/li>\r\n \t
  102. \u201cThe May Company Pat Hartley\u2019s Heart Beat a Junior\u2019s Delight,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 5, 1950.<\/li>\r\n \t
  103. \u201cBe Sure to Visit the May Company\u2019s All Ohio Sports and Outdoor Show,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 5, 1950.<\/li>\r\n \t
  104. \u201cSimmons, Self-Adjusting Spring $49.50,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 3, 1950.<\/li>\r\n \t
  105. \u201cM. Roget is Here Famous Hairstylists from Helena Rubinstein\u2019s New York Salon,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 22, 1950. \u201cYour Invited to Meet Ernestine Gilbreth Cary,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 29, 1950.<\/li>\r\n \t
  106. \u201cThe May Company Fabric Department Presents Arthur Murray Dancers in a Musical Fashion Show,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 7, 1951.<\/li>\r\n \t
  107. \u201cRent a Piano,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 15, 1951.<\/li>\r\n \t
  108. \u201cPepperell Electric Blankets $25.00,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 14, 1951. \u201cSale Ripple Edge Nylon Curtains,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 7, 1951.<\/li>\r\n \t
  109. \u201cExclusive at the May Company \u2013 The TV Blouse,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 14, 1952.<\/li>\r\n \t
  110. \u201cExclusively at the May Company, Seven-Volume Modern American Encyclopedia Set,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 21, 1952.<\/li>\r\n \t
  111. \u201cSpirit of Holiday Gets Early Start, Parties Around the Clock Keep City Bustling,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 23, 1952.<\/li>\r\n \t
  112. \u201cFine American Tourister Luggage at Big Savings,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 22, 1953.<\/li>\r\n \t
  113. \u201cAmateur Camera Fans Enter the Hieland Research Photo Contest,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 15, 1953. \u201cEat, The Mayfair Room,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 15, 1953.<\/li>\r\n \t
  114. \u201cCleveland Greatest Clothing Value Scottsdale Suits,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 22, 1953. \u201cHickok Christmas Gift Shop Presents the Greatest Gift Show on Earth, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 13, 1953.<\/li>\r\n \t
  115. May Department Stores\u2019 Net in Half Year Is Placed at $4,220,000 or $.62 a share,\u201d The New York Times, September 21, 1953.<\/li>\r\n \t
  116. \u201cMay Stores Show 19.3% Dip in Profit,\u201d The New York Times, December 4, 1954.<\/li>\r\n \t
  117. \u201cThree Big Shopping Center Costing $18,200,000 to Open,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 6, 1954. \u201cSheffield Center Opening Today,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 1, 1954.<\/li>\r\n \t
  118. \u201cWhy Buy Stocks? The May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 16, 1954.<\/li>\r\n \t
  119. \u201cMay Stores Files A $25,000,000 Issue,\u201d The New York Times, February 10, 1955. \u201cThree New Issues on Market Today,\u201d The New York Times, March 1, 1955.<\/li>\r\n \t
  120. \u201cChain Lifts Sales 8.7% for Quarter,\u201d The New York Times, June 1, 1955.<\/li>\r\n \t
  121. \u201cEat Better for Less with the New and Dependable Freezer Food Service Program,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 12, 1954.<\/li>\r\n \t
  122. \u201cShe Works in Cleveland,\u201d Charm Magazine, February 1955.<\/li>\r\n \t
  123. \u201cPremier Showing of the New White Automatic,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 20, 1955. \u201cWallpaper Demonstration,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 10, 1955.<\/li>\r\n \t
  124. \u201cChristian Dior Stockings Exclusively at May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 11, 1955.<\/li>\r\n \t
  125. \u201cExclusive at May Company\u2026Decorator Pictures,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 19, 1956. \u201cThe May Company Midwest Preview of the brand New Lady Ronson Electric Shaver,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 2, 1956.<\/li>\r\n \t
  126. \u201cMay Stores Lift Sales and Profits, Figures for Latest Quarter and Nine Months Surpass Those of \u201955 Periods,\u201d The New York Times, December 7, 1956.<\/li>\r\n \t
  127. \u201cMay Department Stores, First Quarter Profits Raised to a $.40 a share from $.36,\u201d The New York Times, June 15, 1957.<\/li>\r\n \t
  128. \u201cMonkey Business for Ginger, Zippy and You,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 17, 1957. \u201cNow at the May Company the Romantic New Ballard Pattern in Oneida Community Silverplate,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 2, 1957. \u201cExclusive at May\u2019s Carloads Sale, Special Savings on 1957 Deluxe Speed Queen Washers, $119.95,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 22, 1957.<\/li>\r\n \t
  129. \u201cEven the Air is Modern at the New May Company Store Comfort-Conditioned by Gas,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 1, 1957.<\/li>\r\n \t
  130. \u201cThe May Company Tire Sale,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 10, 1957. \u201cCome to the May Company, Berkshire Fashion Show,\u201d The Plain Dealer, April 18. 1958.<\/li>\r\n \t
  131. \u201cStore Merger Set By May and Hecht,\u201d The New York Times, October 15, 1958.<\/li>\r\n \t
  132. \u201cMay Company Bows to Decree,\u201d The New York Times, June 29, 1959.<\/li>\r\n \t
  133. \u201cMay\u2019s Store is Rising in Parmatown,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 27, 1960. Mary Hirschfeld, \u201cThird Store in May Group Serving Greater Cleveland,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 28, 1960.<\/li>\r\n \t
  134. \u201cThe May Company Has a Credit Plan to Meet your Every Budget Need,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 25, 1959.<\/li>\r\n \t
  135. \u201cExecutive is Elevated By the May Stores Company,\u201d The New York Times, March 15, 1960.<\/li>\r\n \t
  136. \u201cObituaries, Sam Rosenberg, Retired May Company Manager,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 26, 1977.<\/li>\r\n \t
  137. J.C. Daschbach, \u201cTrial of May\u2019s and Finegan is Due to Open,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 12, 1961.<\/li>\r\n \t
  138. Anthony J. Disantis, \u201cMay Company\u2019s Employees Turn Down Unions in Balloting,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 29, 1960.<\/li>\r\n \t
  139. \u201cMay Stores Company,\u201d The New York Times, April 27, 1962.<\/li>\r\n \t
  140. \u201cOne Door Closes Another Opens Wide With Welcome as Taylor\u2019s Comes to May\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 17, 1961.<\/li>\r\n \t
  141. Clare M. Reckert, \u201cContinental Can Adds to Dividends,\u201d The New York Times, April 24, 1963.<\/li>\r\n \t
  142. \u201cFifty-Five Stores Comprise May Company\u2019s Network,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 19, 1964.<\/li>\r\n \t
  143. \u201cMay Stores to Form Separate Realty Firm,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 16, 1962.<\/li>\r\n \t
  144. \u201cNow Four Great Tire Centers to Serve You,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 22, 1964.<\/li>\r\n \t
  145. \u201cMays Opening April 22, Western Reserve is Store Motif,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 11, 1964.<\/li>\r\n \t
  146. \u201cTent Sale Starts Today,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 8, 1962.<\/li>\r\n \t
  147. \u201cShop May\u2019s Today, May\u2019s New Parkade Opens Today, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 23, 1964.<\/li>\r\n \t
  148. \u201cProfits at Peak For May Stores, Earnings Rise to $5,094,000,\u201d The New York Times, May 19, 1964.<\/li>\r\n \t
  149. \u201cMay Company Completes Its Bid for Control of Meier and Frank,\u201d The New York Times, April 27, 1965.<\/li>\r\n \t
  150. \u201cSale Robanne Watches for all the Family,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 11, 1965. \u201cIrish Linen Hankies with her Initials,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 28, 1965.<\/li>\r\n \t
  151. \u201cMay\u2019s New Street Floor Your Passport to Fashion,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 12, 1965.<\/li>\r\n \t
  152. \u201cChandelier Is Eye Catcher,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 5, 1965.<\/li>\r\n \t
  153. \u201cFairlawn Gets Preview of Nee Shopping Center,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 27, 1965.<\/li>\r\n \t
  154. \u201cOriental Bazaars,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 24, 1966.<\/li>\r\n \t
  155. \u201cDiscover the Magic of Christmas at A Wonderful World of Gifts,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 1, 1965.<\/li>\r\n \t
  156. \u201cRunning Out of Hobbies?\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 7, 1966.<\/li>\r\n \t
  157. \u201cMay Stores Sets Earnings Records,\u201d The New York Times, November 17, 1965.<\/li>\r\n \t
  158. \u201cProfits Decline for May Stores, But Volume for Fiscal 1966 Reaches Record Level\u201d The New York Times, April 7, 1967. Leonard Sloane, \u201cMay Stores\u2019 Meeting Dominated by Wrangling Over Accountants,\u201d The New York Times, June 9, 1967.<\/li>\r\n \t
  159. Michael Kelly, \u201cMay Company Ends Charga-Plate Link,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 16, 1966.<\/li>\r\n \t
  160. Isadore Barmash, \u201cMay Chain Stresses Excitement and Agility,\u201d The New York Times, July 4, 1968.<\/li>\r\n \t
  161. \u201cWalsh Is Names by May Stores,\u201d The New York Times, April 18, 1967.<\/li>\r\n \t
  162. John Kashar, \u201cAkron Battles Heart Decay,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 7, 1965.<\/li>\r\n \t
  163. \u201cMay Department Stores Net Slips,\u201d The New York Times, November 18, 1967.<\/li>\r\n \t
  164. \u201cSales at May Company Surge,\u201d The New York Times, January 25, 1968.<\/li>\r\n \t
  165. \u201cWhy Isn\u2019t Johnny Ready for School Now, His Mother Doesn\u2019t Have May\u2019s Charge Card Yet,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 25, 1968.<\/li>\r\n \t
  166. \u201cMay Company Profits Dip on Record Sales,\u201d The New York Times, April 8, 1969. Clare M. Reckert, \u201cSome Retail-Chain Profits Dip,\u201d The New York Times, November 21, 1969.<\/li>\r\n \t
  167. Paul F. Colebrook Jr., \u201cEaves Dropping Mobilizers Move,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 10, 1969.<\/li>\r\n \t
  168. \u201cCoy Moves Up,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 8, 1971.<\/li>\r\n \t
  169. \u201cHoliday Dollars Another Good Reason to Have a May Company Charge Account,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 19, 1972.<\/li>\r\n \t
  170. Clare M. Reckert, \u201cThree Retail Chains Increase Profits Sharply; Other Companies Report Earnings,\u201d The New York Times, November 16, 1972.<\/li>\r\n \t
  171. Clare M. Reckert, \u201cMay Stores Registers Record Earnings and Volume,\u201d The New York Times, August 23, 1974.<\/li>\r\n \t
  172. Clare M. Reckert, \u201cThree Store Chains Show Profit Drops,\u201d The New York Times, November 20, 1974.<\/li>\r\n \t
  173. Michael Kelly, \u201cNau to Take May Company Helm Here,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 18, 1976.<\/li>\r\n \t
  174. Clare M. Reckert, \u201cPenny Net Down; Federated and May Show Profit Gains,\u201d The New York Times, August 20, 1975.<\/li>\r\n \t
  175. \u201cDesigned from Inside Out, D\u00e9cor Important in New May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 8, 1976.<\/li>\r\n \t
  176. \u201cMay Company to be Fashion Leader at Euclid Square,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 1, 1977.<\/li>\r\n \t
  177. \u201cYou Will Stop Smoking on October 22nd, Calmly and Comfortably,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 4, 1975.<\/li>\r\n \t
  178. \u201cLabor Day Weekend, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 4, 1977.<\/li>\r\n \t
  179. Clare M. Reckert, \u201cDepartment Store Chains Show Sharp Profit Rise,\u201d The New York Times, November 17, 1977.<\/li>\r\n \t
  180. \u201cEarnings, Allied Stores Profit Off 37.9% in October,\u201d The New York Times, May 22, 1980.<\/li>\r\n \t
  181. \u201cSee the Superhero at the May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 9, 1979. \u201cWhat\u2019s Happening at the May Company, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 26, 1979. \u201cWhat\u2019s Happening at the May Company, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 23, 1979.<\/li>\r\n \t
  182. \u201cEarnings, Allied Stores Profit Off 37.9% in October.\u201d<\/li>\r\n \t
  183. Isadore Barmash, \u201cMay and Prudential in Venture,\u201d The New York Times, December 23, 1980.<\/li>\r\n \t
  184. Phillip H. Wiggins, \u201cFederated Stores\u2019 Net Up 53.6% May, Allied, Dayton Also Gain,\u201d The New York Times, May 21, 1981.<\/li>\r\n \t
  185. \u201cNew at the May Company Strawberry Shortcake Shop,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 1, 1981.<\/li>\r\n \t
  186. Lindsey Gruson, \u201cMorton D. May Dies in St. Louis; Headed Department Store Chain,\u201d The New York Times, April 14, 1983.<\/li>\r\n \t
  187. Marcus Gleisser, \u201cNation Sees Sun but Ohio Outlook Remains Cloudy,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 29, 1984.<\/li>\r\n \t
  188. Isadore Barmash, \u201cMarket Place, Power Cited in Retailers,\u201d The New York Times, April 24, 1984.<\/li>\r\n \t
  189. Isadore Barmash, \u201cMarket Place, May Stores As a Target,\u201d The New York Times, July 20, 1984.<\/li>\r\n \t
  190. Eric Schmitt, \u201cMay Stores Seeks Associated Chain,\u201d The New York Times, June 23, 1986.<\/li>\r\n \t
  191. \u201cFederated\u2019s Net Rises 11% May\u2019s Is Up 9%,\u201d The New York Times, March 19, 1987.<\/li>\r\n \t
  192. Isadore Barmash, \u201cMarket Place, For May Stores Reason to Grow,\u201d The New York Times, August 2, 1988.<\/li>\r\n \t
  193. Isadore Barmash, \u201cMay Stores to Sell Its Caldor Unit,\u201d The New York Times, October 12, 1989.<\/li>\r\n \t
  194. \u201cMay Stores Up; Macy has Loss,\u201d The New York Times, November 11, 1988.<\/li>\r\n \t
  195. \u201cKaufmann\u2019s Replacing May Company On Store Signs,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 28, 1993.<\/li>\r\n \t
  196. Miriam Hill, \u201cIt Won\u2019t Seem Like Cleveland Anymore,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 17, 1992.<\/li>\r\n \t
  197. Bill Lubinger, \u201cDowntown May Company Loses Buyer Solon Firm Drops Plans to Rebuild Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 10, 1995. Bill Lubinger, \u201cMay Company Building Downtown May Be Renovated as a Hotel,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 1, 1998. Bill Lubinger, \u201cAuto Museum Considering Downtown Sites More Storage, Exhibit Space Needed for Historic Showplaces,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 24, 1999.<\/li>\r\n \t
  198. Michelle Jarboe, \u201cRestaurant Club for May Company Site Cadillac Ranch,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 2, 2008. Janet Okobeu, \u201cTri-C to Open Culinary Center in old May Company Building,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 28, 2009.<\/li>\r\n \t
  199. Stephen Hudak, \u201cMay Company to add 100 Jobs at Credit Card Service Center,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 22, 1995.<\/li>\r\n \t
  200. \u201cCompany Earnings, May Department Stores Company,\u201d The New York Times, May 9, 1995<\/li>\r\n \t
  201. \u201cCompany News, New Offer is Made for Woodward and Lothrop,\u201d The New York Times, July 28, 1995.<\/li>\r\n \t
  202. \u201cCompany News, May in Accord to Buy Strawbridge and Clothier,\u201d The New York Times, April 5, 1996.<\/li>\r\n \t
  203. \u201cCompany Earnings, May Department Stores Company,\u201d The New York Times, November 12, 1996.<\/li>\r\n \t
  204. \u201cMay Stores to Settle Lawsuits on Debt-Collection Tactics,\u201d The New York Times, November 3, 1998.<\/li>\r\n \t
  205. Marcia Pledger, \u201cCurtain is Raised at Renovated Mall About 30 of Richmond Town Square\u2019s 75 New or Renovated Stores are Opened,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 5, 1998. Michael O\u2019Malley, \u201cClevelanders are Flocking to Euclid Square Mall 24 Houses of Worship are Renting Storefronts for Sunday Services, Weekday Bible Studies,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 7, 2013.<\/li>\r\n \t
  206. \u201cMay Department Buying 125 Stores from Gingiss Group,\u201d The New York Times, December 30, 2003.<\/li>\r\n \t
  207. Tracie Rozhon,\u201dMay Stores Acquiring Marshall Field\u2019s,\u201d The New York Times, June 10, 2004.<\/li>\r\n \t
  208. \u201cLos at Federated; Deals for May Company Cited,\u201d The New York Times, May 11, 2006.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>","rendered":"

    The May Company was the last major department store to locate in downtown Cleveland.\u00a0 Founded in 1877 in Leadville, CO\u00a0by David May\u00a0(1838-1927) and his brother-in-law Moses Shoenberg\u00a0and originally known as May, Holcomb & Dean, this retail establishment grew very quickly.\u00a0 It sold large quantities of Levi jeans to the local miners.\u00a0 Early financial success prompted David May, in 1878, to open a second store called The Great Western Auction House & Clothing.[1]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 He moved his headquarters, in 1888, from Leadville, CO to Denver, CO.<\/p>\n

    This enterprising retailer did not stop there.\u00a0 David May, in 1892, bought Famous Department Store\u00a0in St. Louis, MO.\u00a0 That purchase put him into the big leagues.\u00a0 St. Louis was one of the fastest growing cities at the turn of the last century, and Famous Department Store had played a major role in that community\u2019s expanding retail sector.\u00a0 David May, in 1905, relocated his headquarters there.<\/p>\n

    David May\u00a0unlike many other downtown Cleveland retailers was not native to Cleveland.\u00a0 He grew up in Cincinnati, OH\u00a0before moving west for health issues.\u00a0 Therefore, such things as family pressure or nostalgia played no role in his final decision to locate in Cleveland.\u00a0 It was purely a business decision.\u00a0 Cleveland\u2019s phenomenal growth, during the second half of the 19th century, in conjunction with that city\u2019s expanding and lucrative local retail market more than anything prompted his move.\u00a0 David May\u2019s business plan focused on finding the best possible retail markets throughout the country, and then establishing large department stores in those areas.\u00a0 Cleveland represented one of the fastest growing markets at the turn of the 20th century and David May\u00a0wanted to be a part of it.\u00a0 Therefore, he and his brother-in-law Colonel Louis Beaumont\u00a0waited for the right opportunity to enter the Cleveland market.\u00a0 It came with a bang in 1899.<\/p>\n

    A well-established Cleveland department store called E.R. Hull & Dutton Company\u00a0had fallen into hard economic times.\u00a0 High inventories\u00a0and mounting debt forced its-owners to liquidate their merchandise and negotiate a buyout.\u00a0 Edward R. Hull\u00a0and William F. Dutton, during the summer of 1898, had met with officials from the May Company to discuss merger.\u00a0 However, the two parties failed to reach an agreement.\u00a0 Apparently, Hull and Dutton believed that their current financial crisis was temporary, and that their new reorganization plan would remedy it.\u00a0 They were wrong.[2]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    Increased sales that autumn ending in a profitable Christmas season may have lessened their debt; but, it was not the cure-all.\u00a0 Hull and Dutton, recognizing the problem, reinitiated negotiations.\u00a0 This time negotiations went smoothly, and on February 4. 1899 the two concerns merged.[3]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 This $300,000 merger package not only introduced the May Company to an eager customer-base in Cleveland; but also, provided much needed capital to expand operations.[4]<\/sup><\/a> In addition, the May Company\u2019s worldwide retail connections broadened its purchasing power without significantly increasing customer prices.<\/p>\n

    For the next several months everything appeared much the same.\u00a0 Even the store\u2019s original name remained.\u00a0 However, the new management team was working diligently behind the scenes.\u00a0 Hull & Dutton\u2019s General Manager John C. McWatters, in February 1899, resigned his post.[5]<\/sup><\/a> S.E. Graves soon followed.\u00a0 Both businessmen established their own clothiers.\u00a0 Graves later merged with the larger McWatters & Dolan.\u00a0 Officials hired E.M. McGillin\u00a0to replace John McWatters.<\/p>\n

    An established and respected Cleveland merchant, McGillin operated several departments.\u00a0 Henry Curtin\u00a0of St. Louis became the new head of advertising.[6]<\/sup><\/a> David May\u00a0made it very clear from the outset that his managers, unlike other, less experienced retailers, \u201cstudy the fashions and the economy with a determination to give its patrons the best prices that are a welcome release from extravagance.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hull & Dutton held a special clearance sale that summer followed by \u201cA Change of Firm\u00a0Sale\u201d that autumn.\u00a0 E.R. Hull & Dutton Company\u00a0disappeared after these sales.[7]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    This new downtown department store had not only purchased the entire Hull & Dutton stock; but also, sold its merchandise at the lowest possible price.\u00a0 Nothing was left to chance.\u00a0 However, David May\u00a0recognized that it would take much more than low prices to bring the crowds downtown.\u00a0 He must also develop a loyal customer-base quickly.\u00a0 The May Company board determined that one of the surest ways to guarantee success was to hire Clevelanders for as many high profile jobs as possible.\u00a0 Store officials also believed that offering affordable, high quality merchandise from both U.S. and Europe markets would insure repeat business.\u00a0 They were correct on both accounts.<\/p>\n

    The Board of Directors, in July 1899, demolished the store\u2019s annex and replaced it with a modern eight-story retail facility.\u00a0 Designed by the Cleveland architectural firm of Knox and Elliot, this semi-fireproof structure noted for its decorative terra-cotta veneer and large plate glass windows cost $35,000.[8]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 It opened on December 1, 1899 to great fanfare.\u00a0 The store\u2019s continued success led board members, in 1907, to refurbish a nearby Euclid Avenue building that once housed William Taylor\u00a0Son & Company.\u00a0 This $75,000 renovation effort provided customers a weather-enclosed connecter linking Euclid and Prospect avenues.<\/p>\n

    Claiming to be \u201cthe largest retail store in Ohio,\u201d the May Company, in 1900, carried a wide selection of merchandise ranging from fashionable women\u2019s hats, various perfumes, fur coats and special notions to top quality men\u2019s suits, ladies corsets, soft leather shoes and infant clothing.[9]<\/sup><\/a> Store officials also introduced a new bargain counter.\u00a0 It featured seal, grain calf, and alligator belts and wallets.\u00a0 The May Company\u2019s expanded toy department included magnetic tops, tool chests, toy trucks and metal soldiers.<\/p>\n

    The public not only appreciated the high quality merchandise, but also, its fair prices and expert salesmanship.\u00a0 Its optimistic advertising staff, in 1899, adopted a new catchy slogan \u201cWatch Us Grow.\u201d[10]<\/sup><\/a> It remained popular for years.\u00a0 The board, wanting its staff to be both healthy and productive, created an employee benefit society.\u00a0 This organization, known as the Mutual Benefit Association, allotted members up to $6.00 a week for illnesses and $100 in death benefits.\u00a0 It also sponsored popular social gatherings, sporting events, dances and summer picnics.[11]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    The May Company led others in providing a full range of valuable new customer services.\u00a0 For example, as early as 1901 it offered free home delivery.\u00a0 Its board, in 1904, also built an indoor playground that accommodated up to 250 children.[12]<\/sup><\/a> It featured toy train rides and a very popular Merry-Go-Round.\u00a0 Other retail firsts included such things as cosmetic demonstrations by the Chicago-based \u201cTemple of Beauty\u201d and a designated \u201cvisitor\u2019s space\u201d for conventioneers.[13]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 As important as these firsts were in establishing the May Company as a major force in downtown retailing, they were not the only things gaining the public\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

    The store\u2019s many fantastic sales really impressed Cleveland\u2019s buying public.\u00a0 Hardly a week went by without one.\u00a0 They ranged from furniture clearances and lace\/embroidery extravagances to kitchen appliance give-a-ways and sales on durable trousers.\u00a0 Annual events such as the February Furniture Sale\u00a0and the Great May Sale\u00a0brought thousands downtown.[14]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 January White Sales, Spring Fashion Sales, Silk Sales\u00a0and Furs Sales provided an excellent way to sell-off slow moving merchandise.<\/p>\n

    Other local retailers may have offered sales, but not with the finesse and flair of the May Company.\u00a0 This retailer knew how to do things right.\u00a0 The May Company\u2019s extensive buying power and worldwide distribution\u00a0network enabled store executives to offer items not readily found elsewhere.\u00a0\u00a0 For example, this retailer served as the sole agent for Knabe \u201cMignon\u201d Grand Piano Company.\u00a0 It also specialized in French style women\u2019s dress coats, men\u2019s silk dinner jackets and close-cropped knit underwear.\u00a0 The May Company prided itself on offering the best in hand-woven Persian rugs\u00a0and colorful Indian throw-rugs.<\/p>\n

    The store\u2019s new installment plan, with no down payment and zero interest, enabled many qualified customers to purchase expensive new items such as phonographs with accompanying records and cylinders.\u00a0 Free musical concerts featuring Marguerite Clerx-Winter\u00a0a Soprano, Edwin Douglass\u00a0a Baritone and Isador Weiss\u00a0a violinist further heightened the customer\u2019s shopping experience.[15]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Not to be outdone by others, the May Company, in 1907, began carrying auto accessories.\u00a0 They ranged from Diamond, Goodrich and Gilbert tires and Presto-lite gas tanks\u00a0to Columbia dry batteries and soft leather driving gloves.[16]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 This store also featured bargain towels and sheets at its Prospect Avenue entrance.<\/p>\n

    The May Company\u2019s profits soared during the first decade of the 20th century.\u00a0 One early sales promotion became a mainstay for this store.\u00a0 The May Company, in February 1908, started offering Eagle Stamps\u00a0for all purchases.[17]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Shoppers received blank stamp books and a certain number of stamps, each visit, based on the cost of the item or items they bought.\u00a0 They simply licked the back of the stamps and placed them in the book.\u00a0 Once they collected enough stamps to fill a book ($3.00 to $5.00 in value) then they would trade in the book for valuable merchandise.[18]<\/sup><\/a> Store officials claimed that shoppers saved an average of 3% on all items bought.\u00a0 This retailer continued to give away Eagle Stamps until the 1990s.\u00a0 At its height in the mid-1970s, over 70% of Cleveland households saved them.<\/p>\n

    The store\u2019s advertising department, in 1908, coined another catch phrase, \u201cFor the Best of Everything-Go to May Company First.\u201d[19]<\/sup><\/a> Officials soon expanded their merchandise lines to include such things as efficient gas-powered stoves along with Valspar\u00a0paints and wallpapers.\u00a0 They also offered cooking lessons.[20]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 The May Company prided itself on its many art exhibitions that included a rare oil painting entitled \u201cBattle of Gettysburg\u201d which was worth $100,000.\u00a0[21]<\/sup><\/a> \u00a0Other magnificent paintings by David Lithgow\u00a0and Herbert de Mareau also gained public attention.\u00a0 The May Company restaurant not only stayed open later on Saturdays, but also, served a variety of popular dishes at reasonable prices.<\/p>\n

    Board members, in 1909, wanting to increase store sales before Noon, adopted a new sales strategy called \u201cEarly Morning Specials.\u201d[22]<\/sup><\/a> Local newspaper advertisements\u00a0promoted these morning specials by emphasizing the store\u2019s extensive buying power, and how that enabled them to sell the best quality merchandise at a low cost.\u00a0 The success of \u201cEarly Morning Specials\u201d convinced store officials to extend it through the lunch hour.\u00a0 Renamed \u201cUntil Noon Specials,\u201d those purchasing merchandise then were eligible for a special installment plan not offered during peak hours.[23]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    The May Company\u2019s financial picture brightened considerably when its Board of Director, in 1910, announced its incorporation in the State of New York.\u00a0 Two high-profile, New York brokerage firms Goldman, Sachs & Company\u00a0and Lehman Brothers\u00a0underwrote it.[24]<\/sup><\/a> Its capitalization breakdown was as follows: $15,000,000 in common stocks and $5,000,000 in preferred stocks.\u00a0 Under this financial arrangement, common stockholders received dividends up to 4% after the payment of 7% in cumulative dividends to preferred stockholders\u00a0and the accumulation of a $250,000 surplus.\u00a0 Common stock dividends may exceed the 4% maximum line, but only when the company\u2019s surplus attained $1,000,000.\u00a0 The State of New York and organizational taxes required $10,000.<\/p>\n

    National brokerage firms, at the beginning of the 20th century, considered the May Company to be a good, solid investment.\u00a0 Store profits soared from $712,899 in 1906 to $1,271,727 by 1910.\u00a0 Preferred stocks, in 1910, paid 7% dividends.\u00a0 The New York Stock Exchange, in 1911, listed the May Company.\u00a0 The store\u2019s Board of Directors, that same year, purchased the St. Louis based-retailer William Barr Dry Goods.\u00a0 This led to the establishment of the Famous-Barr Company.\u00a0 May Company sales in 1912 topped at $14,800,000 with net profits exceeding $1,500,000.\u00a0 Stockholders, that same year, approved the $1,000,000 acquisition of the Akron-based O\u2019Neil\u2019s\u00a0Department Store.\u00a0 Founded in 1877 by Michael O\u2019Neil\u00a0and Isaac Dyas, O\u2019Neil\u2019s\u00a0was known for its extravagant Christmas displays.\u00a0 That merger enabled the May Company to expand into the Akron-Canton retail market.\u00a0 Store officials continued to use the O\u2019Neil name into the 1980s.<\/p>\n

    One of the biggest Cleveland news stories of 1913 involved May Company expansion plans.\u00a0 The store\u2019s General Manager Nathan L. Dauby\u00a0(1873-1964), in March, announced that the Board of Directors had approved plans to erect a new, $3,000,000 department store that would extend from Public Square to Prospect Avenue.[25]<\/sup><\/a> Designed by the Chicago architectural firm of D.H. Burnham, this 1,080,700 square foot, terra-cotta clad structure not only included the current May Company premises, but also, the adjacent Winslow Block.\u00a0 The Winslow Block formerly housed another popular retail concern called Crow & Whitmarsh.<\/p>\n

    The new fireproof superblock featured a large dining room, modern rest rooms, library, showers, baths and gymnasium.\u00a0 In order to defray the costs resulting from recent acquisitions and construction, the May Company, in 1915, under the auspices of the Chicago brokerage firm of Greenbaum Sons, issued First Mortgage 6% Gold Bonds.\u00a0 They ranged anywhere from $500 to $1,000.\u00a0 Rents collected from May Company stores served as collateral.<\/p>\n

    The May Company scored a number of first during the First World War.\u00a0 They included such things as an electric vacuum called the \u201cMary Jane;\u201d $.39 novels in its bookstore, $.89 framed portraits of either Pope Pius X\u00a0or Pope Benedict XV\u00a0and travel reimbursement for customers who lived within a 100 mile radius of the store.[26]<\/sup><\/a> Shoppers also enjoyed a new indoor driving range and professional putting greens.\u00a0 Thrifty female customers loved the store\u2019s expanded millinery department.\u00a0 Free eye examination; amateur tennis matches, art exhibits and practical use of charcoal and crayons in drawing also gained the public\u2019s attention.\u00a0 The introduction of a branch of the U.S. Post Office\u00a0made the sending of gifts and cards so easy.[27]<\/sup><\/a> Free Christmas gift wrapping also appealed to many shoppers.<\/p>\n

    Board members, in 1915, secured 6% Gold bonds in denominations of $500 and $1,000.\u00a0 The store\u2019s total assets were $27,000,000.[28]<\/sup><\/a> Officials, the following year, introduced the Citizen\u2019s Christmas Money Club. Customers, at the end of each December, determined how much they wanted to spend on Christmas gifts the following year.\u00a0 They then opened an account with Citizen\u2019s Savings & Trust Company\u00a0and started to deposit funds on a weekly basis.\u00a0 Those reaching their pre-determined goal, through regular deposits over the next 50-weeks, not only received a check from Citizen\u2019s Savings for the full amount earned, but also, 4% in interest.[29]<\/sup><\/a> Customers loved it.<\/p>\n

    Hoping to stimulate greater interest in Eagle Stamps, store executives, in November 1916, ran full page advertisements\u00a0in the local dailies promoting its many advantages.\u00a0 These advertisements reminded those customers who paid their utilities on or before the 10th of the month at the May Company, that they qualified for a small discount on their monthly bills, and that they should consider taking that discount in the form of Eagle Stamps.\u00a0 Officials also encouraged parents to purchase their children\u2019s school books at the May Company.\u00a0 It represented an excellent way to receive additional stamps.[30]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    The 1920s represented a period of tremendous growth for this highly enterprising department store.\u00a0 Net profits for the 4th quarter of 1919 stood at $4,198,104 equal to $24.92 a common share.\u00a0 Its income that year reached $7,848,104 as compared to $5,848,104 at the end of 1918.\u00a0 The store\u2019s inventory jumped to $10,253,908 from $6,018,123, while accounts payable climbed from $831,951 to $3,208,781.\u00a0 The store\u2019s total surplus in 1919 was $13,578,361 as compared to $10,788,371 the previous year.\u00a0 Annual stock dividends also increased from 7% to 8%.[31]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    Part of the store\u2019s success resulted from its new buying policy.\u00a0 Store buyers purchased merchandise for the next spring the previous autumn.[32]<\/sup><\/a> This action eliminated the possibly of price hikes closer to the season.\u00a0 It also provided them room for negotiations.\u00a0 That strategy apparently paid-off well, as profits continued to grow.\u00a0 Gross assets for 1921 topped $58,981,639.\u00a0 Its net profit that year was $3,788,707 equal to $16.82 a common share.[33]<\/sup><\/a> That favorable balance continued over the next several years.\u00a0 May Company assets in 1925 topped $32,205,492, while its liabilities were only $7,778,236.[34]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    In order to capitalize on their latest financial windfall, stockholders in 1926 approved a 2-for-1 stock split whereby 520,000 shares of common stock value at $55.00 a share were exchanged for 1,200,000 in newly issued common stock.\u00a0 The new stock was valued at $25.00 a share.[35]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 The board held the remaining stock for employees, and set a date of April 1, 1927 to redeem preferred stock at $125 a share.\u00a0 Its $4,200,000 acquisition, in 1923, of Los Angeles-based A. Hamburger & Sons\u00a0Department Store proved very beneficial to this retailer.\u00a0 Not only did it provide the May Company the highly lucrative retail market of Southern California; but also, significantly increased the value of its stock.\u00a0 The May Company became the stock of choice for many shrewd investors throughout the \u201cRoaring Twenties.\u201d<\/p>\n

    New shopping services made this Cleveland store very special.\u00a0 Customers particularly enjoyed its new bakery, chocolate malted shakes at the snack bar, children\u2019s barber shop, same day dry cleaning service and supervised indoor playground for children.\u00a0 Large-size patrons eagerly shopped the new Women\u2019s Department,[36]<\/sup><\/a> while parents increasingly attended child rearing lectures given by an authority in the field called Mrs. Helen B. Paulsen.[37]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Men in-the-know appreciated Society brand suits and sports jackets, while homemakers enjoyed using the \u201cSimplex Ironer.\u201d[38]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    For the fashioned conscious women, the beauty salon featured the latest \u201cbobbed\u201d hair style for only $.75.[39]<\/sup><\/a> However, store officials did not stop there.\u00a0 They went so far as to promote their store through song and verse.\u00a0 Two composers Carl Rupp\u00a0and Marion Campbell\u00a0wrote a tune commemorating that great department store.\u00a0 Called \u201cSo This Is May Day,\u201d this song expounded the many virtues of shopping at this leading retailer.\u00a0 Later on, many other stores emulated the May Company and promoted their merchandise through similar song and verse.<\/p>\n

    However, May Company firsts went beyond those bounds.\u00a0 For example,\u00a0\u00a0 McCall\u2019s Magazine, in 1920, began selling its clothing patterns in the store.[40]<\/sup><\/a> Not to be outdone by others, Vogue Magazine\u00a0sponsored its-own popular in-house fashion shows throughout the 1920s.\u00a0 Store officials, as a service to their customers, sponsored a daily advertising section in local newspapers.\u00a0 Called the \u201cMay Company Bulletin,\u201d it listed all sale items for that day along with their description and price.\u00a0 The May Company\u2019s latest slogan, \u201cOhio\u2019s Best and Largest Store\u201d said it all.[41]<\/sup><\/a> This retailer, in 1923, also led competitors when it introduced one of the first all metal washing machines manufactured by Hurley.\u00a0 Qualified customers could purchase this $125 appliance through a special installment plan.\u00a0 This plan required an initial down payment of $10.00 followed by 12–monthly payments of only $9.50.[42]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    Providing convenience customer services became a major goal of the May Company.\u00a0 Executives, in 1924, built a large parking garage at the southwest corner of Lakeside Avenue\u00a0and Ontario Street.[43]<\/sup><\/a> Designed by the Boston architectural firm of Lehman & Schmidt\u00a0and erected by Sam W. Emerson, this facility accommodated hundreds of cars.\u00a0 The May Company also provided customers a free shuttle service to and from the garage along with a special waiting room for chauffeurs.\u00a0 Shoppers received up to three hours of free parking with a minimal charge for additional time.<\/p>\n

    Board members, in 1925, initiated a new credit plan that required an initial down payment on all items purchased followed by weekly payments.[44]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 However, the amount paid on a weekly basis was subject to change based on the current economic situation of the customer or customers involved.\u00a0 No other Cleveland store offered such flexible payment arrangements.\u00a0 The late 1920s represented a period of sustained growth under the direction of a Cleveland native Nathan L. Dauby.\u00a0 He served many years as its General and Merchandise Manager.[45]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 The St. Louis-based Board of Directors, in 1927, approved the $2,300,000 acquisition of the Baltimore-based Bernheimer-Leader retail chain.\u00a0 Board members and employees mourned the loss of the store\u2019s founder David May\u00a0that same year.\u00a0 He was 79 years old.\u00a0 After turning over the reins, to his son and heir, Morton J. May\u00a0(1881-1968), in 1917, the elder May remained active in the business.<\/p>\n

    A highly innovative retailer, the May Company continued to prosper.\u00a0 For example, net sales in 1926 reached $100,522,928 as compared to $97,117,891 the previous year.\u00a0 Preferred dividends, that same year, totaled $336,875 with common dividends equaling $2,989,871.\u00a0 Due to the high costs incurred by the recent merger, the May Company\u2019s net income dropped by 20% from $8,608,311 in 1925 to $6,972,161 in 1926.[46]<\/sup><\/a> However, that did not prevent savvy investors from buying large blocks of common stock over the next several years. The earlier 2-for-1 stock split made it irresistible.<\/p>\n

    A prime example of this kind of stock buying frenzy, occurred in 1929, when the New York brokerage firm of Dillon, Reed & Company\u00a0purchased 75,000 shares.[47]<\/sup><\/a> Increasing sales in specialty items and services such as high speed power boats and luxury European tours illustrated the growing sophistication of the Cleveland retail market.\u00a0 One new service, initiated in 1928, enabled qualified customers to use their in-house credit card in any May Company store nationwide.\u00a0 No other Cleveland retailer offered that kind of convenience.\u00a0 Additional services included delivery service to hotel guests and mail service to out-of-town locations.\u00a0 The local press expressed great excitement when the Cleveland Orchestra\u00a0serenaded May Company shoppers at the 1928 Easter\u00a0Fashion Show held at the Keith Theatre\u00a0in Playhouse Square.[48]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    The May Company also furnished interiors for model homes.\u00a0 It began in 1927 with the \u201cEducational Model Home\u201d built by Klein Lampl Homesite.[49]<\/sup><\/a> Store officials, in March 1929, proudly announced the grand opening of their redesigned restaurant.\u00a0 Now known as the Spanish Room Restaurant\u00a0and Tea Room, it offered quality food at reasonable prices.[50]<\/sup><\/a> Special events, in the 1929 shopping season, ran the gamut from an International Silk Sale in March; special program for children hosted by Uncle Wiggly and Funny Clown\u00a0that April and \u201cExposition of Toiletries\u201d in May to the grand re-opening of its book department in July, Surety Hat Sale\u00a0that September and \u201cJubilee Sales\u201d that November.[51]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    The late 1920s represented a period of consolidation and modernization for this leading retailer.\u00a0 Such prudent action enabled it to survive the Great Depression of the 1930s.\u00a0 The May Company withstood the economic on-slot of that decade by maintaining large stocks of merchandise as inventory.\u00a0 This ability to draw upon existing inventory, when necessary, provided store executives flexibility.\u00a0 Specifically, they adjusted item pricing by adding together old and new prices and then average them out.\u00a0\u00a0 That resulted in quick price changes based on fluctuating demand for specific items.\u00a0 Not every retailer could do that.[52]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    The May Company\u2019s extensive buying network permitted each store, including Cleveland, to have its-own buyers.\u00a0 These buyers catered to the specific needs of the community they served.\u00a0 Centralized buying facilities and mass purchasing power enabled them to secure the best possible prices and to keep the company afloat even during the worst economic times.\u00a0 Executives firmly believed that the May Company had \u201cthe right merchandise at the right time with prices for every pocketbook.\u201d\u00a0 Although store sales dropped to $72,500,000 by 1932, they gradually increased.\u00a0 Sales figures during the second half of the decade rose to $98,400,000 by 1938.\u00a0 Net profits in 1939 remained firm at $3,800,000.<\/p>\n

    The May Company, in 1931, became Ohio\u2019s largest department store.\u00a0 To celebrate this major achievement, its board unveiled its latest renovation plans.\u00a0 This refurbishing of the Public Square store represented much more than cosmetic changes.\u00a0 It included a three-story addition.\u00a0 The architectural firm of Anderson, Probst and White, successor to D.H. Burnham & Company, received the contract.[53]<\/sup><\/a> This business strategy apparently paid-off with sales increasing slightly that autumn.<\/p>\n

    Promotional activities throughout the Great Depression brought customers to the May Company.\u00a0 Two of the most popular events in 1930 included the Home Furnishing Institute\u00a0that November and a special visit by the Washington Senator\u2019s professional baseball pitcher and manager Walter Johnson\u00a0(1887-1946) in December.[54]<\/sup><\/a> The May Company also proudly hosted the Second Annual Exhibit of Cleveland Artists and Sculptors, in January 1931, and provided sewing classes on how to make stylish dresses beginning that March.[55]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 The May Company Expansion Sale\u00a0and a special Paint and Wallpaper Sale highlighted the spring season.[56]<\/sup><\/a> An Infant\u2019s Clothing Sale in August, the National Air Races at Cleveland Hopkins Airport\u00a0that September and a fun-filled Christmas Musical Program\u00a0rounded off that year\u2019s events.[57]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    A metered electric refrigerator, in the early 1930s, received a great deal of attention.[58]<\/sup><\/a> Through a special installment arrangement called the \u201cMeter Ice Plan,\u201d qualified customers were now able to purchase a $225 refrigerator for a few pennies a day with no down payment.\u00a0 Their refrigerator came with a tampered-resistant metered coin box and cord.\u00a0 The cord was connected to the residential electric meter.\u00a0 Customers deposited $.25 a day in the coin box and the refrigerator operated for the next 24-hours.\u00a0 This enabled them to take full advantage of their new appliance while paying off the remainder-owed.\u00a0 Upon receipt of the final payment, May Company representatives removed the coin box and the refrigerator was theirs free and clear.\u00a0 Should the owner tamper with the coin box or the electric meter then store officials would repossess the refrigerator.<\/p>\n

    The Board of Directors, in 1932, installed air-conditioning.\u00a0 The Cleveland store, that same year, celebrated its first $1,000,000 sales day.\u00a0 Popular items ranged from scented chiffon hose for women; Stewart-Warner\u00a0movie cameras and Dorothy Gray\u00a0beauty products to reversible woolen blankets and tree bulbs.[59]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 The store\u2019s no penalty clause regarding late payments distinguished it from other local retailers.[60]<\/sup><\/a> Knowing the financial straits facing many of their loyal shoppers, store officials did not want to make the situation worse.<\/p>\n

    Board members, in July 1933, introduced an easy payment plan for those purchasing furniture.[61]<\/sup><\/a> Qualified customers paid a 20% down payment on all purchases exceeding $25.00 along with a nominal carrying charge.\u00a0 The May Company, in exchange, held the furniture free-of-charge for up to 90 days.\u00a0 Upon receipt of the final payment, the store delivered the furniture to the customer\u2019s home.\u00a0 The May Company also started to cash customers checks.\u00a0\u00a0 That included liquidation \u201cpayoff\u201d checks issued by local banking institutions.<\/p>\n

    The \u201cDay After-Thanksgiving Mark-Down Sale\u201d brought thousands downtown as did the \u201cSnow Suits\u00a0for Women Sale\u201d in mid-December.[62]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 In fact, Christmas sales, in 1933, increased by 10% over a year ago.\u00a0 Remnant Sales Days, in January 1934, provided cheap prices for quality items.\u00a0 The May Company further led the pack in selling the popular Home Art Frocks.[63]<\/sup><\/a> The store\u2019s optical department also enjoyed a banner year as did housewares.<\/p>\n

    Store officials, in the spring of 1934, exhibited a model of the Chicago\u2019s World\u2019s Fair.[64]<\/sup><\/a> Decorative cookware, beautifully crafted Swiss watches and fine-tuned radios highlighted the summer and autumn shopping seasons.\u00a0 The May Company, ended the year, by decorating a large Christmas tree in Public Square.\u00a0 Store executives continued this tradition for many years to come.<\/p>\n

    Net profits, in 1934, totaled $3,301,614 after depreciation, amortization of buildings and leaseholds, interest, federal taxes, decline in sundry investments and other miscellaneous expenses.\u00a0 That equaled $2.68 a share minus the 136,938 shares held in the treasury.\u00a0 May Company assets leveled-off at $30,989,198, while its cash and government securities stood at $8,533,788.\u00a0 Current liabilities exceeded $3,875,142.\u00a0 Nineteen thirty-five saw store assets reach $32,559,816, while its cash and government securities grew to $10,339,359.\u00a0 Store liabilities increased to $4,999,926.[65]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    Store sales continued to improve reaching $89,200,000 by year\u2019s end.\u00a0 Net profits in 1936 rose to $5,070,458.\u00a0 Common stock also increased from $2.81 a share in 1935 to $4.12 a share.[66]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 This surge in store sales peaked in early 1937.\u00a0 An unexpected downturn in the stock market during the 2nd and 3rd quarters of 1937 resulted in a 7.5% drop in sales.[67]<\/sup><\/a> A rebounding economy during the first half of 1938 continued into the following year.\u00a0 The May Company posted profits of $1,256,527 for the first six months of 1939.[68]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 This trend continued for the remainder of the year.\u00a0 Net profits for 1939 stood at $4,402,894 equal to $3.58 a share on 1,230,396 shares of $10.00 par capital stock.\u00a0 Net assets that same year reached $14,345,712, while liabilities were $5,416,635.<\/p>\n

    Promotional activities played an increasingly important role during the mid-to late-1930s.\u00a0 For example, officials hosted a highly successful fashion show as part of the 1935 Cleveland Auto Show.[69]<\/sup><\/a> A Six-Day In-House Bike Race soon followed.\u00a0 It featured well-known professional cyclists from throughout the world.[70]<\/sup><\/a> The store, in 1936, offered a dressmaking course for high school girls and swimming lessons by an Olympic champion named Mickey Riley (1909-1959).[71]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 An exhibition of original paintings by U.S. artists fascinated customers, while its \u201cJubilee Day\u201d at the Great Lakes Exposition\u00a0in 1936-37 with its special productions of \u201cJack and the Beanstalk\u201d delighted children.[72]<\/sup><\/a> Executives also offered accordion and piano lessons for only $1.25 a week.[73]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    The May Company exhibited the latest sewing machines at the 1938 Cleveland Food Show.[74]<\/sup><\/a> The Board of Directors, in cooperation with the Group Work Council of the Cleveland Welfare Federation, showcased the many worthwhile recreational activities sponsored by neighborhood settlement houses.\u00a0 A rebounding national economy led to increased sales in both the Men\u2019s and Millinery departments.\u00a0 Summer classes in tap dancing, junior dressmaking and children\u2019s ballet reflected the cultural side of the May Company.\u00a0 The store\u2019s debut, in 1939, of the Crosley automobile\u00a0received national press coverage.<\/p>\n

    Its Advanced Credit Plan, introduced in December 1939, represented an important first in local retailing.[75]<\/sup><\/a> Store officials encouraged qualified customers to purchase credit coupon books in units of $10, $15, $25, $50 or more.\u00a0 Customers then opened a coupon book account at the store, made a small deposit and paid a nominal carrying fee.\u00a0 Those paying cash upfront paid no carrying fee.\u00a0 Shoppers then paid the remainder in five-monthly installments.<\/p>\n

    Much of the store\u2019s financial success, prior to the Second World War, originated with its many customer services.\u00a0 They ranged from a comfortable waiting room, first class lending library, luxury travel agency, popular beauty parlor, and inspiring ecclesiastic department to its efficient post office substation, ample check room, quality dry cleaning department and free gift wrapping service.<\/p>\n

    The decade of the 1940s opened with translucent China being sold in housewares.\u00a0 A China service for 12 with 93 pieces cost only $49.99.[76]<\/sup><\/a> Local newspaper advertisements, in April 1940, promoted fashionable Sunset Boulevard Hats and beautiful Sac-de-Perle\u00a0handbags, while the new Home Planning Studio provided decorating hints.[77]<\/sup><\/a> September featured the highly popular Hiawatha Heirloom needlepoints\u00a0for as little as $.29 and Junior Miss plaid-styled frocks beginning at $3.50.<\/p>\n

    Its Aladdin Beauty Shop\u00a0provided fashionable women with the Yvette Machineless Permanent for only $4.25.[78]<\/sup><\/a> The May Company, in October 1940, hired several salespersons to commemorate National Business Women\u2019s Week.\u00a0 A November 24, 1940 advertisement\u00a0in The Cleveland Plain Dealer reminded May Company shoppers that time was running out to join the Christmas Piano Club.\u00a0 Hallet & Davis Spinet Piano\u00a0with bench were available for the remarkable price of only $245.<\/p>\n

    No sooner had the Great Depression ended and war broke out.\u00a0 Although the Second World War\u00a0began in Europe on September 1, 1939, few in the U.S. paid much attention to it prior to the bombing of Pearl Harbor\u00a0on December 7, 1941.\u00a0 In fact, domestic sales in stores such as the May Company soared throughout the 1940-41 shopping season.\u00a0 Top selling items included Beaux Arts\u00a0coats for only $39.95; popular record albums for $1.79 a piece[79]<\/sup><\/a> and Streamliner slack sets for the amazing low price of $4.50.[80]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    Cleveland\u2019s Divisional Manager Sam Rosenberg\u00a0attributed this resurgence in sales to a rebounding economy.\u00a0 Mr. Rosenberg was absolutely correct.\u00a0 Prior to this nation\u2019s entrance into the Second World War, Cleveland factories produced a great deal of war materials destined for the European battle fields.\u00a0 Good-paying factory jobs increased disposable income, which in turn, led customers to spend more in stores such as the May Company.\u00a0 Retail sales continued to soar through the 1941 Christmas season.\u00a0 However, this ended quickly as war needs took precedent over domestic concerns.<\/p>\n

    The May Company, wholeheartedly, supported the war effort beginning as early as January 1942 when it sold its first supply of Defense Stamps and Savings Bonds.[81]<\/sup><\/a> Store executives also encouraged their shoppers to use their May Company charge cards, whenever possible, so that they could spend more time on important defense duties.\u00a0 They further reminded everyone that new federal regulations required all cardholders to pay their debts in-full within forty days of purchase.\u00a0 The May Company displayed its patriotism in November 1942 when it celebrated \u201cWomen at War\u201d Week.[82]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    Store officials abided by federal guidelines when selling merchandise.\u00a0 For example, the May Company, in February 1943, announced that customers wishing to purchase shoes on either February 9th or June 15th were required to use Stamp No. 17 from the War Ration Book.[83]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Federal officials established the Office of Price Administration, in August 1941, to print and distribute these ration stamps.\u00a0 Shoppers used them to purchase a wide assortment of permitted items.\u00a0 They ranged from fuel oil, tires, shoes and nylons to sugar, coffee, meats and processed foods.\u00a0 Federal officials set limits on distribution\u00a0based on the scarcity and market value of the item in question.\u00a0 Those involved in the defense of the nation or in crucial occupations received priority over others engaged in less-essential occupations.<\/p>\n

    Supporters contended that using these stamps fairly and honestly would guarantee effective management of natural resources during such critical times.\u00a0 It would also cut down on waste by restricting domestic production and controlling distribution, while minimizing spending opportunities on what federal officials and military experts considered essential war materials.\u00a0 In theory, it seemed both fair and practical.\u00a0 Consumers get some of what they needed and wanted with little difficulty.\u00a0 However, many people abused the system whenever possible for their-own self interests.\u00a0 Unscrupulous underworld leaders fed into this frenzy by illegally selling ration stamps.\u00a0 The black market boomed during the Second World War\u00a0and for the immediate post-war years.<\/p>\n

    The May Company Board of Directors not only followed federal guidelines regarding ration stamps, but also, conserved natural resources whenever possible.\u00a0 That resulted in shorten store hours and more female employees especially in sales.\u00a0 However, some earlier tradition sales such as \u201cMay Days\u201d continued.\u00a0 Board members thought they owed them to their customers.[84]<\/sup><\/a> These sales also provided an effective way to dispose of quality items without adversely affecting the cost of living.<\/p>\n

    Board members, in 1944, offered some new incentives for those purchasing war bonds.\u00a0 It included a five full-colored reproductions of an \u201cOpen Letter to the Unconquerables\u201d by Joseph Auslander.[85]<\/sup><\/a> Those buying bonds in denominations greater than $25.00 also received information packets describing resistance activities within occupied nations.\u00a0 A full page spread in the Cleveland Plain Dealer on October 18, 1944 encouraged Clevelanders to give generously to the 27th Annual War Chest\u00a0campaign.\u00a0 In terms of its current financial situation, May Company net sales, in 1944, reached $181,727,000.\u00a0 That represented an increase of $167,919,000 over the previous year.<\/p>\n

    Towards the end of the war, store executives initiated changes.\u00a0 It began when Vice Presidents Nathan L. Dauby\u00a0and Jack L. Strauss\u00a0announced the establishment of a new corporate entity called Affiliated Retailers Incorporated (ARI).\u00a0 Headed by Howard B. Barber, formerly of Montgomery Ward\u00a0and Company, ARI encouraged internal buying and merchandise promotion.[86]<\/sup><\/a> Goldman, Sack\u2019s and Company and Lehman Brothers, on April 10, 1945, offered 150,000 shares of May Company $3.75 cumulative preferred stock at $103.50 a share and accrued dividends from March 1, 1945.<\/p>\n

    Store officials used this additional capital to build new branch stores and modernize existing facilities.\u00a0 For each year ending on July 1st, beginning with 1948, the corporation\u00a0planned to retire, through a special sinking fund, 1% of the total number of preferred shares of the initial series issued prior to that year.\u00a0 These shares were redeemable at $107.50 a share prior to July 1, 1947, with successive reductions of $1.00 a share on that date and on each second July 1st thereafter to $103.50 a share.[87]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    Stockholders had set the stage for this offer when they authorized the issuance of 250,000 shares of new preferred under this issue.\u00a0 They also approved a 2-for-1 split of common stock that reduced its par value to $5.00 a share.\u00a0 The initial dividend paid on the new $5.00 common stock stood at $.42\u00bd.[88]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 The May Company, at the same time, significantly increased its percentage of the Cleveland retail market when it obtained minority control of one of its chief competitors William Taylor\u00a0Sons & Company.\u00a0 This merger enabled the May Company to own 49% of William Taylor\u00a0Sons & Company common stock and 54% of its preferred stock.\u00a0 The May Company also reserved the option of purchasing the remaining shares at a later time.[89]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    These bold financial moves proved very profitable.\u00a0 Sales figures for 1945 reached $202,449,639, an increase of $20,772,480 over the previous years.\u00a0 The store\u2019s President Morton J. May, in September 1946, announced a merger with Kaufmann\u2019s, a popular Pittsburgh-based department store chain.\u00a0 Combined sales figures in 1946-47 for both the May Company and Kaufmann\u2019s equaled a whopping $246,354,000.<\/p>\n

    This merger required the issuance of 1\/5th share of a new $3.40 dividend bearing preferred stock and 9\/20th share of May Company common stock for each outstanding common share of Kaufmann\u2019s\u00a0surrendered.\u00a0 The Board of Directors, that same year, declared a 3rd quarter dividend of $.75 a share on common stock.\u00a0 That represented a $.25 increase over the 2nd quarter.\u00a0 Officials in St. Louis, envisioning no additional changes in capitalization, kept the Kaufmann management staff in place.[90]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    With this new infusion of capital, May Company executives approved major changes for the Cleveland store.\u00a0 It began, in the autumn of 1945, with the refurbishing of the 4th floor record department.[91]<\/sup><\/a> Board members also initiated a $.05 downtown loop bus.[92]<\/sup><\/a> The Layette Shop\u00a0opened in 1947 assisted young mothers in selecting the best items for their infants.[93]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Knowledgeable salespersons also assisted customers in designing their-own ensembles made from Mengel Module furniture\u00a0pieces.[94]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    The board announced, on January 1, 1948, the grand opening of both its new home furnishing department and expanded TV\/-radio department.\u00a0 That was followed, in March 1949, by Beauty Serenade Week\u00a0and a special sale on \u201cDecco\u201d Aluminum Frame Furniture.[95]<\/sup><\/a> Quality Tappan Gas Ranges\u00a0went on sale in September and beautifully furnished Colonial Style Doll Houses excited small girls that December.[96]<\/sup><\/a> The Art Exhibit for Younger Children, in November 1949, brought thousands downtown, as did the \u201cPeggy\u201d angora beret.[97]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    Increased sales reflected a period of tremendous growth.\u00a0 Net sales in 1945, for example, reached a new record of $330,331,000 as compared to $202,449,000 a year ago.[98]<\/sup><\/a> Net profits for the May Company reached $7,680,039 equal to $2.94 a share compared with $5,561,836 or $2.26 a share in 1944.\u00a0 Inventory stood at $22,105,833 vs. $20,820,269 the previous year.\u00a0 This momentum continued into the 1946-47 shopping season.\u00a0 For the 12 month period ending July 31, 1947 total net sales at the May Company exceeded $341,077,283.<\/p>\n

    Such unprecedented growth convinced board members that expansion was in order.\u00a0 With that idea in mind, they investigated possible mergers with other regional department stores.\u00a0 This resulted, in 1948, in the acquisition of a Youngstown-based department store called Strouss-Hirshberg Company.\u00a0 This $5,700,000 merger brought the May Company into Eastern Ohio and Northwest Pennsylvania.\u00a0 Another merger, in 1948, with T.S. Martin Department Stores\u00a0of Sioux City, IO opened up the upper Midwest.[99]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 May Company expansion activities paid-off.\u00a0 Net sales figures for the 12-month period ending July 31, 1949 soared to $404,020,000.[100]<\/sup><\/a> Net earnings during that same time period were $5,124,000 equal to $1.55 a share as compared to $6,475,000 or $2.11 a share in 1948.<\/p>\n

    Nineteen fifty began with a major announcement.\u00a0 The May Company now carried popular Stromberg-Carlson\u00a016 inch televisions.[101]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 It also became the exclusive local agent for the Heartbeat Casual Dress line\u00a0by Pat Hartley.[102]<\/sup><\/a> The May Company, in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, co-hosted the 1950 All Ohio Sports & Outdoor Show.[103]<\/sup><\/a> Self-adjusting spring mattresses took the public by storm that August.[104]<\/sup><\/a> Visits by M. Roget, a hair stylist from Helena Rubinstein\u2019s New York salon and Ernestine Gilbreth Cary, author of Cheaper by the Dozen, increased sales significantly that autumn.[105]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    Store President Morton J. May, in the fall of 1950, announced his retirement.\u00a0 Board members, in 1951, elected his son, Morton D. May\u00a0(1914-1983) to assume the reins.\u00a0 He served for the next 16 years.\u00a0 A special fashion show, part of the Arthur Murray Dance Extravaganza, highlighted the 1951 spring shopping season.[106]<\/sup><\/a> The store also introduced a special offer for music lovers.\u00a0 Qualified customers now had the opportunity of renting a piano, with the option of purchasing it later, for only $10.00 a month.[107]<\/sup><\/a> Officials, that autumn, unveiled a wide array of new items.\u00a0 They included such things as a toy doll that also served as a nightlight; Pepperell electric blankets\u00a0and Ripple-Edge Nylon curtains.[108]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    Nineteen fifty-two ushered in new kind of casual blouse popularized by the Hollywood actress Dorothy Collins.[109]<\/sup><\/a> The May Company also sold Modern American Encyclopedias and modern light fixtures.[110]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Demonstrations by the Westinghouse\u00a0Corporation on the latest laundry techniques helped hundreds of shoppers who had recently purchased washing machines.\u00a0 The May Company Santa Claus\u00a0and Bo-Bo the Clown, on December 22, 1952, performed for two hundred disable youngsters.[111]<\/sup><\/a> The highly anticipated American \u201cTourister\u201d Luggage\u00a0sale kicked off the 1953 shopping season.[112]<\/sup><\/a> MGM star Debbie Reynolds\u00a0that March posed for camera buffs and the ultra-modern Mayfair Room\u00a0restaurant re-opened.[113]<\/sup><\/a> Scottsdale suits went on sale in November and Hickok Christmas Gift Show\u00a0that December brought shoppers downtown.[114]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    Net sales for the first half of 1953 stood at $205,349,000 as compared to $193,959,000 the previous year.\u00a0 Net income, over that same period of time, increased to $4,220,000 or $.62 a share on common stock.\u00a0 That compared with $3,665,000 or $.52 a share of common stock in 1952.[115]<\/sup><\/a> Unfortunately, these gains did not last long.\u00a0 Store earnings for the nine month period ending October 31, 1954 dropped by 19.3%.\u00a0 Net income was $6,205,000 or equal to $.91 a common share as compared to $7,688,000 or $1.16 a common share in 1953.[116]<\/sup><\/a> The high cost of downtown renovations and the completion of its first suburban store in Sheffield, OH\u00a0adversely affected store profits.<\/p>\n

    Revenue losses notwithstanding customers flocked to the new Sheffield, OH\u00a0branch store.\u00a0 Designed by the Cleveland architectural firm of Weinberg & Teare, this 157,000 square foot, modern-styled, three-story O\u2019Neil\u2019s\u00a0Department Store was an important part of the new $10,000,000 Sheffield Centre shopping complex.[117]<\/sup><\/a> The recent success of the May Company\u2019s retail marketing strategy convinced the national investment firm of Ball, Burge & Kraus, in 1954, to endorse the May Company as a sound investment.<\/p>\n

    That brokerage firm pointed out that with rare exception this retailer\u2019s operating ratio had exceeded its general expenditures.\u00a0 Its sales nationwide exceeded $450,000,000, while its long-term debt remained reasonable at about $39,000,000.\u00a0 Also, the May Company had never defaulted on paying dividends to its stockholders.\u00a0 Its stocks yielded 6% interest and were selling at about $29.00 a share.[118]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    The May Company Board, in February 1955, filed with the Security and Exchange Commission to issue $25,000,000 of 3\u00bc % sinking fund debentures with a maturation date of March 1, 1980.[119]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 They intended to increase the amount of general funds available for working capital and store expansion.\u00a0 The chain included over twenty stores.\u00a0 Goldman, Sachs and Lehman Brothers\u00a0underwrote it.\u00a0 Sales figures for the 1st quarter of 1955 reached a record level of $91,558,000.[120]<\/sup><\/a> That represented an 8.7% increase over the previous year.<\/p>\n

    The May Company, in 1954, offered a new Freezer Food Service\u00a0for those customers purchasing Westinghouse\u00a0Refrigerators.\u00a0 Under this arrangement, a food consultant would assist customers in selecting the amount and kind of food they required over the next six month period.\u00a0 The consultant would then place the order and make sure that it was delivered in a timely fashion.\u00a0 This service cost anywhere from $12.67 to $15.48 based on food choices and amount needed.[121]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    The public eagerly watched May Company demonstrations of the latest White Sewing Machine at the 1955 Greater Cleveland Home & Flower Show.\u00a0 Charm Magazine in its February 1955 issue profiled four May Company employees.[122]<\/sup><\/a> Store executives provided free wallpaper hanging lessons for those customers purchasing \u201cTrimz,\u201d the new Ready Pasted Wallpaper.[123]<\/sup><\/a> The public rushed to the May Company, that September, to buy Christian Dior\u00a0stockings for an unbelievable price of only $1.65 a pair.[124]<\/sup><\/a> Floor coverings and electric lighters gained shopper\u2019s attention that Christmas.\u00a0 Nineteen fifty-six introduced a new store slogan \u201cYou can always find what you want at the May Company.\u201d\u00a0 Specialty items that year included such things as Parisian inspired nylons; life-like, beautifully matted, pictures by world artists placed in framed double shadow boxes and Lady Ronson Electric Shavers.[125]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    Store profits rose sharply over the three month period ending October 31, 1956.\u00a0 Net income topped $4,957,000 or $.79 a common share, up from $4,264,000 or $.67 a common share the previous year.\u00a0 Net sales also increased by 3.6% reaching $127,759,000.[126]<\/sup><\/a> Merger with Denver-based Daniels & Fisher\u00a0resulted in the creation of a new retail division amply called May D&F Division.\u00a0 Expecting a fantastic Christmas season, the May Company placed full page advertisements\u00a0in the Cleveland newspapers calling for part-time workers.<\/p>\n

    Its mid-year financial statement reported a net income for the first 3-month period of 1957 of $2,680,000 equal to $.40 a share.\u00a0 First quarter sales figures rose to $111,619,000, while store earnings increased by 10.6%.[127]<\/sup><\/a> A coloring contest for children, Oneida dinnerware, Zircon cocktail rings, and Speed Queen washers\/dryers made 1957 a very special year.[128]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    The Board of Director, that November, announced major credit and payment changes.\u00a0 Board members broadened existing choices to include four convenient lines of credit.\u00a0 All were closely tied to recently-issued customer charge plates.\u00a0 Customer credit lines\u00a0and monthly payment schedules ranged anywhere from as little as $120 with $10-monthly payments to $300 with $23-monthly payments.<\/p>\n

    Stockholders also publicized the grand opening of the May Company\u2019s newest location in University Hts., OH.\u00a0 Designed by Victor Gruen\u00a0Associates of Detroit, MI and Jack Bialosky\u00a0& Partners\u00a0of Cleveland, OH this 346,000 square foot modern-styled store included gas heating and cooling.[129]<\/sup><\/a> It also featured a fashionable beauty salon and full-service garage.\u00a0 Known as \u201cMays-on-the-Hts.,\u201d it was downsized in 2000 and 2006.<\/p>\n

    A devastating fire, in March 1958, at the St. Clair Avenue\u00a0Apartment House left one hundred people homeless.\u00a0 The May Company management donated clothes.\u00a0 Downtown and University Heights stores, that spring, hosted a special Berkshire Fashion Show\u00a0starring Alice Weston, a local celebrity.[130]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Another merger, involving a $37,000,000 stock exchange, brought the Baltimore-based Hecht Company\u00a0into the May Company fold.[131]<\/sup><\/a> The acquisition of the Cohen Brothers\u00a0Department Store chain out of Jacksonville, FL\u00a0expanded retail trade into the Deep South.<\/p>\n

    The big news item, in August 1958, was the grand opening of the new Taylor\u2019s Department Store at the Southgate Shopping Center\u00a0in Maple Hts., OH.\u00a0 Southgate Shopping Center, under the guidance of Ernest H. Siegler, opened in 1955.\u00a0 Taylor\u2019s at Southgate, which was a May Company subsidiary, became one of that shopping center\u2019s new anchor stores.\u00a0 Designed by the architectural firm of Welton Beckett Associates at a cost of $5,000,000, this three-story 204,000 square foot branch featured the Tree Top Room\u00a0Restaurant and Jiffy Bird Snack Bar.\u00a0 Becoming a branch of the May Company in 1961, it remained opened until 1989 when it was demolished it.\u00a0 A Giant Eagle Super Market\u00a0now occupies this site.<\/p>\n

    Nineteen fifty-nine began with a sour note.\u00a0 The Federal Trade Commission\u00a0prohibited the May Company from engaging in false advertising and price fixing for furs.\u00a0 Store officials admitted no wrong, although they complied with the order.[132]<\/sup><\/a> The May Company, in June 1959, broke ground on its latest suburban store at Parmatown Shopping Center\u00a0Parma, OH.<\/p>\n

    This four-story, 305,000 square foot building was noted for its reinforced concrete block walls, textured brick veneer and turquoise blue and ceramic flat columns accented in white.\u00a0 It also featured central air conditioning, central audio system and protected exterior colonnade.\u00a0 It epitomized the modern-styled branch store of that era.\u00a0 Two well-known architects Victor Gruen\u00a0of Los Angeles and Harry A. Sharpe\u00a0of Cleveland designed this $7,000,000 facility.[133]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 This suburban store later became Macy\u2019s.\u00a0 It was demolished in 2014.<\/p>\n

    The board, in 1959, unveiled its latest credit plan.\u00a0 It not only included the traditional 30-day charge option and a new monthly payment arrangement; but also, two other new alternatives.\u00a0 One required a small down payment and easy monthly payments, while the second afforded a reasonable payment schedule for customers wishing to purchase expensive items.[134]<\/sup><\/a> Board members, in 1959, also approved the resignation of James C. Walsh\u00a0as Secretary and Assistant Treasurer.\u00a0 He became the May Company\u2019s new Vice President and Treasurer.<\/p>\n

    Stockholders appointed Lyle M. Allen\u00a0Sr. to serve as Secretary and Assistant Treasurer.[135]<\/sup><\/a> Warner B. (Dusty) Rhoads\u00a0of the Cleveland division became its Executive Vice President and General Manager.\u00a0 Sales for the 1st half of 1960 leveled-off at $151,738,000 with net earnings leveling-off at $2,105,000.\u00a0 That equaled $.26 a common share.\u00a0 For the 12-month period ending July 31, 1960, net income reached $22,717,000 or $3.13 a share on sales of $682,545,000.\u00a0 The new Parmatown store opened on August 23rd.\u00a0 Demolished in 2014, it served most recently as a Macy\u2019s.<\/p>\n

    Sam Rosenberg, the long-time Vice President and General Manager of the Cleveland division, in 1961 announced his retirement.\u00a0 Rosenberg began his career in 1933 as Divisional Merchandise Manager for Ladies Ready-to-Wear Clothing.\u00a0 He was 84 years old when died in November 1977.[136]<\/sup><\/a> Francis A. Coy\u00a0replaced him as the store\u2019s Regional President.\u00a0 Coy, a former divisional merchandise manager for Higbee\u2019s, had most recently served as the Executive Vice President and General Manager for Gold\u2019s Department Store\u00a0in Lincoln, NE.\u00a0\u00a0 Coy remained in that post for ten years.\u00a0 He later chaired United Way\u00a0and the Downtown Development Corporation.\u00a0 Francis A. Coy\u00a0died in 1992.<\/p>\n

    The May Company entered the 1960s in trouble.\u00a0 An allegedly illegal payment of $12,207 by the May Company to William Finnegan, Executive Secretary of the Cleveland AFL-CIO Federation of Labor, resulted in a federal investigation.\u00a0 Held in March 1961, federal prosecutors accused the defendants of undue favoritism, a direct violation of the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947.\u00a0 The court acquitted both parties that August.\u00a0 Sales and office personnel that April rejected a bid by the AFL\/CIO to represent them in collective bargaining.[137]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    Some of the featured items, in the 1960-61 shopping season, included Webcor phonographs; Wilton carpeting, Fiberglas drapes, English slippers, floor lamps Dunlap tubeless tires and Duracrest appliances.\u00a0 Net sales for 1961 were a record $708,481,000 up 3.5% from $684,839,000 in 1960.\u00a0 Net earnings reached $23,409,000 equal to $3.20 a share compared with $22,643,000 or $3.11 a share the previous year.[138]<\/sup><\/a> The board announced, on December 17, 1961, the closing of William Taylor\u00a0Sons & Company.[139]<\/sup><\/a> Officials also assumed control of Taylor\u2019s Southgate Store.\u00a0 The full clothing line carried by Taylor\u2019s transferred over to the May Company, and most of Taylor\u2019s employees found work there.<\/p>\n

    This merger helped the May Company increase sales and earnings.\u00a0 Net sales in 1962 nearly doubled reaching a record $709,652,000, while net earnings increased to $24,790,000.\u00a0 That equaled $3.40 a common share.[140]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 With over fifty stores and six regional shopping centers, officials expected an equally profitable year the following year.\u00a0 They were not disappointed.\u00a0 Net sales in 1963 stood at $723,714,000, a 2% increase over the previous year.\u00a0 Net earnings reached $30,663,000.[141]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 New merchandise ran the gamut from semi-gloss paints, drip dry cotton blouses and children\u2019s easy wash playwear to acrylic embossed plush pile carpeting, telephone amplifiers and special ski lessons. Board members, in June, approved plans calling for the creation of a new real estate firm known as May Realty & Investment.\u00a0 It bought shopping centers and other selected properties for the parent corporation.\u00a0 David May\u00a0II\u00a0(1912-1992) led it.\u00a0 An aggregate distribution\u00a0of about 15% of its outstanding stocks in the form of dividends to common stockholders fulfilled any obligations owed to their stakeholders.[142]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    The Board of Directors, in 1963, built two new auto and tire centers: one at \u201cMay\u2019s-on-the Heights\u201d and the other at Parmatown.\u00a0 They also erected another suburban store at the Great Lakes Mall\u00a0in Mentor, OH.\u00a0 This 145,000 square foot, multi-level structure, designed by Welton Beckett Associates of Los Angeles, CA, opened in April 1964.[143]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 It featured open air escalators surrounded by transparent glass.\u00a0 Its restaurant d\u00e9cor included murals depicting the history of the Western Reserve of Ohio.[144]<\/sup><\/a> Store officials enlarged and remodeled it in the mid-1970s.\u00a0 Kaufmann\u2019s, in 1993, replaced the May Company.\u00a0 Federated Department Stores, in 2006, converted it into a Macy\u2019s.\u00a0 Simon Property Group, in 2011, financed extensive renovations.<\/p>\n

    Officials, that September, unveiled their latest credit options.\u00a0 They included a 30-day No Interest Charge Account, an ABC Revolving Account\u00a0with no down payment or a Deferred Payment Plan with no down payment and up to 36-months to pay off the balance.[145]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 In a bold attempt to increase downtown sales, the Board of Directors, in 1963, constructed a 3,000 car nine-story parking garage on the former site of Bailey\u2019s\u00a0Department Store.\u00a0 Located at the corner of Prospect Avenue and Ontario Street\u00a0and named the Parkade, this self-service parking facility featured curved entrance and exit ramps.\u00a0 Shoppers with proof of purchase paid only $.10 per half hour for the first two hours and then $.15 per half hour.\u00a0 The May Company charged those without purchases $.20 per half hour up to two hours and then $.15 per half hour.[146]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    The May Company, in the spring of 1964, reported record net earnings for the 1st Quarter.\u00a0 It totaled $5,094,000 equal to $.69 a common share.\u00a0 That compared with $3,940,000 or $.52 a common share the previous year.\u00a0 Net sales over that same time span equaled $159,908,000 up 7.9% from $148,259,000 in 1963.[147]<\/sup><\/a> President Morton D. May, in April 1965, proudly announced the acquisition of the 109-year old Portland, OR-based retailer called Meier & Frank Company.[148]<\/sup><\/a> Meier & Frank stockholders exchanged their common stock on a one-to-one ratio for newly issued May Company convertible preferred stock.\u00a0 This stock was redeemable for $50.00 a share after September 30, 1970.\u00a0 The May Company operated Meier & Frank as a separate district division for nearly forty years.<\/p>\n

    The May Company that same year added some new items and services.\u00a0 Some of the new merchandise found on its shelves included inexpensive Robanne watches; Flemish yarn and Irish linen handkerchiefs.[149]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 New store services ranged from free ski movies in the main auditorium downtown; teen modeling contests at Southgate and art exhibitions at several prime locations.\u00a0 New departments such as the Boulevard Shoe Shop; Fashion Accessories, Jewelry and Executive Gift Shop brought many shoppers to Public Square.[150]<\/sup><\/a> The financial picture for 1965 appeared very rosy with store sales topping a new all-time record of $869,169,000.\u00a0 Net earnings that year climbed to $45,860,000 or $3.07 a common share.<\/p>\n

    Nineteen sixty-five produced some other pleasant surprises for this growing retailer.\u00a0 The May Company, that September, opened its newest branch at the Great Northern Shopping Center\u00a0in North Olmsted, OH.\u00a0 Designed by Welton Beckett Associates of Los Angeles, CA, this 185,000 square foot three–story facility with its unique Bermuda, split-faced, precast stone unit exterior veneer featured a highly decorative 17-foot chandelier.[151]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Suspended from the ceiling over its central escalator core, the chandelier was a crowd pleaser.\u00a0 This successful retailer, in October, celebrated the grand opening of its latest O\u2019Neil\u2019s\u00a0Department Store at Summit Mall\u00a0in Fairlawn, OH.\u00a0 Replacing a smaller store in the Fairlawn Shopping Center, this new 125,700 square foot two-story structure served the needs of Greater Akron for many years to come.[152]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 The May Company, in the 1980s, enlarged the store and Federated in 2006 refitted it as a Macy\u2019s.<\/p>\n

    The second half of the 1960s was characterized by further innovation and growth.\u00a0 January 1966 saw the expansion of the jewelry department.\u00a0 Shoppers loved the Oriental pearls.[153]<\/sup><\/a> They ranged in price from $39.95 to $150.00.[154]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Shiseido cosmetics debuted, that spring, as did the Wurlitzer Portable Piano.[155]<\/sup><\/a> The board announced that autumn a merger with the Hartford, CT-based department store known as G. Fox & Company.[156]<\/sup><\/a> That facility remained in operation until 1993.<\/p>\n

    Escalating costs incurred from mergers; remodeling efforts and the construction of a new retail outlet as part of the Stow-Kent Shopping Center\u00a0in Kent, OH lessened profits.\u00a0 Net earnings in 1966 dropped to $38,416,000 or equal to $2.50 a common share as compared with $47,377,000 or $3.10 a share the previous year.\u00a0 Miscalculations by store accountants made this situation worse.\u00a0 Specifically, bad debts incurred by the Cleveland and Washington, D.C. divisions negatively impacted the bottom line.\u00a0 In the case of Cleveland, customer accounts receivable debts reached $3,300,000 as compared to $500,000 in 1965.[157]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    Poor accounting practices, high inventories, lack of item turnover and inadequate margins triggered these unprecedented losses.\u00a0 The accounting firm of Arthur Anderson replaced Touche, Ross, Bailey & Swart.\u00a0 When asked to explain the sudden drop in store profits, the Board President Morton D. May\u00a0attributed it to mounting concerns over the U.S. economy and the political uncertainties associated with the Viet Nam War.\u00a0 The May Company, in July 1966, also withdrew from the Charga-Plate\u00a0program.\u00a0 In its place, it furnished customers with their-own charge cards.\u00a0 Part of a new, state-of-the-art electronic data processing system these charge cards reduced purchasing time by half.[158]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    The store also underwent some major managerial changes.\u00a0 It began in 1967 with the resignation of the company\u2019s CEO\/President Morton D. May.\u00a0 The Board of Directors appointed Stanley J. Goodman\u00a0(1910-1992) to the post.\u00a0 He served from 1967 to 1975.\u00a0 Goodman implemented some major changes while in office.\u00a0 They included such things as a new management program for store buyers that emphasized the need to think potential company profit and losses when purchasing merchandise.[159]<\/sup><\/a> In the early 1970s, Goodman encouraged more dialogue between store officials and customers as a way of gauging shoppers concerns and wants.[160]<\/sup><\/a> Officials at that same time elected James C. Walsh\u00a0Vice President of Administration Control and Richard G. Freiden\u00a0as Assistant Treasurer and Corporation Tax Department Manager.[161]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    Store officials boasted that \u201cwhatever it is, you can get it at May Company.\u201d\u00a0 They meant every word of it.\u00a0 To better accommodate the growing needs of their customers, the May Company, in 1967, opened a new, 13,000 square foot home furnishings warehouse.\u00a0 Located at the corner of Payne Avenue\u00a0and East 41st Street, this spacious warehouse was one of the largest distribution\u00a0centers in the country.\u00a0 No other major department store in Cleveland provided so many conveniences to its shoppers.\u00a0 One of the local dailies said it best the store has an unblemished record of integrity and dependability.<\/p>\n

    O\u2019Neil\u2019s\u00a0Department Store, in 1967, opened a new suburban store at the Chapel Hill Mall\u00a0in Akron, OH.[162]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 It is currently occupied by Macy\u2019s.\u00a0 The May Company\u2019s net earnings, for the nine month period ending October 31, 1967, totaled $7,842,000.\u00a0 That equaled $.51 a common share vs. $8,497,000 or $.55 a common share the previous year.\u00a0 Sales that same year increased to $247,963,000 as compared with $238,396,000 in 1966.[163]<\/sup><\/a> The Federal Trade Commission, in 1967, limited further acquisitions for the next ten year period unless approved by them first.<\/p>\n

    Nineteen sixty-eight store sales broke all previous at $1,000,000,000.[164]<\/sup><\/a> Unfortunately, profits dropped to $36,200,000.\u00a0 Hoping to shore up recent losses, store executives established their-own discount chain called Venture.\u00a0 A respected discounter John F. Geisse\u00a0headed it.\u00a0 Venture stores did quite well financially from the day they opened. \u00a0That chain operated more than twenty stores by the mid-1970s.\u00a0 The May Company, in 1968, also took the lead over its competitors when it introduced its-own flex option account system.\u00a0 This electronic accounting system monitored all unpaid bills.<\/p>\n

    Cardholders now had the option of paying their outstanding balances either through a special 30-day charge account or a convenient monthly payment plan.\u00a0 The May Company, in the latter case, reserved the right periodically to adjust monthly finance and service charges.\u00a0 Those customers defaulting on monthly payments were required to pay the full amount due on the next payment cycle or face possible prosecution.[165]<\/sup><\/a> Officials, in 1968, reported record sales although earnings declined due to the $.22 a share surcharge tax.\u00a0 Earnings topped $34,006,000 equal $2.21 a share as compared with $36,287,000 or $2.36 a share the previous year.<\/p>\n

    O\u2019Neil\u2019s\u00a0Department Store, in 1969, opened another retail outlet at Mellet Mall\u00a0in Canton, OH.\u00a0 This 120,000 square foot store closed in 2006.\u00a0 Some of the latest merchandise added during the 1968-69 shopping seasons included such things as pop records; fashionable patio furniture, Coty and Max Factor cosmetics, Rubbermaid kitchen items and Teflon coated waffle grilles.\u00a0 Third Quarter sales figures for 1969 were up by 4.2% to $273,076,000, while earnings fell by 29.8% to $5,389,000 or $.35 a share.\u00a0\u00a0 Analysts, at that time, expressed some concern regarding recent earnings losses; however, store executives seemed unaffected by it.[166]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    The 1970s produced a whole set of new economic challenges.\u00a0 The growing popularity of discount stores did not appear to faze the May Company board.\u00a0 Store officials had successfully battled competitors in the past and won.\u00a0 They were sure they could do it again.\u00a0 Popular events such as the January White Sales; Foreign Food Fair, May Days Celebration and Cleveland Post Office Summer Arts Program & Festival brought large crowds into the various stores.\u00a0 The grand opening, in 1971, of the new, 126,000 square foot O\u2019Neil\u2019s\u00a0Department Store at Belden Village\u00a0Shopping Center ushered-in a new era of sophisticated shopping.[167]<\/sup><\/a> Designed by Jacobs, Visconsi & Jacobs, this store is currently occupied by Macy\u2019s.<\/p>\n

    Cleveland division President Francis A. Coy, in May 1971, announced his resignation.\u00a0 The Board of Directors named Denny G. Arvanites\u00a0as his successor.\u00a0 Arvanites held that post until August 1975 when the board appointed Raymond L. Klauer.[168]<\/sup><\/a> Stockholders, in 1971, approved a new insurance plan for shoppers.\u00a0 Qualified customers now had the opportunity to purchase a modified life insurance policy naming the May Company their beneficiary.\u00a0 In the event of their death, the May Company would collect the insurance money and pay-off any-and-all outstanding debts owed this department store.\u00a0 The board also agreed to reimburse policy holders for all stolen merchandise.\u00a0 The May Company, in 1972, led others by debuting the area\u2019s first catalog showroom and sold items from Communist China.<\/p>\n

    Store officials, in November 1972, attempted to bolster Christmas sales by encouraging customers to use their May Company credit cards.\u00a0 Those using their credit cards to purchase $300 or more in merchandise from November 11th through December 31st would not be billed until February 1973.[169]<\/sup><\/a> May Company\u2019s earnings for the 3rd quarter of 1972 were up 23% from a year ago, while sales increased by 17.3%.[170]<\/sup><\/a> That trend continued into the following year.<\/p>\n

    Net earnings for the 26 weeks ending August 4, 1973 reached $13,700,000.\u00a0 That equaled $.89 a common share as compared to $10,300,000 or $.67 a share the previous year.\u00a0 Store sales, over that same period of time, totaled a whopping $672,000,000.\u00a0 That compared with $617,000,000 in 1972.[171]<\/sup><\/a> The recession in 1974 brought this upward trend to an end.\u00a0 For the 13 week period ending November 2, 1974, May Company net earnings declined by 6.1% to $7,800,000.\u00a0 That equaled $.51 a common share as compared with $8,300,000 or $.54 a common share one year ago.[172]<\/sup><\/a> The mid-1970s represented yet another period of rapid change and expansion.\u00a0 It began, in 1975, when its Board of Directors named David C. Farrell\u00a0to replace Stanley J. Goodman\u00a0as CEO\/President.\u00a0 Farrell served for 26 years.\u00a0 Goodman became the new Chairman of the Board.\u00a0 In Cleveland, H. Gene Nau\u00a0replaced Raymond L. Klauer as Cleveland divisional head.[173]<\/sup><\/a> Nau remained head into the 1980s.<\/p>\n

    Hoping to capture an even larger percentage of the Akron-Canton retail market, May Company officials, in August 1975, opened another O\u2019Neil\u2019s\u00a0Department Store at the Rolling Acres Mall\u00a0in Akron, OH.\u00a0 This 103,000 square foot building in 2006 became a Macy\u2019s.\u00a0 It closed less than two years later.\u00a0 Continual branch expansion paid-off for stockholders.\u00a0 Net earnings for the 13-weeks ending August 2, 1975 stood at $9,100,000 or equal to $.59 a common share.\u00a0 This compared to $7,200,000 or $.47 a share one year ago.\u00a0 Sales for that same quarter remained high at $446,100,000.\u00a0 That represented a 14% gain from 1974 figures.[174]<\/sup><\/a> Its profitable subsidiary Venture stores accounted for 9% of the May Company\u2019s entire sales which was valued at $1,750,000,000.<\/p>\n

    The August 1976 opening of the May Company\u2019s latest branch store at Randall Park Mall\u00a0in North Randall, OH\u00a0received a great deal of media attention.\u00a0 The idea of Youngstown native and shopping mall magnate Edward J. DeBartolo\u00a0Sr. (1909-1994), Randall Park was dubbed the \u201cLargest Mall in the World\u201d when it first opened.\u00a0 Dallas-based RYA Architects\u00a0and Cleveland designers Dalton, Dalton, Little & Newport\u00a0designed it.\u00a0 The May Company’s 177,000 square foot, two-story structure featured a multitude of departments along with the popular Thistle Grill Restaurant.[175]<\/sup><\/a> It became Macy\u2019s\u00a0in 2006 and closed in February 2008.\u00a0 Another branch opened in 1977 at the Euclid Square Mall\u00a0in Euclid, OH.\u00a0 Its precast concrete panels; rough stone veneer and strip lights lent character to this 177,000 square foot facility.\u00a0 It featured other special touches such as parquet floors, shiny counters, raised ceilings and recessed lighting.\u00a0 Designed by the Cleveland architectural firm of Dalton, Dalton, Little & Newport it included Three Crowns Restaurant\u00a0and a coffee shop.[176]<\/sup><\/a> This store in 2004 became a discount department store called \u201cOutlets USA.\u201d\u00a0 Its asset value, in 2009, was $1,780,000.<\/p>\n

    The May Company, throughout the 1970s, provided its customers with a wide array of new and exciting products.\u00a0 They ranged from antique satin drapes; Ponderosa Pine furniture, Farberware and Dutch tulips ready for planting to original lithographs, Presto Coffeemaker Week, Colby Cotton Summer Knits and wine dispensers.\u00a0 A host of special contests and public service activities such as free trips to Las Vegas, children\u2019s coloring contests along with the Violet Club\u00a0and \u201cSmoke Enders\u201d also appealed to discerning shoppers.[177]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    There was always something happening at the May Company.\u00a0 Newspaper advertising, in the late 1970s, continually reinforced the important of buying quality merchandise at low prices from stores you trusted.\u00a0 Officials at the May Company understood that their stores represented much more than places to purchase quality merchandise at reasonable prices.\u00a0 They provided shoppers with free delivery and installation services; Eagle Stamps, two-week free home trials on selected items and a variety of credit plans.\u00a0 Not all stores offered that.\u00a0 Their customers must never lose sight of the role that the May Company played in their daily lives.[178]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    May Company net earnings for the 13-weeks ending October 31, 1977 exceeded $15,900,000 or $.71 a common share.\u00a0 This represented a 9.4% gain over the previous year.\u00a0 Sales also increased by 9.4% to reach $548,300,000.\u00a0 Venture Discount Stores\u00a0posted gains of 18.4%, while May Company catalog showrooms were up by 14.4%.[179]<\/sup><\/a> Venture Discount, in 1978, purchased nineteen stores from Chicago\u2019s Jewel Company\u00a0and the May Company, in 1981, divested its interest in Canadian Consumers Distribution\u00a0Company.\u00a0 The board took this infusion of additional capital, generated by this divestiture, to promote its catalog business.\u00a0 Stockholders that same year approved a 3-for-2 stock split.<\/p>\n

    Store executives, in 1979, acquired Topeka, -based Volume Shoe Company\u00a0for about $150,000,000 in stock.[180]<\/sup><\/a> This acquisition resulted in a profit loss of 1.6%.\u00a0 The board, that same year, approved major renovations for the Public Square store.\u00a0 One gimmick to gain public attention involved what were called \u201cLiving Windows.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cLiving Windows\u201d gave an illusion that the manikins in the display cases were putting on and taken off clothes.\u00a0 In reality, it involved life models, polarized light and revolving platforms.\u00a0 Special cooking demonstrations, a Bonne Bell Running Clinic, a table top club, special financial planning sessions and a celebrity racquet ball challenge brought many shoppers downtown.\u00a0 Special appearances by the Amazing Spider Man, Stan Childress of WJW-TV\u00a0and fashion designer Oscar de la Renta\u00a0highlighted the 1979 shopping season.[181]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    First quarter profits in 1980 had declined by 1.6% to $12,400,000.[182]<\/sup><\/a> That equaled $.43 a share as compared with $12,800,000 or $.44 a share the previous year.\u00a0 Store sales, over that same period of time, had increased by 6.7% to $846,600,000. The May Company, Prudential Life Insurance Company\u00a0and Melvin Simon Associates, that December, announced merger plans.\u00a0 The newly created entity known as \u201cMay Centers\u201d owned and operated six regional shopping complexes in Denver, CO; Laurel Park, LA and St. Louis, MO.<\/p>\n

    Under this agreement, the May Company borrowed $75,000,000 from Prudential Life Insurance, over a twenty year period, at an annual interest rate of 9%.\u00a0 Store officials expected an after-tax return of $9,000,000 equal to $.30 a share.\u00a0 The gross value of these six regional shopping centers was $145,000,000, while the May Company\u2019s book value on these properties stood at approximately $30,000,000.\u00a0 Store executives amassed close to $75,000,000 in cash, while maintaining a 50% interest in the equity and future appreciation of those six shopping complexes.\u00a0 This business deal excluded May Company structures and parcels located within these centers.[183]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    This latest merger produced outstanding results quickly.\u00a0 With more than 180 stores, the May Company\u2019s annual sales advanced to $708,200,000 as compared with $646,600,000 in 1980.[184]<\/sup><\/a> The introduction of new high-end items appealed to many fashion conscious shoppers.\u00a0 These products included Coach name brand items; Candies shoes and a wide selection of Strawberry Shortcake\u00a0fashions.[185]<\/sup><\/a> In response to this merger, stockholders decided to extend their special insurance protection program to include all credit cardholders.<\/p>\n

    Store officials and employees, in April 1983, mourned the passing of their former President\/CEO Morton D. May.\u00a0 He was 69 years old.[186]<\/sup><\/a> The board that same year acquired HRT Industries, Zody\u2019s\u00a0Discount Department Store chain, and Craddock-Terry Shoe Company.\u00a0 That action resulted in the establishment of the Payless Shoe\u00a0chain.\u00a0 Shoppers especially enjoyed Payless Shoes latest Pro-Wings\u00a0line of sneakers.<\/p>\n

    The Board of Directors, in January 1984, appointed Robert B. Cockayne to replace H. Gene Nau\u00a0as President of the Cleveland-division.[187]<\/sup><\/a> The New York brokerage firm of L.F. Rothschild, Unterberg and Towbin, that March, commended the May Company for its very insightful leadership.[188]<\/sup><\/a> First quarter profits in 1984 reaching $27,500,000.[189]<\/sup><\/a> That represented a 35% increase over the previous year.\u00a0 That equaled $.95 a common share as compared with $20,300,000 or $.70 a share in 1983.\u00a0 Sales, during that same time period, soared by 14.3% to $842,600,000.<\/p>\n

    Store officials, in early 1986, made two very important announcements concerning the future of Associated Dry Goods\u00a0(ADG).\u00a0 The first involved the acquisition of the Sibley, Lindsey & Curr\u00a0Department Store of Rochester, NY.\u00a0 A part of ADG since 1957, many up-state New Yorkers considered Sibley\u2019s a good and reliable local department store.\u00a0 Some analysts, at that time, questioned the wisdom of this merger since it added very little to the May Company portfolio.\u00a0 What critics did not know was that this acquisition was only the first step leading to a much larger merger later that year.<\/p>\n

    May Company stockholders, in October 1986, approved the acquisition of the entire Associated Dry Goods\u00a0chain for an unprecedented $2,200,000,000.\u00a0 That represented the most costly merger by the May Company to date.\u00a0 The May Company paid $66.00 a share for all 35,000,000 shares of Associated Dry Goods outstanding preferred stock.\u00a0\u00a0 ADG, the nation\u2019s 4th largest retail conglomerate, operated some of the nation\u2019s finest department stores.\u00a0 They including favorites such as p, L.S. Ayers & Company, Loehmann\u2019s, Lord & Taylor\u2019s\u00a0and J.W. Robinson\u2019s of California.\u00a0 The May Company now operated stores in 39 states.[190]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    That same Board of Directors utilized $2,000,000 of the capital generated from this major business deal to open several new stores.\u00a0 Fourth quarter earnings for 1986 increased to $213,000,000 or $1.38 a common share.\u00a0 That symbolized a major increase from $195,000,000 or $1.24 a common share the previous year.\u00a0 Sales, over that same period of time, exceeded $3,360,000,000.\u00a0 That represented an increase of 8% from $3,100,000,000 in 1985.[191]<\/sup><\/a> The 1986-87 shopping season featured such things as live marionette shows, pop concerts, cabbage patch dolls, career seminars, Sunbeam humidifiers, Gloria chocolates\u00a0and Glemby coats.<\/p>\n

    Hoping to generate additional capital for further expansion and remodeling, officials, in August 1988, divested themselves of 50% of its shopping centers holdings.[192]<\/sup><\/a> They applied $1,500,000,000 of the capital gained by that divestiture towards the acquisition of two major Federated Department Stores: Filene\u2019s\u00a0in Boston, MA\u00a0and Foley\u2019s\u00a0in Houston, TX.\u00a0 The May Company also cut its year-end losses by selling Caldor\u2019s and Loehmann\u2019s\u00a0to Odyssey Partners LP, a private equity firm and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, a private investment banking house.[193]<\/sup><\/a> These two New York investment groups saw profit potential in these two well-known retail chains.\u00a0 The Board of Directors also closed O\u2019Neil\u2019s\u00a0anchor store in Akron and assumed control of all its branches.<\/p>\n

    Consolidation appeared to be the best course of action to follow then based on the fluctuating stock market.\u00a0 Net income for the 3rd Quarter of 1988 increased by a whopping 49.4% to reach $133,000,000.\u00a0 That equaled $.91 a share as compared to $89,000,000 or $.57 a share the previous year.[194]<\/sup><\/a> Store revenues grew by $400,000,000 over 1987 figures.\u00a0 Board members, in 1989, consolidated their various stores into well-defined regional divisions.<\/p>\n

    Leaders, within those various district divisions, strove to implement new company policies in direct and efficient ways.\u00a0 They also encouraged their individual stores to meet the challenges posed by their ever-changing customer-base.\u00a0 The regional business model, adapted by the May Company, emulated a business form fist developed by Macy\u2019s\u00a0in the 1970s.\u00a0 Executive at the May Company firmly believed that more efficiently-run stores would survive the on-slot of competitors.<\/p>\n

    The decade of the 1990s began with the May Company centralizing both its buying and distribution\u00a0processes.\u00a0 Board members, in 1990, also built a new 104,000 square foot facility at Midway Mall\u00a0in Elyria, OH.\u00a0 It later became Macy\u2019s.\u00a0 Officials transferred Venture to their shareholders through a special tax-free distribution.\u00a0 The May Company, in 1990, also purchased the 148-year old Richmond, VA-based department store known as Thalhimers.\u00a0 It soon became part of the May Company\u2019s Hecht division.\u00a0\u00a0 Board members, in the autumn of 1992, approved a merger with Pittsburgh-based Kaufmann Department Store.\u00a0 They also discard the May Company name and logo.\u00a0 The Kaufmann name and logo began to appear in May Company stores throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania.[195]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    However, this merger led to even bigger changes for the Greater Cleveland retail sector.\u00a0 The May Company announced, on October 17, 1992, plans to close its downtown store.[196]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Even though the Public Square facility generated about $19,000,000 in sales annually, its profits over the past several years had averaged only $250,000.\u00a0 Store officials also eliminated 500 to 750 jobs in its sixteen Ohio stores.\u00a0 The Public Square store closed on January 31, 1993 following a massive liquidation sale.\u00a0 Store officials firmly believed that they could sell this retail parcel quickly.\u00a0 They were wrong.\u00a0 A number of possible deals never materialized.[197]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    Finally, the Cadillac Ranch, in 2008, rented 18,000 square feet for its restaurant\/bar and Cuyahoga Community College, in 2009, converted 26,000 square feet into its new, state-of-the-art Culinary Center.[198]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 A Cleveland developer named Bob Rains\u00a0unveiled plans, in September 2013, to build luxury one and two bedroom apartments within this popular historic site.<\/p>\n

    Other business changes affecting the May Company in the early 1990s included establishing a new Californian-based Robinson\u2019s-May division\u00a0and adding ten Hess Department Stores branches.\u00a0 The Board of Directors also opened a new Great Lakes Data Center\u00a0on the former site of O\u2019Neil\u2019s\u00a0in Sheffield Center.[199]<\/sup><\/a> The May Company, over the next five years, expected to spend $4,600,000,000 to create 100 new retail outlets and 1,200 shoe stores.\u00a0 Officials also planned to refurbish 60 older stores.\u00a0 Net sales during the 1st Quarter of 1994 reached $2,526,000,000, while net income, over that time span, topped $112,000,000.\u00a0 Sales figures, in 1995, topped $2,697,000,000 with net income approaching $114,000,000.[200]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    The May Company and J.C. Penny Company, in 1995, both filed bids in federal bankruptcy court to purchase the Washington, D.C.-based Woodward & Lothrop\u00a0Department Store.\u00a0 Woodward & Lothrop, in January 1994, had filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11.[201]<\/sup><\/a> Store executives sought protection in order to restructure their debt.\u00a0 The court decided otherwise.\u00a0 J.C. Penny Company, under this court mandate, secured seven of the Woodward & Lothrop branches with the remainder going to the May Company.\u00a0 The court also allowed the May Company to acquire sixteen Wanamaker stores.\u00a0 The May Company next purchased thirteen Strawbridge & Clothier\u00a0stores.\u00a0 Under this merger agreement, the May Company assumed that retailer\u2019s debt and liabilities totaling about $280,000,000.[202]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    The mid-1990s brought on further changes.\u00a0 Divesting itself of the Payless Shoe\u00a0chain resulted in a 13% decrease in store profits for the 3rd Quarter of 1996.\u00a0 Net earnings dropped to $118,000,000 or $.44 a common share vs. $135,000,000 or $.50 a common share a year earlier.\u00a0 Store sales, on the other hand, soared to $2,860,000,000 as compared to $2,570,000,000 the previous year.[203]<\/sup><\/a> With net profits in 1997 exceed $12,000,000,000 stockholders acquired eleven Dillard stores and the Kansas City, MO-based Jones Department Store chain.<\/p>\n

    An unfavorable court ruling, in 1998, resulting from a lawsuit filed against the May Company, for its illegal collection of credit card payments from bankrupt customers, compelled the Board of Directors to pay 37,000 customers over $27,000,000 in damages.[204]<\/sup><\/a> Store executives eagerly awaited the completion of Edward DeBartolo\u2019s redevelopment efforts at the Richmond Mall\u00a0in Richmond Hts., OH.\u00a0 The financial losses recently incurred at Euclid Square Mall\u00a0in Euclid, OH\u00a0encouraged officials to seek out space elsewhere.\u00a0 The new Richmond Town Square\u00a0fitted their needs, and construction began on a new Kaufmann\u2019s\u00a0store there.[205]<\/sup><\/a> Board members, in 1999, approved the acquisition of Zion Cooperative Mercantile Institution (ZCMI).\u00a0 ZCMI had been a popular Utah\u00a0department store for one hundred and thirty years.\u00a0 It remained in business until 2002.<\/p>\n

    The new Millennium\u00a0signaled further store mergers and additional managerial changes.\u00a0 The May Company, in 2000, purchased David\u2019s Bridal Company\u00a0for $436,000,000.\u00a0 A buyout firm, in 2007, called Leonard Green & Partners\u00a0bought this subsidiary for $750,000,000.\u00a0 The private equity firm of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, in 2012, purchased it for $900,000,000. Board members also secured Gingiss Formal Wear.[206]<\/sup><\/a> Stockholders, in 2001, appointed Eugene S. Kahn as its new President\/CEO.\u00a0 Kahn served at that post until 2005.\u00a0 The May Company board, in June 2004, approved merger plans with Marshall Fields.\u00a0 Owned by Dayton-Hudson\u00a0Company since 1990, the May Company bought Marshall Fields for a whopping $3,240,000,000 in cash.[207]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

    A reorganized Federated Department Stores, in 2003, began merger talks with the May Company.\u00a0 The new Federated chain, now with assets exceeding $4,127,000,000, emerged on February 4, 1992 from Chapter 11 protection.\u00a0 Disagreements regarding the purchase price stalled negotiations for several years.\u00a0 Finally, in 2006, an agreement with the May Company was struck.\u00a0 Under this arrangement, Federated stores issued an $11,000,000,000 stock transfer.[208]<\/sup><\/a> Citi-Group then purchased Federated store\u2019s combined propriety and credit card business.\u00a0 As part of this deal, Federated officials also sold both its Lord & Taylor\u2019s\u00a0and Priscilla\u2019s of Boston.\u00a0 The May Company transferred more than four hundred stores to Macy\u2019s\u00a0and closed its credit operations in Sheffield, OH.<\/p>\n

    The decision to close its Public Square store and remove its May Company logo represented a major tactical blunder for this once popular chain. Regrettably, the \u201cnew and improved\u201d Kaufmann\u2019s\u00a0failed to excite Cleveland customers who were very comfortable with the traditional May Company.\u00a0 Most Clevelanders considered this store synonymous with locally-based retailing.\u00a0 The May Company never hesitated in promoting its hometown image even though its headquarters remained in St. Louis.\u00a0 Cleveland, a highly profitable well-run division for many years, served as a testing ground for many of its future leaders.\u00a0\u00a0 In fact, many of the upper echelon executives began their careers in the Public Square store.\u00a0 They often turned to colleagues in Cleveland for advice.\u00a0 This close connection with headquarters provided local managers with clout when it came to developing and executing national store policies.\u00a0 Add into this favorable business mix, competitive pricing and quality merchandise, and the formula for success was established.<\/p>\n

    It took a major downturn in local sales prompted in large measure by a souring economy before the Board of Directors in St. Louis began to question the value of their Cleveland stores.\u00a0 Consolidation may have seemed appropriate especially given recent sales drops and growing competition by discounters.\u00a0 In their minds, sacrificing the downtown store and the May Company name did not mean that they planned to abandon the Cleveland market, far from it.\u00a0 They firmly believed that once local customers accepted these changes they might even grow to like them.\u00a0 They were wrong.<\/p>\n

    Local shoppers felt betrayed and they made a mass exodus.\u00a0 By the time the Federated Department Stores\u00a0purchased the May Company net sales and profits had dropped by 40% from the early 1990s.\u00a0 The die had been caste.\u00a0 The new glitzy Federated chain, led by the Macy banner, did not compare with the May Company.\u00a0 Through thick and thin, the May Company had always been there, and then, in a flash, it was gone.\u00a0 Consolidation might have made perfect business sense to May Company accountants sitting in St. Louis; however, to loyal customers, living and working in Cleveland, such actions were inexcusable.\u00a0 The May Company was a friend, and a friend does not abandon other friends when times get tough.<\/p>\n

    The May Company Board of Directors should not have acted so arbitrarily.\u00a0 After all, success in retailing is based on honesty, trust and value. Long-term growth results from favorable interaction between merchants and shoppers year after year.\u00a0 Customers expect consistency and product quality. Any sudden changes on the part of the retailer may result in dire economic consequences.\u00a0 This is exactly what happened with the May Company.\u00a0 Finding itself caught in this unenviable position, store officials had two choices.\u00a0 One option encompassed following traditional business practices and riding out the economic downturn of the 1990s, the other involved initiating radical changes while hoping for the best.\u00a0 The May Company chose the latter course and paid the ultimate price, extinction as a local retailer.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Endnotes<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Jeanne Abrams, \u201cDavid May,\u201d Immigration Entrepreneurship German American Business Biographies. http:www.immigrationentrepreneur.org.<\/li>\n
    2. \u201cBehind Closed Doors,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 26, 1898.<\/li>\n
    3. \u201cBig Deal Consummated,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 5, 1899.<\/li>\n
    4. \u201cTomorrow\u2019s the Last Day,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 8, 1899.<\/li>\n
    5. \u201cMcWatters Has Resigned, Severs the Connection with the Hull & Dutton Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 9, 1899.<\/li>\n
    6. \u201cMr. M.E. McGillin,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 26, 1899.<\/li>\n
    7. \u201cPassing of the Hull & Dutton Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 9, 1899.<\/li>\n
    8. \u201cA Magnificent Building, It Will Be Constructed on the Square for the May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 8, 1899.<\/li>\n
    9. \u201cThe May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 13, 1899.<\/li>\n
    10. \u201cAnnual May Sale,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 1, 1907.<\/li>\n
    11. \u201cFour Years of Steady Growth, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 31, 1904.<\/li>\n
    12. \u201cImmigrants\u2019 Pioneer Spirit Lives in 50-Years Old May Company,\u201d The Plain Dealer, October 9, 1949.<\/li>\n
    13. \u201cMme. Yale Sends Two Beauty Demonstrations from Chicago to the May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 14, 1903. For the Knights Templars, The May Company\u2019s Preparations to Accommodate Them, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 7, 1903.<\/li>\n
    14. \u201cThird Annual August Sale of Furniture,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 7, 1904.<\/li>\n
    15. \u201cFree Musicale in our New Auditorium,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 15, 1907.<\/li>\n
    16. \u201cThe May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 7, 1907.<\/li>\n
    17. \u201cThe May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 2, 1907.<\/li>\n
    18. \u201cEagle Trading Stamps,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 23, 1908.<\/li>\n
    19. \u201cFor the Best of Everything, Go to the May Company First,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 22, 1908.<\/li>\n
    20. \u201cOur Annual May Company Sale,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 10, 1908.<\/li>\n
    21. \u201cFine Overcoats and Suits,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 14, 1908.<\/li>\n
    22. \u201cMorning Specials Notice.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 23, 1909.<\/li>\n
    23. \u201cThe May Company May Sale,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 15, 1910.<\/li>\n
    24. \u201cDepartment Stores Combine, Holding Company for Western Enterprises Incorporation for $20,000,000,\u201d The New York Times, June 5, 1910.<\/li>\n
    25. \u201cMay Company to Erect Magnificent Home, Will Build $3,000,000 Sore Extending from Euclid Avenue to Prospect Avenue S.E.,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 23, 1913.<\/li>\n
    26. \u201cThe Catholic Universe,\u201d September 4, 1914.<\/li>\n
    27. \u201cThings Worth Knowing, The May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 4, 1915.<\/li>\n
    28. \u201cFirst Mortgage 6% Gold Bonds,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 2, 1915.<\/li>\n
    29. \u201cJoin One of these Classes in the Citizen\u2019s Christmas Money Club,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 30, 1916.<\/li>\n
    30. \u201cFood for Thought about Eagle Stamps,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 30, 1916.<\/li>\n
    31. \u201cMay Department Stores Stock Earns $24.92 a Share Last Year Against $15.40 in 1918,\u201d The New York Times, April 6, 1920.<\/li>\n
    32. \u201cBuy Now for Spring to Keep Up Trade,\u201d The New York Times, November 13, 1920.<\/li>\n
    33. \u201cMay Department Stores Net Profits $3,788,707 in 1921 Equivalent to $16.82 Per Share,\u201d The New York Times, March 28, 1922.<\/li>\n
    34. \u201cEarns $10.64 on $50.00 Par Common Share May Department Stores Company,\u201d The New York Times, March 24, 1925.<\/li>\n
    35. \u201cMay Stores Stock Change, New Shares to be traded for old, Two-for-One Basis,\u201d The New York Times, November 24, 1926.<\/li>\n
    36. \u201cThe May Company\u2019s Daily Shopping Bulletin,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 11, 1920.<\/li>\n
    37. \u201cMothers, A Study of the Rearing and Education of Children,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 14, 1920.<\/li>\n
    38. \u201cSociety Brand Clothes,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 30, 1921. \u201cSimplex Ironer, the Best Ironer, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 28, 1920.<\/li>\n
    39. \u201cThe May Company\u2019s Bulletin,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 12, 1922.<\/li>\n
    40. \u201cThe May Company is on McCall Street,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 2, 1920.<\/li>\n
    41. \u201cJust in Time for the Thanksgiving Holiday, Dinner and Dance Frocks,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 24, 1922.<\/li>\n
    42. \u201cIf it\u2019s a Question of which machine, Consider these Facts,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 18, 1923.<\/li>\n
    43. \u201cThe May Company\u2019s Patrons Garage Opens Tomorrow,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 21, 1925.<\/li>\n
    44. \u201cA Sale of Fine New Winter Overcoats,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 2, 1925.<\/li>\n
    45. \u201cN.L. Dauby Dies; Builder of May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 18, 1964.<\/li>\n
    46. \u201cMay Stores\u2019 Income $6,952,101 Net in 1926,\u201d The New York Times, March 23, 1927.<\/li>\n
    47. \u201cDillon Read Buys May Stores Stock,\u201d The New York Times, September 22, 1929.<\/li>\n
    48. \u201cAll Next week, See Our Style Show at Keith\u2019s Palace Theatre,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 31, 1928.<\/li>\n
    49. \u201cThe Klein Lampe Homesite Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 17, 1929.<\/li>\n
    50. \u201cOpening Monday The Spanish Room Restaurant-Tea Room,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 10, 1929.<\/li>\n
    51. \u201cFor Fall Surety Hats,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 21, 1929.<\/li>\n
    52. Lehman Brothers Collection, Contemporary Business Archives, Harvard University Business School, library.hbs.edu.<\/li>\n
    53. \u201cMaking Good Our Slogan Watch Us Grow, Ohio Largest Store Becomes Even Larger,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 19, 1931.<\/li>\n
    54. \u201cThe Homefurnishing Institute Sponsored by the May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 9, 1930. \u201cBaseball fans, Walter Johnson in Person, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 3, 1930.<\/li>\n
    55. \u201cAnnouncing Second Annual Exhibit Cleveland Artists and Sculptures,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 25, 1931. \u201cSewing Studio,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 8, 1931.<\/li>\n
    56. \u201cPaint Sale,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 3, 1931.<\/li>\n
    57. \u201cAugust Sales Vanta Baby Week,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 16, 1931.<\/li>\n
    58. \u201cYou Can Buy The Famous Frigidaire,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 8, 1934.<\/li>\n
    59. \u201cMay Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 9, 1932. \u201cProduction Sales Beginning Today,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 10, 1932.<\/li>\n
    60. \u201cThe May Company Inaugural Day Celebration Today March 4th,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 4, 1933.<\/li>\n
    61. \u201cAugust Furniture Sale, No Better Time than Now to Spend and Save,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 16, 1933.<\/li>\n
    62. \u201cWe Will Cash Checks,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 20, 1933. \u201cFriday at the May Company Beginning our Annual After-Thanksgiving Mark Down Sale,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 30, 1933. \u201cSnow Suits, $7.95,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 13, 1933.<\/li>\n
    63. \u201cAt the May Company, A Scoop for our Yarn Goods Department, Home Art Frocks cut, trimmed-Ready to Sew,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 28, 1934.<\/li>\n
    64. \u201cIt\u2019s Always May First in Cleveland,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 1, 1934.<\/li>\n
    65. \u201cMay Stores Group Clears $3,301,614,\u201d The New York Times, April 4, 1935.<\/li>\n
    66. \u201cRusseks Sales Up 21.9% in 12 Months, Increased Showings Made also by May Department Stores and Outlet Company,\u201d The New York Times, April 6, 1937.<\/li>\n
    67. \u201cDepartment Stores,\u201d The New York Times, April 27, 1938.<\/li>\n
    68. \u201cMay Stores Earn $4,402,894 in Year,\u201d The New York Times, April 3, 1940.<\/li>\n
    69. \u201cThe May Company Fashion Revue Apparel,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 20, 1935.<\/li>\n
    70. \u201cAgain, Today Six-Day Bike Race,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 9, 1935.<\/li>\n
    71. \u201cHeadquarters for Mickey Riley Perfect Swim Trunks,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 26, 1936.<\/li>\n
    72. \u201cTomorrow August 14 Will be Jubilee Day at the Great Lakes Exposition,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 13, 1937.<\/li>\n
    73. \u201cEasy to Play, Easy to Pay,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 12, 1937.<\/li>\n
    74. \u201cSpring Fabric Carnival,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 13, 1938.<\/li>\n
    75. \u201cImportance Notice, Announcing a New May Company Service Advanced Credit Coupons,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 6, 1939.<\/li>\n
    76. \u201cIntroducing America\u2019s Largest Creation in Fine Translucent China,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 21, 1940.<\/li>\n
    77. \u201cNew and Exclusive in Cleveland with the May Company Sunset Boulevard Hat Fashions,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 9, 1940. \u201cHand Painted Summer flowers Sac-de-Perl Handbags,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 17, 1940. \u201cThe May Company Announces the Opening of the New Home Planning Studio,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 4, 1940.<\/li>\n
    78. \u201cThe May Company Beauty Special in our Aladdin Shop,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 19, 1940.<\/li>\n
    79. \u201cIntroducing the New and Exclusive Beaux Arts Coats,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 9, 1941. \u201cClassic Records in Complete Albums,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 2, 1941.<\/li>\n
    80. \u201cStreamliner Slack sets Tailored by Mayfair $4.50 a Set,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 19, 1941.<\/li>\n
    81. \u201cU.S. Defense Stamps Are on Sale at the May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 12, 1942.<\/li>\n
    82. \u201cThe May Company, This is Women at War Week,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 23, 1942.<\/li>\n
    83. \u201cNotice to All Men, Women and Children Who Wish to Buy Shoes,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 2, 1943.<\/li>\n
    84. \u201cAdvanced Information to an Inquiring Public: Yes We Will Have May Day,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 29, 1943.<\/li>\n
    85. \u201cPrelude to the Fourth War Loan, Tribute to the Unconquerables, Norway Day,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 14, 1944.<\/li>\n
    86. \u201cAffiliated Retailers, Incorporated, Formed by Macy & Company and May Stores,\u201d The New York Times, August 22, 1944.<\/li>\n
    87. \u201cMay Stores Stock Offered at $103.50,\u201d The New York Times, April 10, 1945.<\/li>\n
    88. \u201cDividends, Profits for May Stores Company,\u201d The New York Times, May 4, 1945.<\/li>\n
    89. \u201cMay Widens Its Holdings, Substantial Minority Interests is Taken in Cleveland Store, \u201cThe New York Times, April 4, 1945.<\/li>\n
    90. \u201cMay Stores Incorporated, and Kaufmann\u2019s Announce Plans for a Merger,\u201d The New York Times, July 7, 1946.<\/li>\n
    91. \u201cThe May Company\u2019s Newly Enlarged Modernized Record Department,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 25, 1945.<\/li>\n
    92. \u201cLoop Bus Service To and From The May Company Garage Begins Tuesday, September 4th,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 3, 1945.<\/li>\n
    93. \u201cVanta Baby Week,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 5, 1947.<\/li>\n
    94. \u201cThe May Company Proudly Presents the most Versatile, Usable Sectional Furniture to date Mengel Module,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 25, 1947.<\/li>\n
    95. \u201cThis is Beauty Serenade Week at May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 27, 1949.<\/li>\n
    96. \u201cHighest Quality Appliances at September-Low Prices,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 11, 1949. \u201cFirst in Cleveland at the May Company Five-Room Colonial Doll House,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 2, 1949.<\/li>\n
    97. \u201cScoop First in Cleveland Big Picture TV at a small price Admiral TV Combination,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 7, 1948. \u201cMay Company Peggy Angora Beret,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 13, 1949.<\/li>\n
    98. \u201cMay Stores Sales Increase $20,722,480 Net is $7,680,039 in Record $202,449,639,\u201d The New York Times, May 1, 1946.<\/li>\n
    99. \u201cT.S. Martin Sold to May Company,\u201d The New York Times, January 1, 1949.<\/li>\n
    100. \u201cMay Stores\u2019 Sales Off in Half-Years,\u201d The New York Times, September 26, 1949.<\/li>\n
    101. \u201cPresenting the Provincial Stromberg Carlson\u2019s Newest 1950,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 19, 1950.<\/li>\n
    102. \u201cThe May Company Pat Hartley\u2019s Heart Beat a Junior\u2019s Delight,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 5, 1950.<\/li>\n
    103. \u201cBe Sure to Visit the May Company\u2019s All Ohio Sports and Outdoor Show,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 5, 1950.<\/li>\n
    104. \u201cSimmons, Self-Adjusting Spring $49.50,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 3, 1950.<\/li>\n
    105. \u201cM. Roget is Here Famous Hairstylists from Helena Rubinstein\u2019s New York Salon,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 22, 1950. \u201cYour Invited to Meet Ernestine Gilbreth Cary,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 29, 1950.<\/li>\n
    106. \u201cThe May Company Fabric Department Presents Arthur Murray Dancers in a Musical Fashion Show,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 7, 1951.<\/li>\n
    107. \u201cRent a Piano,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 15, 1951.<\/li>\n
    108. \u201cPepperell Electric Blankets $25.00,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 14, 1951. \u201cSale Ripple Edge Nylon Curtains,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 7, 1951.<\/li>\n
    109. \u201cExclusive at the May Company \u2013 The TV Blouse,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 14, 1952.<\/li>\n
    110. \u201cExclusively at the May Company, Seven-Volume Modern American Encyclopedia Set,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 21, 1952.<\/li>\n
    111. \u201cSpirit of Holiday Gets Early Start, Parties Around the Clock Keep City Bustling,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 23, 1952.<\/li>\n
    112. \u201cFine American Tourister Luggage at Big Savings,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 22, 1953.<\/li>\n
    113. \u201cAmateur Camera Fans Enter the Hieland Research Photo Contest,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 15, 1953. \u201cEat, The Mayfair Room,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 15, 1953.<\/li>\n
    114. \u201cCleveland Greatest Clothing Value Scottsdale Suits,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 22, 1953. \u201cHickok Christmas Gift Shop Presents the Greatest Gift Show on Earth, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 13, 1953.<\/li>\n
    115. May Department Stores\u2019 Net in Half Year Is Placed at $4,220,000 or $.62 a share,\u201d The New York Times, September 21, 1953.<\/li>\n
    116. \u201cMay Stores Show 19.3% Dip in Profit,\u201d The New York Times, December 4, 1954.<\/li>\n
    117. \u201cThree Big Shopping Center Costing $18,200,000 to Open,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 6, 1954. \u201cSheffield Center Opening Today,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 1, 1954.<\/li>\n
    118. \u201cWhy Buy Stocks? The May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 16, 1954.<\/li>\n
    119. \u201cMay Stores Files A $25,000,000 Issue,\u201d The New York Times, February 10, 1955. \u201cThree New Issues on Market Today,\u201d The New York Times, March 1, 1955.<\/li>\n
    120. \u201cChain Lifts Sales 8.7% for Quarter,\u201d The New York Times, June 1, 1955.<\/li>\n
    121. \u201cEat Better for Less with the New and Dependable Freezer Food Service Program,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 12, 1954.<\/li>\n
    122. \u201cShe Works in Cleveland,\u201d Charm Magazine, February 1955.<\/li>\n
    123. \u201cPremier Showing of the New White Automatic,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 20, 1955. \u201cWallpaper Demonstration,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 10, 1955.<\/li>\n
    124. \u201cChristian Dior Stockings Exclusively at May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 11, 1955.<\/li>\n
    125. \u201cExclusive at May Company\u2026Decorator Pictures,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 19, 1956. \u201cThe May Company Midwest Preview of the brand New Lady Ronson Electric Shaver,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 2, 1956.<\/li>\n
    126. \u201cMay Stores Lift Sales and Profits, Figures for Latest Quarter and Nine Months Surpass Those of \u201955 Periods,\u201d The New York Times, December 7, 1956.<\/li>\n
    127. \u201cMay Department Stores, First Quarter Profits Raised to a $.40 a share from $.36,\u201d The New York Times, June 15, 1957.<\/li>\n
    128. \u201cMonkey Business for Ginger, Zippy and You,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 17, 1957. \u201cNow at the May Company the Romantic New Ballard Pattern in Oneida Community Silverplate,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 2, 1957. \u201cExclusive at May\u2019s Carloads Sale, Special Savings on 1957 Deluxe Speed Queen Washers, $119.95,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 22, 1957.<\/li>\n
    129. \u201cEven the Air is Modern at the New May Company Store Comfort-Conditioned by Gas,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 1, 1957.<\/li>\n
    130. \u201cThe May Company Tire Sale,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 10, 1957. \u201cCome to the May Company, Berkshire Fashion Show,\u201d The Plain Dealer, April 18. 1958.<\/li>\n
    131. \u201cStore Merger Set By May and Hecht,\u201d The New York Times, October 15, 1958.<\/li>\n
    132. \u201cMay Company Bows to Decree,\u201d The New York Times, June 29, 1959.<\/li>\n
    133. \u201cMay\u2019s Store is Rising in Parmatown,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 27, 1960. Mary Hirschfeld, \u201cThird Store in May Group Serving Greater Cleveland,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 28, 1960.<\/li>\n
    134. \u201cThe May Company Has a Credit Plan to Meet your Every Budget Need,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 25, 1959.<\/li>\n
    135. \u201cExecutive is Elevated By the May Stores Company,\u201d The New York Times, March 15, 1960.<\/li>\n
    136. \u201cObituaries, Sam Rosenberg, Retired May Company Manager,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 26, 1977.<\/li>\n
    137. J.C. Daschbach, \u201cTrial of May\u2019s and Finegan is Due to Open,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 12, 1961.<\/li>\n
    138. Anthony J. Disantis, \u201cMay Company\u2019s Employees Turn Down Unions in Balloting,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 29, 1960.<\/li>\n
    139. \u201cMay Stores Company,\u201d The New York Times, April 27, 1962.<\/li>\n
    140. \u201cOne Door Closes Another Opens Wide With Welcome as Taylor\u2019s Comes to May\u2019s,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 17, 1961.<\/li>\n
    141. Clare M. Reckert, \u201cContinental Can Adds to Dividends,\u201d The New York Times, April 24, 1963.<\/li>\n
    142. \u201cFifty-Five Stores Comprise May Company\u2019s Network,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 19, 1964.<\/li>\n
    143. \u201cMay Stores to Form Separate Realty Firm,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 16, 1962.<\/li>\n
    144. \u201cNow Four Great Tire Centers to Serve You,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 22, 1964.<\/li>\n
    145. \u201cMays Opening April 22, Western Reserve is Store Motif,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 11, 1964.<\/li>\n
    146. \u201cTent Sale Starts Today,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 8, 1962.<\/li>\n
    147. \u201cShop May\u2019s Today, May\u2019s New Parkade Opens Today, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 23, 1964.<\/li>\n
    148. \u201cProfits at Peak For May Stores, Earnings Rise to $5,094,000,\u201d The New York Times, May 19, 1964.<\/li>\n
    149. \u201cMay Company Completes Its Bid for Control of Meier and Frank,\u201d The New York Times, April 27, 1965.<\/li>\n
    150. \u201cSale Robanne Watches for all the Family,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 11, 1965. \u201cIrish Linen Hankies with her Initials,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 28, 1965.<\/li>\n
    151. \u201cMay\u2019s New Street Floor Your Passport to Fashion,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 12, 1965.<\/li>\n
    152. \u201cChandelier Is Eye Catcher,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 5, 1965.<\/li>\n
    153. \u201cFairlawn Gets Preview of Nee Shopping Center,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 27, 1965.<\/li>\n
    154. \u201cOriental Bazaars,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 24, 1966.<\/li>\n
    155. \u201cDiscover the Magic of Christmas at A Wonderful World of Gifts,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 1, 1965.<\/li>\n
    156. \u201cRunning Out of Hobbies?\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 7, 1966.<\/li>\n
    157. \u201cMay Stores Sets Earnings Records,\u201d The New York Times, November 17, 1965.<\/li>\n
    158. \u201cProfits Decline for May Stores, But Volume for Fiscal 1966 Reaches Record Level\u201d The New York Times, April 7, 1967. Leonard Sloane, \u201cMay Stores\u2019 Meeting Dominated by Wrangling Over Accountants,\u201d The New York Times, June 9, 1967.<\/li>\n
    159. Michael Kelly, \u201cMay Company Ends Charga-Plate Link,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 16, 1966.<\/li>\n
    160. Isadore Barmash, \u201cMay Chain Stresses Excitement and Agility,\u201d The New York Times, July 4, 1968.<\/li>\n
    161. \u201cWalsh Is Names by May Stores,\u201d The New York Times, April 18, 1967.<\/li>\n
    162. John Kashar, \u201cAkron Battles Heart Decay,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 7, 1965.<\/li>\n
    163. \u201cMay Department Stores Net Slips,\u201d The New York Times, November 18, 1967.<\/li>\n
    164. \u201cSales at May Company Surge,\u201d The New York Times, January 25, 1968.<\/li>\n
    165. \u201cWhy Isn\u2019t Johnny Ready for School Now, His Mother Doesn\u2019t Have May\u2019s Charge Card Yet,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 25, 1968.<\/li>\n
    166. \u201cMay Company Profits Dip on Record Sales,\u201d The New York Times, April 8, 1969. Clare M. Reckert, \u201cSome Retail-Chain Profits Dip,\u201d The New York Times, November 21, 1969.<\/li>\n
    167. Paul F. Colebrook Jr., \u201cEaves Dropping Mobilizers Move,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 10, 1969.<\/li>\n
    168. \u201cCoy Moves Up,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 8, 1971.<\/li>\n
    169. \u201cHoliday Dollars Another Good Reason to Have a May Company Charge Account,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 19, 1972.<\/li>\n
    170. Clare M. Reckert, \u201cThree Retail Chains Increase Profits Sharply; Other Companies Report Earnings,\u201d The New York Times, November 16, 1972.<\/li>\n
    171. Clare M. Reckert, \u201cMay Stores Registers Record Earnings and Volume,\u201d The New York Times, August 23, 1974.<\/li>\n
    172. Clare M. Reckert, \u201cThree Store Chains Show Profit Drops,\u201d The New York Times, November 20, 1974.<\/li>\n
    173. Michael Kelly, \u201cNau to Take May Company Helm Here,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 18, 1976.<\/li>\n
    174. Clare M. Reckert, \u201cPenny Net Down; Federated and May Show Profit Gains,\u201d The New York Times, August 20, 1975.<\/li>\n
    175. \u201cDesigned from Inside Out, D\u00e9cor Important in New May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 8, 1976.<\/li>\n
    176. \u201cMay Company to be Fashion Leader at Euclid Square,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 1, 1977.<\/li>\n
    177. \u201cYou Will Stop Smoking on October 22nd, Calmly and Comfortably,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 4, 1975.<\/li>\n
    178. \u201cLabor Day Weekend, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 4, 1977.<\/li>\n
    179. Clare M. Reckert, \u201cDepartment Store Chains Show Sharp Profit Rise,\u201d The New York Times, November 17, 1977.<\/li>\n
    180. \u201cEarnings, Allied Stores Profit Off 37.9% in October,\u201d The New York Times, May 22, 1980.<\/li>\n
    181. \u201cSee the Superhero at the May Company,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 9, 1979. \u201cWhat\u2019s Happening at the May Company, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 26, 1979. \u201cWhat\u2019s Happening at the May Company, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 23, 1979.<\/li>\n
    182. \u201cEarnings, Allied Stores Profit Off 37.9% in October.\u201d<\/li>\n
    183. Isadore Barmash, \u201cMay and Prudential in Venture,\u201d The New York Times, December 23, 1980.<\/li>\n
    184. Phillip H. Wiggins, \u201cFederated Stores\u2019 Net Up 53.6% May, Allied, Dayton Also Gain,\u201d The New York Times, May 21, 1981.<\/li>\n
    185. \u201cNew at the May Company Strawberry Shortcake Shop,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 1, 1981.<\/li>\n
    186. Lindsey Gruson, \u201cMorton D. May Dies in St. Louis; Headed Department Store Chain,\u201d The New York Times, April 14, 1983.<\/li>\n
    187. Marcus Gleisser, \u201cNation Sees Sun but Ohio Outlook Remains Cloudy,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 29, 1984.<\/li>\n
    188. Isadore Barmash, \u201cMarket Place, Power Cited in Retailers,\u201d The New York Times, April 24, 1984.<\/li>\n
    189. Isadore Barmash, \u201cMarket Place, May Stores As a Target,\u201d The New York Times, July 20, 1984.<\/li>\n
    190. Eric Schmitt, \u201cMay Stores Seeks Associated Chain,\u201d The New York Times, June 23, 1986.<\/li>\n
    191. \u201cFederated\u2019s Net Rises 11% May\u2019s Is Up 9%,\u201d The New York Times, March 19, 1987.<\/li>\n
    192. Isadore Barmash, \u201cMarket Place, For May Stores Reason to Grow,\u201d The New York Times, August 2, 1988.<\/li>\n
    193. Isadore Barmash, \u201cMay Stores to Sell Its Caldor Unit,\u201d The New York Times, October 12, 1989.<\/li>\n
    194. \u201cMay Stores Up; Macy has Loss,\u201d The New York Times, November 11, 1988.<\/li>\n
    195. \u201cKaufmann\u2019s Replacing May Company On Store Signs,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 28, 1993.<\/li>\n
    196. Miriam Hill, \u201cIt Won\u2019t Seem Like Cleveland Anymore,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 17, 1992.<\/li>\n
    197. Bill Lubinger, \u201cDowntown May Company Loses Buyer Solon Firm Drops Plans to Rebuild Store,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 10, 1995. Bill Lubinger, \u201cMay Company Building Downtown May Be Renovated as a Hotel,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 1, 1998. Bill Lubinger, \u201cAuto Museum Considering Downtown Sites More Storage, Exhibit Space Needed for Historic Showplaces,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 24, 1999.<\/li>\n
    198. Michelle Jarboe, \u201cRestaurant Club for May Company Site Cadillac Ranch,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 2, 2008. Janet Okobeu, \u201cTri-C to Open Culinary Center in old May Company Building,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 28, 2009.<\/li>\n
    199. Stephen Hudak, \u201cMay Company to add 100 Jobs at Credit Card Service Center,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 22, 1995.<\/li>\n
    200. \u201cCompany Earnings, May Department Stores Company,\u201d The New York Times, May 9, 1995<\/li>\n
    201. \u201cCompany News, New Offer is Made for Woodward and Lothrop,\u201d The New York Times, July 28, 1995.<\/li>\n
    202. \u201cCompany News, May in Accord to Buy Strawbridge and Clothier,\u201d The New York Times, April 5, 1996.<\/li>\n
    203. \u201cCompany Earnings, May Department Stores Company,\u201d The New York Times, November 12, 1996.<\/li>\n
    204. \u201cMay Stores to Settle Lawsuits on Debt-Collection Tactics,\u201d The New York Times, November 3, 1998.<\/li>\n
    205. Marcia Pledger, \u201cCurtain is Raised at Renovated Mall About 30 of Richmond Town Square\u2019s 75 New or Renovated Stores are Opened,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 5, 1998. Michael O\u2019Malley, \u201cClevelanders are Flocking to Euclid Square Mall 24 Houses of Worship are Renting Storefronts for Sunday Services, Weekday Bible Studies,\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 7, 2013.<\/li>\n
    206. \u201cMay Department Buying 125 Stores from Gingiss Group,\u201d The New York Times, December 30, 2003.<\/li>\n
    207. Tracie Rozhon,\u201dMay Stores Acquiring Marshall Field\u2019s,\u201d The New York Times, June 10, 2004.<\/li>\n
    208. \u201cLos at Federated; Deals for May Company Cited,\u201d The New York Times, May 11, 2006.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      1. Abrams, Jeanne. \u201cDavid May.\u201d Immigration Entrepreneurship German American Business Biographies<\/em>. http:www.immigrationentrepreneur.org. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      2. \u201cBehind Closed Doors.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 26, 1898. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      3. \u201cBig Deal Consummated.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 5, 1899. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      4. \u201cTomorrow\u2019s the Last Day.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 8, 1899. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      5. \u201cMcWatters Has Resigned, Severs the Connection with the Hull & Dutton Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 9, 1899. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      6. \u201cMr. M.E. McGillin.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 26, 1899. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      7. \u201cPassing of the Hull & Dutton Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 9, 1899. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      8. \u201cA Magnificent Building, It Will Be Constructed on the Square for the May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 8, 1899. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      9. \u201cThe May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 13, 1899. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      10. \u201cAnnual May Sale.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 1, 1907. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      11. \u201cFour Years of Steady Growth.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 31, 1904. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      12. \u201cImmigrants\u2019 Pioneer Spirit Lives in 50-Years Old May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 9, 1949. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      13. \u201cMme. Yale Sends Two Beauty Demonstrations from Chicago to the May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 14, 1903. \u201cFor the Knights Templars, The May Company\u2019s Preparations to Accommodate Them.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 7, 1903. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      14. \u201cThird Annual August Sale of Furniture.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 7, 1904. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      15. \u201cFree Musicale in our New Auditorium.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 15, 1907. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      16. \u201cThe May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 7, 1907. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      17. \u201cThe May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 2, 1907. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      18. \u201cEagle Trading Stamps.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 23, 1908. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      19. \u201cFor the Best of Everything, Go to the May Company First.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 22, 1908. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      20. \u201cOur Annual May Company Sale.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 10, 1908. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      21. \u201cFine Overcoats and Suits.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 14, 1908. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      22. \u201cMorning Specials Notice.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 23, 1909. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      23. \u201cThe May Company May Sale.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 15, 1910. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      24. \u201cDepartment Stores Combine, Holding Company for Western Enterprises Incorporation for $20,000,000.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, June 5, 1910. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      25. \u201cMay Company to Erect Magnificent Home, Will Build $3,000,000 Sore Extending from Euclid Avenue to Prospect Avenue S.E.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 23, 1913. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      26. \u201cThe Catholic Universe.\u201d September 4, 1914. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      27. \u201cThings Worth Knowing, The May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 4, 1915. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      28. \u201cFirst Mortgage 6% Gold Bonds.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 2, 1915. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      29. \u201cJoin One of these Classes in the Citizen\u2019s Christmas Money Club.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 30, 1916. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      30. \u201cFood for Thought about Eagle Stamps.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 30, 1916. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      31. \u201cMay Department Stores Stock Earns $24.92 a Share Last Year Against $15.40 in 1918.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 6, 1920. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      32. \u201cBuy Now for Spring to Keep Up Trade.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, November 13, 1920. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      33. \u201cMay Department Stores Net Profits $3,788,707 in 1921 Equivalent to $16.82 Per Share.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, March 28, 1922. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      34. \u201cEarns $10.64 on $50.00 Par Common Share May Department Stores Company.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, March 24, 1925. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      35. \u201cMay Stores Stock Change, New Shares to be traded for old, Two-for-One Basis.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, November 24, 1926. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      36. \u201cThe May Company\u2019s Daily Shopping Bulletin.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 11, 1920. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      37. \u201cMothers, A Study of the Rearing and Education of Children.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 14, 1920. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      38. \u201cSociety Brand Clothes.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 30, 1921. \u201cSimplex Ironer, the Best Ironer.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 28, 1920. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      39. \u201cThe May Company\u2019s Bulletin.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 12, 1922. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      40. \u201cThe May Company is on McCall Street.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 2, 1920. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      41. \u201cJust in Time for the Thanksgiving Holiday, Dinner and Dance Frocks.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 24, 1922. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      42. \u201cIf it\u2019s a Question of which machine, Consider these Facts.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 18, 1923. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      43. \u201cThe May Company\u2019s Patrons Garage Opens Tomorrow.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 21, 1925. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      44. \u201cA Sale of Fine New Winter Overcoats.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 2, 1925. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      45. \u201cN.L. Dauby Dies; Builder of May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 18, 1964. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      46. \u201cMay Stores\u2019 Income $6,952,101 Net in 1926.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, March 23, 1927. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      47. \u201cDillon Read Buys May Stores Stock.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, September 22, 1929. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      48. \u201cAll Next week, See Our Style Show at Keith\u2019s Palace Theatre.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer,<\/em> March 31, 1928. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      49. \u201cThe Klein Lampe Homesite Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 17, 1929. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      50. \u201cOpening Monday The Spanish Room Restaurant-Tea Room.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 10, 1929. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      51. \u201cFor Fall Surety Hats.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 21, 1929. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      52. \u201cLehman Brothers Collection.\u201d\u00a0Contemporary Business Archives<\/em>, Harvard University Business School, library.hbs.edu. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      53. \u201cMaking Good Our Slogan Watch Us Grow, Ohio Largest Store Becomes Even Larger.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 19, 1931. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      54. \u201cThe Homefurnishing Institute Sponsored by the May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 9, 1930. \u201cBaseball fans, Walter Johnson in Person.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 3, 1930. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      55. \u201cAnnouncing Second Annual Exhibit Cleveland Artists and Sculptures.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 25, 1931. \u201cSewing Studio.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 8, 1931. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      56. \u201cPaint Sale.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 3, 1931. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      57. \u201cAugust Sales Vanta Baby Week.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 16, 1931. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      58. \u201cYou Can Buy The Famous Frigidaire.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 8, 1934. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      59. \u201cMay Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 9, 1932. \u201cProduction Sales Beginning Today.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 10, 1932. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      60. \u201cThe May Company Inaugural Day Celebration Today March 4th.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 4, 1933. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      61. \u201cAugust Furniture Sale, No Better Time than Now to Spend and Save.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 16, 1933. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      62. \u201cWe Will Cash Checks.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 20, 1933. \u201cFriday at the May Company Beginning our Annual After-Thanksgiving Mark Down Sale.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 30, 1933. \u201cSnow Suits, $7.95.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 13, 1933. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      63. \u201cAt the May Company, A Scoop for our Yarn Goods Department, Home Art Frocks cut, trimmed-Ready to Sew.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 28, 1934. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      64. \u201cIt\u2019s Always May First in Cleveland.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 1, 1934. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      65. \u201cMay Stores Group Clears $3,301,614.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 4, 1935. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      66. \u201cRusseks Sales Up 21.9% in 12 Months, Increased Showings Made also by May Department Stores and Outlet Company.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 6, 1937. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      67. \u201cDepartment Stores.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 27, 1938. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      68. \u201cMay Stores Earn $4,402,894 in Year.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 3, 1940. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      69. \u201cThe May Company Fashion Revue Apparel.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 20, 1935. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      70. \u201cAgain, Today Six-Day Bike Race.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 9, 1935. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      71. \u201cHeadquarters for Mickey Riley Perfect Swim Trunks.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 26, 1936. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      72. \u201cTomorrow August 14 Will be Jubilee Day at the Great Lakes Exposition.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 13, 1937. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      73. \u201cEasy to Play, Easy to Pay.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 12, 1937. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      74. \u201cSpring Fabric Carnival.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 13, 1938. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      75. \u201cImportance Notice, Announcing a New May Company Service Advanced Credit Coupons.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 6, 1939. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      76. \u201cIntroducing America\u2019s Largest Creation in Fine Translucent China.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 21, 1940. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      77. \u201cNew and Exclusive in Cleveland with the May Company Sunset Boulevard Hat Fashions.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 9, 1940. \u201cHand Painted Summer flowers Sac-de-Perl Handbags.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 17, 1940. \u201cThe May Company Announces the Opening of the New Home Planning Studio.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 4, 1940. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      78. \u201cThe May Company Beauty Special in our Aladdin Shop.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 19, 1940. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      79. \u201cIntroducing the New and Exclusive Beaux Arts Coats.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 9, 1941. \u201cClassic Records in Complete Albums.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 2, 1941. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      80. \u201cStreamliner Slack sets Tailored by Mayfair $4.50 a Set.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 19, 1941. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      81. \u201cU.S. Defense Stamps Are on Sale at the May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 12, 1942. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      82. \u201cThe May Company, This is Women at War Week.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 23, 1942. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      83. \u201cNotice to All Men, Women and Children Who Wish to Buy Shoes.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 2, 1943. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      84. \u201cAdvanced Information to an Inquiring Public: Yes We Will Have May Day.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 29, 1943. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      85. \u201cPrelude to the Fourth War Loan, Tribute to the Unconquerables, Norway Day.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 14, 1944. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      86. \u201cAffiliated Retailers, Incorporated, Formed by Macy & Company and May Stores.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, August 22, 1944. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      87. \u201cMay Stores Stock Offered at $103.50.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 10, 1945. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      88. \u201cDividends, Profits for May Stores Company.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, May 4, 1945. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      89. \u201cMay Widens Its Holdings, Substantial Minority Interests is Taken in Cleveland Store.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 4, 1945. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      90. \u201cMay Stores Incorporated, and Kaufmann\u2019s Announce Plans for a Merger.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, July 7, 1946. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      91. \u201cThe May Company\u2019s Newly Enlarged Modernized Record Department.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 25, 1945. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      92. \u201cLoop Bus Service To and From The May Company Garage Begins Tuesday, September 4th.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 3, 1945. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      93. \u201cVanta Baby Week.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 5, 1947. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      94. \u201cThe May Company Proudly Presents the most Versatile, Usable Sectional Furniture to date Mengel Module.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 25, 1947. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      95. \u201cThis is Beauty Serenade Week at May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 27, 1949. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      96. \u201cHighest Quality Appliances at September-Low Prices.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 11, 1949. \u201cFirst in Cleveland at the May Company Five-Room Colonial Doll House.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 2, 1949. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      97. \u201cScoop First in Cleveland Big Picture TV at a small price Admiral TV Combination.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 7, 1948. \u201cMay Company Peggy Angora Beret.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 13, 1949. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      98. \u201cMay Stores Sales Increase $20,722,480 Net is $7,680,039 in Record $202,449,639.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, May 1, 1946. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      99. \u201cT.S. Martin Sold to May Company.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, January 1, 1949. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      100. \u201cMay Stores\u2019 Sales Off in Half-Years.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, September 26, 1949. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      101. \u201cPresenting the Provincial Stromberg Carlson\u2019s Newest 1950.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 19, 1950. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      102. \u201cThe May Company Pat Hartley\u2019s Heart Beat a Junior\u2019s Delight.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 5, 1950. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      103. \u201cBe Sure to Visit the May Company\u2019s All Ohio Sports and Outdoor Show.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 5, 1950. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      104. \u201cSimmons, Self-Adjusting Spring $49.50.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 3, 1950. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      105. \u201cM. Roget is Here Famous Hairstylists from Helena Rubinstein\u2019s New York Salon.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 22, 1950. \u201cYou're Invited to Meet Ernestine Gilbreth Cary.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 29, 1950. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      106. \u201cThe May Company Fabric Department Presents Arthur Murray Dancers in a Musical Fashion Show.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 7, 1951. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      107. \u201cRent a Piano.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 15, 1951. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      108. \u201cPepperell Electric Blankets $25.00.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 14, 1951. \u201cSale Ripple Edge Nylon Curtains.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 7, 1951. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      109. \u201cExclusive at the May Company \u2013 The TV Blouse.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 14, 1952. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      110. \u201cExclusively at the May Company, Seven-Volume Modern American Encyclopedia Set.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 21, 1952. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      111. \u201cSpirit of Holiday Gets Early Start, Parties Around the Clock Keep City Bustling.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 23, 1952. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      112. \u201cFine American Tourister Luggage at Big Savings.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 22, 1953. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      113. \u201cAmateur Camera Fans Enter the Hieland Research Photo Contest.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 15, 1953. \u201cEat, The Mayfair Room.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 15, 1953. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      114. \u201cCleveland Greatest Clothing Value Scottsdale Suits.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 22, 1953. \u201cHickok Christmas Gift Shop Presents the Greatest Gift Show on Earth.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 13, 1953. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      115. \u201cMay Department Stores\u2019 Net in Half Year Is Placed at $4,220,000 or $.62 a share.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, September 21, 1953. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      116. \u201cMay Stores Show 19.3% Dip in Profit.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, December 4, 1954. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      117. \u201cThree Big Shopping Center Costing $18,200,000 to Open.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 6, 1954. \u201cSheffield Center Opening Today.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 1, 1954. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      118. \u201cWhy Buy Stocks? The May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 16, 1954. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      119. \u201cMay Stores Files A $25,000,000 Issue.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, February 10, 1955. \u201cThree New Issues on Market Today.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, March 1, 1955. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      120. \u201cChain Lifts Sales 8.7% for Quarter.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, June 1, 1955. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      121. \u201cEat Better for Less with the New and Dependable Freezer Food Service Program.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 12, 1954. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      122. \u201cShe Works in Cleveland.\u201d Charm Magazine<\/em>, February 1955. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      123. \u201cPremier Showing of the New White Automatic.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 20, 1955. \u201cWallpaper Demonstration.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 10, 1955. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      124. \u201cChristian Dior Stockings Exclusively at May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 11, 1955. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      125. \u201cExclusive at May Company\u2026Decorator Pictures.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 19, 1956. \u201cThe May Company Midwest Preview of the brand New Lady Ronson Electric Shaver.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 2, 1956. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      126. \u201cMay Stores Lift Sales and Profits, Figures for Latest Quarter and Nine Months Surpass Those of \u201955 Periods.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, December 7, 1956. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      127. \u201cMay Department Stores, First Quarter Profits Raised to a $.40 a share from $.36.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, June 15, 1957. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      128. \u201cMonkey Business for Ginger, Zippy and You.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 17, 1957. \u201cNow at the May Company the Romantic New Ballard Pattern in Oneida Community Silverplate.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 2, 1957. \u201cExclusive at May\u2019s Carloads Sale, Special Savings on 1957 Deluxe Speed Queen Washers, $119.95.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 22, 1957. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      129. \u201cEven the Air is Modern at the New May Company Store Comfort-Conditioned by Gas.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 1, 1957. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      130. \u201cThe May Company Tire Sale.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 10, 1957. \u201cCome to the May Company, Berkshire Fashion Show.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 18. 1958. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      131. \u201cStore Merger Set By May and Hecht.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, October 15, 1958. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      132. \u201cMay Company Bows to Decree.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, June 29, 1959. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      133. \u201cMay\u2019s Store is Rising in Parmatown.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 27, 1960. Hirschfeld, Mary. \u201cThird Store in May Group Serving Greater Cleveland.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 28, 1960. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      134. \u201cThe May Company Has a Credit Plan to Meet your Every Budget Need.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 25, 1959. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      135. \u201cExecutive is Elevated By the May Stores Company.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, March 15, 1960. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      136. \u201cObituaries, Sam Rosenberg, Retired May Company Manager.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 26, 1977. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      137. Disantis, Anthony J. \u201cMay Company\u2019s Employees Turn Down Unions in Balloting.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 29, 1960. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      138. \u201cMay Stores Company.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 27, 1962. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      139. \u201cOne Door Closes Another Opens Wide With Welcome as Taylor\u2019s Comes to May\u2019s.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 17, 1961. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      140. Reckert, Clare M. \u201cContinental Can Adds to Dividends.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 24, 1963. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      141. \u201cFifty-Five Stores Comprise May Company\u2019s Network.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 19, 1964. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      142. \u201cMay Stores to Form Separate Realty Firm.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, May 16, 1962. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      143. \u201cNow Four Great Tire Centers to Serve You.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 22, 1964. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      144. \u201cMays Opening April 22, Western Reserve is Store Motif.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, April 11, 1964. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      145. \u201cTent Sale Starts Today.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 8, 1962. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      146. \u201cShop May\u2019s Today, May\u2019s New Parkade Opens Today.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 23, 1964. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      147. \u201cProfits at Peak For May Stores, Earnings Rise to $5,094,000.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, May 19, 1964. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      148. \u201cMay Company Completes Its Bid for Control of Meier and Frank.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 27, 1965. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      149. \u201cSale Robanne Watches for all the Family.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 11, 1965. \u201cIrish Linen Hankies with her Initials.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 28, 1965. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      150. \u201cMay\u2019s New Street Floor Your Passport to Fashion.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 12, 1965. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      151. \u201cChandelier Is Eye Catcher.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 5, 1965. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      152. \u201cFairlawn Gets Preview of Nee Shopping Center.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 27, 1965. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      153. \u201cOriental Bazaars.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 24, 1966. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      154. \u201cDiscover the Magic of Christmas at A Wonderful World of Gifts.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, December 1, 1965. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      155. \u201cRunning Out of Hobbies?\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 7, 1966. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      156. \u201cMay Stores Sets Earnings Records.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, November 17, 1965. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      157. \u201cProfits Decline for May Stores, But Volume for Fiscal 1966 Reaches Record Level.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 7, 1967. Sloane, Leonard. \u201cMay Stores\u2019 Meeting Dominated by Wrangling Over Accountants.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, June 9, 1967. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      158. Kelly, Michael.\u201cMay Company Ends Charga-Plate Link.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 16, 1966. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      159. Barmash, Isadore. \u201cMay Chain Stresses Excitement and Agility.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, July 4, 1968. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      160. \u201cWalsh Is Names by May Stores.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 18, 1967. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      161. \u201cWalsh Is Names by May Stores.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 18, 1967. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      162. Kashar, John. \u201cAkron Battles Heart Decay.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 7, 1965. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      163. \u201cMay Department Stores Net Slips.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, November 18, 1967. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      164. \u201cSales at May Company Surge.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, January 25, 1968. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      165. \u201cWhy Isn\u2019t Johnny Ready for School Now, His Mother Doesn\u2019t Have May\u2019s Charge Card Yet.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 25, 1968. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      166. \u201cMay Company Profits Dip on Record Sales.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 8, 1969. Reckert, Clare M. \u201cSome Retail-Chain Profits Dip.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, November 21, 1969. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      167. Colebrook, Paul F. Jr. \u201cEaves Dropping Mobilizers Move.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 10, 1969. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      168. \u201cCoy Moves Up.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 8, 1971. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      169. \u201cHoliday Dollars Another Good Reason to Have a May Company Charge Account.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 19, 1972. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      170. Reckert, Clare M. \u201cThree Retail Chains Increase Profits Sharply; Other Companies Report Earnings.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, November 16, 1972. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      171. Reckert, Clare M. \u201cMay Stores Registers Record Earnings and Volume.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, August 23, 1974. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      172. Reckert, Clare M. \u201cThree Store Chains Show Profit Drops.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, November 20, 1974. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      173. Kelly, Michael. \u201cNau to Take May Company Helm Here.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 18, 1976. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      174. Reckert, Clare M. \u201cPenny Net Down; Federated and May Show Profit Gains.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, August 20, 1975. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      175. \u201cDesigned from Inside Out, D\u00e9cor Important in New May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 8, 1976. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      176. \u201cMay Company to be Fashion Leader at Euclid Square.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 1, 1977. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      177. \u201cYou Will Stop Smoking on October 22nd, Calmly and Comfortably.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 4, 1975. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      178. \u201cLabor Day Weekend.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 4, 1977. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      179. Reckert, Clare M. \u201cDepartment Store Chains Show Sharp Profit Rise.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, November 17, 1977. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      180. \u201cEarnings, Allied Stores Profit Off 37.9% in October.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, May 22, 1980. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      181. \u201cSee the Superhero at the May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 9, 1979. \u201cWhat\u2019s Happening at the May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 26, 1979. \u201cWhat\u2019s Happening at the May Company.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, September 23, 1979. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      182. \u201cEarnings, Allied Stores Profit Off 37.9% in October.\u201d ↵<\/a><\/li>
      183. Barmash, Isadore. \u201cMay and Prudential in Venture.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, December 23, 1980. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      184. Wiggins, Phillip H. \u201cFederated Stores\u2019 Net Up 53.6% May, Allied, Dayton Also Gain.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, May 21, 1981. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      185. \u201cNew at the May Company Strawberry Shortcake Shop.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 1, 1981. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      186. Gruson, Lindsey. \u201cMorton D. May Dies in St. Louis; Headed Department Store Chain.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 14, 1983. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      187. Gleisser, Marcus. \u201cNation Sees Sun but Ohio Outlook Remains Cloudy.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 29, 1984. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      188. Barmash, Isadore. \u201cMarket Place, Power Cited in Retailers.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 24, 1984. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      189. Barmash, Isadore. \u201cMarket Place, May Stores As a Target.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, July 20, 1984. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      190. Schmitt, Eric. \u201cMay Stores Seeks Associated Chain.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, June 23, 1986. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      191. \u201cFederated\u2019s Net Rises 11% May\u2019s Is Up 9%.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, March 19, 1987. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      192. Barmash, Isadore. \u201cMarket Place, For May Stores Reason to Grow.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, August 2, 1988. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      193. Barmash, Isadore. \u201cMay Stores to Sell Its Caldor Unit.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, October 12, 1989. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      194. \u201cMay Stores Up; Macy has Loss.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, November 11, 1988. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      195. \u201cKaufmann\u2019s Replacing May Company On Store Signs.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, January 28, 1993. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      196. Hill, Miriam. \u201cIt Won\u2019t Seem Like Cleveland Anymore.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, October 17, 1992. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      197. Lubinger, Bill. \u201cDowntown May Company Loses Buyer Solon Firm Drops Plans to Rebuild Store.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, June 10, 1995. Lubinger, Bill. \u201cMay Company Building Downtown May Be Renovated as a Hotel.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 1, 1998. Lubinger, Bill. \u201cAuto Museum Considering Downtown Sites More Storage, Exhibit Space Needed for Historic Showplaces.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, August 24, 1999. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      198. Jarboe, Michelle. \u201cRestaurant Club for May Company Site Cadillac Ranch.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 2, 2008. Okobeu, Janet. \u201cTri-C to Open Culinary Center in old May Company Building.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, March 28, 2009. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      199. Hudak, Stephen. \u201cMay Company to add 100 Jobs at Credit Card Service Center.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, February 22, 1995. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      200. \u201cCompany Earnings, May Department Stores Company.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, May 9, 1995. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      201. \u201cCompany News, New Offer is Made for Woodward and Lothrop.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, July 28, 1995. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      202. \u201cCompany News, May in Accord to Buy Strawbridge and Clothier.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, April 5, 1996. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      203. \u201cCompany Earnings, May Department Stores Company.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, November 12, 1996. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      204. \u201cMay Stores to Settle Lawsuits on Debt-Collection Tactics.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, November 3, 1998. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      205. Pledger, Marcia. \u201cCurtain is Raised at Renovated Mall About 30 of Richmond Town Square\u2019s 75 New or Renovated Stores are Opened.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, November 5, 1998. O\u2019Malley, Michael. \u201cClevelanders are Flocking to Euclid Square Mall 24 Houses of Worship are Renting Storefronts for Sunday Services, Weekday Bible Studies.\u201d The Cleveland Plain Dealer<\/em>, July 7, 2013. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      206. \u201cMay Department Buying 125 Stores from Gingiss Group.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, December 30, 2003. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      207. Rozhon, Tracie. \u201cMay Stores Acquiring Marshall Field\u2019s.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, June 10, 2004. ↵<\/a><\/li>
      208. \u201cLos at Federated; Deals for May Company Cited.\u201d The New York Times<\/em>, May 11, 2006. ↵<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/div>","protected":false},"author":4,"menu_order":9,"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-81","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\/81","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=81"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/81\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":191,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/81\/revisions\/191"}],"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\/81\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=81"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=81"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=81"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/lets-go-shopping\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=81"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}