Gimbels

Gimbels was a major American department store chain that operated in several cities from the late 19th century until the late 20th century. Originating in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, it grew into a national network of stores and became one of the best-known retailers in the United States.

The company began as a family-owned operation in the late 1800s and expanded from a single shop into a multi-store chain serving midwestern and eastern markets. Gimbels was noted for its broad product assortment, elaborate window displays, and aggressive advertising. It established a prominent flagship store in New York City and, in the 1920s, began the Gimbels Thanksgiving Parade, one of the era’s major holiday parades.

Despite its prominence, Gimbels faced increasing competition and structural challenges in the latter part of the 20th century. The chain entered bankruptcy proceedings and ultimately liquidated its stores, with the last locations closing in 1987. Remaining assets were sold to other retailers, and several former stores were acquired by competitors such as Macy’s or other department-store operators. The flagship New York building was later redeveloped for other uses.

Today, Gimbels is remembered as a symbol of traditional American department-store culture and as a rival to Macy’s during much of the 20th century. Its advertising, customer service practices, and emphasis on brand experience contributed to retail marketing trends, and the name remains a notable part of U.S. retail history.