Hecht's Department Store was founded in 1857 by Samuel and Isaac Hecht in Baltimore, Maryland. The brothers started with a small dry goods store and expanded over the years to become a beloved institution in the city.
The store's early success can be attributed to its strategic location and innovative marketing techniques. Hecht's was one of the first department stores in the United States to offer a wide range of products under one roof.
Hecht's was a family-owned business for over 100 years, with the Hecht family playing an active role in its operations until the 1960s.
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History of Hecht's
Hecht's has a rich history that spans over a century. The company was founded in 1857 by Sam Hecht, Jr., a Jewish immigrant who arrived in the United States with his family.
Sam Hecht, Jr. was born in Langenschwarz, Germany in 1830. His father, Meyer, was a cattle dealer who tragically drowned in the same village.
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The Hecht family immigrated to the United States, first settling in Baltimore, Maryland in 1847. Sam's brothers, Jacob, Moses, and Raphael, had arrived earlier in 1845.
Sam Hecht, Jr. became an itinerant peddler, selling goods in and around Baltimore. After a decade, he settled down and started the Hecht stores.
Sam married Babette Wolfsheimer in 1854, and the couple had a strong foundation for the company's future.
Hecht's Stores
Hecht's first store in Washington opened on March 20, 1896. It was a significant milestone for the company, marking its entry into the nation's capital.
The store moved to a grand glass and marble building at the corner of 7th and F Streets Northwest in November 1925. This new location boasted the first parking garage and first elevator in Washington.
Hecht's was the first store in Washington to offer national brands, making it a popular destination for shoppers. Its relatively open policies also made it a favorite among African-Americans and the white populace.
Hecht's operated the last local department store in downtown Washington, located at the corner of 12th and G Streets NW, until it was converted to a Macy's location in September 2006.
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Growth and Expansion
Hecht's Stores expanded rapidly across the East Coast, with over 100 locations by the mid-20th century.
The company's growth was fueled by its innovative approach to marketing and its ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences.
Hecht's was particularly successful in the Washington, D.C. area, where it was a beloved institution for over 80 years.
The store's iconic clock tower in downtown Washington, D.C. became a recognizable landmark in the city.
Hecht's expansion plans were ambitious, with the company aiming to open new locations in the Midwest and other parts of the country.
However, the company ultimately decided to focus on its core markets in the East Coast, where it had established a strong reputation and customer base.
Baltimore Stores
Hecht's Reliable Stores started in a more auspicious location at 519 South Broadway in 1870.
The name "HECHT'S RELIABLE STORES" was carved in foot-high letters into the granite cornice above the third floor.
Clothing was added to the lineup in 1879 under the name of Hecht's Reliable.
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A carpet and matting establishment was opened in Baltimore at 310 West Lexington Street shortly after.
The sign over the new store on Lexington Street read "Samuel Hecht, Jr. & Sons", reflecting the development of the firm as a family enterprise.
Four of Samuel's sons eventually joined him in business: Emanuel (Manny), Albert S., Alexander (Alex), and Moses (Mose) S. Hecht.
Emanuel Hecht joined his father in business in 1880, and he and his brother Albert were listed as partners with their father in 1886.
The growth of the firm continued in Baltimore with the opening of the Hecht Brothers store on Baltimore and Pine streets in 1885.
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Washington Stores
Hecht's opened a store in Washington on March 20, 1896, which moved to a grand glass and marble store at the corner of 7th and F Streets Northwest in November 1925.
Alexander Hecht directed the Washington part of the business for the family. He was instrumental in making Hecht's a popular destination for both African-Americans and white people in Washington.
Hecht's was the first store in Washington to offer national brands. This was a significant innovation at the time, making it a go-to destination for people looking for a wide range of products.
The store boasted the first parking garage and first elevator in Washington. This made shopping at Hecht's a more convenient and accessible experience for customers.
In 1985, Hecht's moved its flagship store to a new building in downtown Washington. The former Hecht Company main building was renovated and reopened in 2003 as Terrell Place.
The Terrell Place building is located across from the Capital One Arena, and it's a testament to the company's commitment to innovation and customer convenience.
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May Company
The May Company played a significant role in Hecht's history. In 1959, the May Company acquired the Hecht chain, marking a new era for the Baltimore-based department store.
The historic Bernheim-Leader store on the corner of Howard and Lexington Streets in Baltimore was renamed Hecht's in 1959, becoming its flagship store in the Baltimore area. It closed in 1988, one of the last department stores to remain in the downtown district.
The May Company continued to expand Hecht's through strategic acquisitions. In 1990, Hecht's acquired four Miller & Rhoads stores in Virginia.
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