C.D. Peacock
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Jewelry retail |
| Founded | 1837 |
| Founder | Elijah Peacock |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
Area served | Chicago metropolitan area |
Key people | Seymour Holtzman (owner) |
| Products | Jewelry |
| Owner | Holtzman family |
C.D. Peacock, initially known as The House of Peacock, is a jewelry retailer based in Chicago, established in 1837 by Elijah Peacock. It holds the distinction of being the longest-standing retail business in Chicago.
History
The business preserved its inventory during the Great Chicago Fire by placing items in a fire-resistant safe. In 1889, leadership passed to Charles Daniel Peacock Sr., who rebranded the company as C.D. Peacock. The debut retail catalog was released in 1893, aligning with the World's Columbian Exposition. Subsequently, Walter C. Peacock, serving as company president, gained prominence within Chicago and Illinois sports communities.
In 1969, the Peacock family transferred ownership to Dayton-Hudson. Faced with financial difficulties during the 1992 economic downturn, C.D. Peacock declared bankruptcy and was acquired by Gordon Brothers, though it continued to operate on a reduced scale. Since 1993, Seymour Holtzman, Chairman of Destination XL Group, has owned the company, which presently maintains three locations throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. As of 2023, control remains within the Holtzman family.
One of its stores at the Palmer House Hilton showcases three intricately designed brass Art Nouveau "peacock doors" crafted by Louis Comfort Tiffany, recognized for their historical importance in jewelry retail environments.