Franklin Simon
Franklin Simon | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Died | October 4, 1934 (aged 69) Purchase, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, retailer |
| Known for | Founder of Franklin Simon & Co. |
Franklin Simon (February 7, 1865 – October 4, 1934) was the proprietor of Franklin Simon & Co., a distinguished department store located in Manhattan, New York City. The establishment was created in February 1902 through a collaboration with Herman A. Flurscheim.
Early life
Franklin Simon was born on New York City's Lower East Side to parents Henri and Helene Simon. He had six siblings—three brothers and three sisters. His father earned a living as a cigar-maker and wood carver, while his mother worked as a seamstress. After his father passed away in 1878, Simon began employment as a cash-boy at Stern Brothers, a dry goods retailer on West 23rd Street. During this period, Louis Stern became his mentor in the dry goods industry.
By the time he reached 21 years old, Simon was earning an annual salary of $5,000, which was quite substantial for that era. In 1892, he wed Frances Carroll, whose father served as a New York City sheriff. Together, they had four children: Franklin Jr. (who died in 1902), Arthur J. Simon (1892–1968), Helene Simon (born 1895), and George D. Simon (1898–1944).
As his responsibilities at Stern Brothers expanded, Simon was dispatched to Paris as a buyer. It was there that he encountered Herman A. Flurscheim, one of the company’s principal French suppliers. Their acquaintance developed into a partnership aimed at importing French fashions into the United States, eventually leading to the founding of Franklin Simon & Co.
Founding Franklin Simon & Co.
By 1902, Simon had accumulated savings close to $100,000 and teamed up with Flurscheim to acquire Mrs. Orme Wilson’s residence at 414 Fifth Avenue. This location became the site for launching Franklin Simon & Co., envisioned as a collection of "individual shoppes." At that time, Fifth Avenue was predominantly residential, and many contemporaries questioned the suitability of this location for retail.
When the store opened its doors in February 1902, it experienced losses of $40,000 during its initial year and $28,000 in its second year. However, by 1904, as Fifth Avenue was transforming into a fashion center, the business recorded a profit of $16,000 and maintained its status as a premier fashion destination until it ceased operations in the 1970s.
Fifth Avenue success and retail innovations
Simon was an early visionary who recognized Fifth Avenue’s potential as a retail district. He introduced initiatives such as "Buyers Week" and "Market Week," which revolutionized fashion merchandising and contributed millions to the local economy. By 1922, he had earned the reputation of a "merchant prince" and influential trendsetter.
His approach to advertising was pioneering; he commissioned artists like Norman Bel Geddes and Donald Deskey to design striking window displays that drew considerable attention along Fifth Avenue. Furthermore, Simon broke new ground by offering on-site parking for customers—the first such facility on Fifth Avenue—investing $50,000 in constructing a private garage.
To enhance sales strategies, he implemented "blue light" sales events where discounted items were clearly marked during customer visits. Additionally, he was the first retailer to utilize outlet stores specifically for clearing out off-season inventory.
Simon also took vigorous legal measures to defend his brand against counterfeiting and trademark violations.
Building on its Fifth Avenue success, Franklin Simon & Co. expanded nationwide with new branches opening in Greenwich, Connecticut (1932), Manhasset on Long Island’s "Miracle Mile", Palm Beach, Florida, among other locations. The Manhasset branch eventually became part of Americana Manhasset.
During the 1930s, Franklin Simon & Co. led Fifth Avenue retailers by extending their closing hours until nine p.m., an initiative that proved effective and influenced retail operating hours across the United States.
Personal life
Mr. Simon was widely recognized for his philanthropic efforts and was a consistent donor to The New York Times One Hundred Neediest Cases campaign. In the aftermath of the 1912 Titanic tragedy, he extended both clothing and financial assistance to two French orphans who had been rescued from a lifeboat. He also arranged for their photographs to be published in leading newspapers to help locate their relatives and ensured their care was fully funded.
He was honored by France with the prestigious Legion D'Honneur, being appointed a chevalier in recognition of his exceptional contribution to introducing French fashion to American women.
Deeply involved in civic matters, Mr. Simon led the centennial committee dedicated to preserving Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s historic residence, from destruction. His community service included serving as director of the Hospital for Joint Diseases and holding a position on the board of governors for Stuyvesant Square Hospital. Simon was affiliated with several elite organizations such as the Empire State Luncheon Club, Westchester Country Club, Quaker Ridge Golf Club, Uptown Club, and the National Democratic Club. Furthermore, he held roles as vice president and board member of the influential Fifth Avenue Association alongside distinguished individuals like Ezra Fitch and Lucius M. Boomer.
Death
Franklin Simon passed away due to kidney failure at his country residence in Purchase, New York on October 4, 1934.
After his death, leading New York retailers including Percy Straus of Macy's and Bernard Gimbel of Gimbel Brothers expressed their respects. Isaac Lieberman, president of Arnold, Constable & Co., highlighted Simon’s crucial influence in establishing Fifth Avenue as a premier fashion destination. The New York Times acknowledged him as a merchant distinguished by integrity and compassion.
Simon’s funeral drew significant attention; Governor Herbert Lehman offered condolences and organized a funeral procession along the Hutchinson River Parkway.
At the time of his death, Simon’s estate was valued at approximately $2.39 million—equivalent to around $42 million in 2013 dollars—excluding holdings in Franklin Simon & Co. Subsequently, his widow sold a majority stake in the company to the Atlas Corporation in September 1936.
He is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery located in the Bronx.