Gath & Chaves
| Company type | Sociedad Anónima |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail |
| Founded | 1883 |
| Founder | Lorenzo Chaves, Alfred Gath |
| Defunct | 1974 |
| Fate | Acquired by Harrods; operations ended |
| Headquarters | Buenos Aires , Argentina |
Area served | Argentina, Chile |
Key people | Lorenzo Chaves, Alfred Gath |
| Products | Clothing, furniture, perfumes, phonograph records, footwear, tableware, toys |
| Owner | Harrods (from 1922) |
Number of employees | 6000 (1945) |
| Parent | Harrods (from 1922) |
Gath y Chaves Sociedad Anónima—commonly referred to as "gatichaves"—was an Argentine retail enterprise headquartered in Buenos Aires, established in 1883 by Lorenzo Chaves (1854–1928) and Alfred Gath (1852–1936). Subsequently acquired by the British company Harrods, it became a favored shopping destination for the city's elite. The stores featured a wide assortment of merchandise, including clothing, furniture, perfumes, phonograph records, footwear, tableware, and toys.
Alongside Harrods Buenos Aires, Gath & Chaves laid the groundwork for the development of shopping malls that appeared in Argentina during the late 1980s. Today, the brand remains one of the most prominent names in Argentine retail history.
History
Lorenzo Chaves from Argentina and Englishman Alfred Henry Gath, who arrived in Buenos Aires in 1866, first crossed paths at "Casa Burgos," a department store located at the intersection of Cangallo and Florida streets, in 1873. On July 7, 1883, they launched "The London Hosiery de Gath & Chaves," specializing in men's apparel crafted from English textiles. Their initial location was at San Martín street number 569 in the San Nicolás district. Within two years, their offerings expanded to include women's clothing, as well as furniture, perfumes, shoes, and additional products.
By 1901, the company unveiled a dedicated three-story building at the corner of La Piedad and Florida streets, designed by architect Lorenzo Siegerist.
In March 1908, Gath & Chaves transitioned into a sociedad anónima with capital amounting to $6,000,000. That September marked the opening of a branch in Santiago, Chile. The firm maintained its own furniture manufacturing facility on Agrelo street, a warehouse on Venezuela street, and a workshop on Pueyrredón Avenue. Employing approximately 6,000 workers, it produced garments valued at $10 million.
An annex devoted to women's fashion was inaugurated in 1908 at Avenida de Mayo and Perú; initially designed by Edwin Merry and later remodeled by Salvatore Mirate following acquisition. This annex was converted into a coffeehouse in 1954. In 1909, the company introduced El Palacio de los Niños ("the Children's Palace") to diversify its product selection.
Following interest from British investors, Gath & Chaves merged with D'Erlanger and Co. in March 1912 to form "The South American Stores (Gath and Chaves) Ltd." The original founders received a 5% share of profits until January 1918; Lorenzo Chaves also joined the management board based in London. In May 1912, The Times described Gath & Chaves as Argentina's largest retailer comparable to Parisian establishments such as Le Bon Marché.
On September 19, 1914, Gath & Chaves inaugurated its flagship building at the corner of Cangallo (now Teniente Gral. Perón) and Florida streets. This 2,400 m² edifice—designed by French architect Francisque Fleury Tronquoy—comprised eight floors plus five subterranean levels. Drawing inspiration from Parisian department stores like Le Bon Marché and Lafayette Galeries, it featured four staircases and included a rooftop café.
In 1922, British retailer Harrods acquired The South American Stores (Gath y Chaves). Three years later, a twin structure called "Anexo señoras" opened opposite the main store at Florida n°232 dedicated to women's apparel; both buildings were linked by an underground passageway. The company expanded its presence into various Buenos Aires province cities such as La Plata, Mercedes, Bahía Blanca, and Azul before extending to Rosario, Córdoba, Paraná, Mendoza, and San Miguel de Tucumán. Harrods also assumed control over the Chilean subsidiary operating branches in Santiago, Valparaíso, Temuco, and Valdivia.
By 1945, Gath & Chaves operated nineteen outlets employing around 6,000 staff members. The Chilean division closed in 1952 after extended labor strikes demanding improved wages.
Operations under the Gath & Chaves name ended in 1974. Its principal building was renovated and subsequently occupied by Banco Meridian.
Sports heritage and tradition
In 1905, employees of Gath & Chaves established the football club initially named "Club Harrods Gath y Chaves," which became affiliated with the Argentine Football Association (AFA). Due to trademark limitations, the club was renamed "Club Atlético Nacional" in 1907.
Referred to as "Nacional de Floresta," this team competed within Argentina's lower-tier football leagues and secured the Segunda División championship in 1907.
The year 1918 saw the creation of "Club Harrods Gath & Chaves" through the union of two organizations: Club Athletic Harrod's, founded by workers of Harrods Buenos Aires in 1915, and Club Athletic Gath & Chaves, established in 1918. Both clubs supported a variety of sports disciplines such as football, rugby, tennis, and gymnastics. They formally consolidated on 22 November 1921, forming the present-day entity.
Between 1925 and 1934, Gath & Chaves provided uniforms for the Argentina national football team.
References
- Ricardo Cicerchia, Historia de la vida privada en la Argentina, vol. 2, Desde la Constitución de 1853 hasta la crisis de 1930 (Buenos Aires: Troquel Editorial, 2001)