Hengerer's
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail (department store) |
| Founded | 1867 |
| Founder | William Hengerer (partner from 1873) |
| Fate | Absorbed into Sibley's brand in 1981; main store closed in 1987 |
| Headquarters | Buffalo , United States |
Area served | Western New York |
| Products | Department store goods, including household appliances, beauty salons, dining facilities |
The William Hengerer Company, commonly referred to as Hengerer's, was a department store chain headquartered in Buffalo, New York, serving exclusively the Western New York region.
History
Established in 1867 under the name J. C. Barnes & Co., the business became Barnes & Bancroft in 1869, located at 259 Main Street, with James K. Bancroft joining the partnership. In 1873, William Hengerer became a partner, prompting a renaming to Barnes, Bancroft & Co.
During the late 1800s, Hengerer's prospered alongside Buffalo rivals such as AM&A's, Flint and Kent, and the Sweeney Company. The stores distinguished themselves by enhancing the shopping experience with amenities like cooking instruction, beauty salons, dining facilities, and by introducing household appliances including washing and sewing machines, vacuum cleaners, and iceboxes.
In 1889, a new department store building was constructed at 268 Main Street, featuring a design by Cyrus K. Porter utilizing brick and Medina sandstone accents. By 1907, Hengerer's promoted itself as the largest department store situated between New York City and Chicago.
In 1916, Wm Hengerer Co. became one of the founding members of the Associated Dry Goods Corporation.
Closure
In 1981, the Hengerer chain was absorbed into ADG's Sibley's brand, with its primary location at 465 Main Street ceasing operations by 1987.