Hochschild Kohn's

Hochschild Kohn's
Company type	Private
Industry	Retail (department store)
Founded	1897
Founder	Max Hochschild, Benno Kohn, Louis B. Kohn
Defunct	1984
Headquarters	Baltimore, United States
Area served	Baltimore and surrounding areas, including suburban locations in Maryland and Pennsylvania
Key people	Max Hochschild, Benno Kohn, Louis B. Kohn, Irving Kohn, Walter Sondheim, Martin B. Kohn, Louis B. Kohn II
Products	Department store goods

Hochschild Kohn's, sometimes referred to as Hochschild-Kohn or simply Hochschild's, was an American department store chain operating in the 20th century, headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. Established in 1897 by Max Hochschild along with brothers Benno and Louis B. Kohn, the inaugural store was situated at the intersection of Howard and Lexington Streets. The chain ultimately discontinued its business activities in 1984.

History

Max Hochschild, a Jewish immigrant originating from Hesse, Germany, joined forces with Benno and Louis B. Kohn, who were American-born descendants of Bavarian immigrants. The enterprise flourished, acquiring property at 208 N. Howard Street by 1912. By the time of its incorporation in 1922, Hochschild-Kohn had become Baltimore’s largest department store and introduced the Belvedere record label that same year. Although there were intentions to construct a flagship store within the block bordered by Howard, Franklin, Park, and Centre Streets in 1923, these plans were shelved due to financial difficulties and Max Hochschild’s retirement.

Following Benno Kohn’s passing in 1929, leadership roles included Irving Kohn (son of Louis) as president, with Walter Sondheim and Walter Kohn serving as vice presidents. Despite utilizing corporate stock financing, the company maintained operations resembling a partnership. The Great Depression severely impacted sales, which dropped by nearly half compared to 1930 figures. Internal disputes among management culminated in Walter Kohn’s retirement in 1935. By 1945, Martin B. Kohn assumed the presidency, supported by vice presidents Louis Kohn II and Walter Sondheim Jr.

Martin B. Kohn spearheaded the company’s move into suburban markets beginning with the Edmondson Village location in 1947. This expansion continued with stores on York Road and Belvedere Avenue in northern Baltimore (1948), followed by outlets at Harundale Mall south of Baltimore, Security Square Mall in Woodlawn, and The Mall in Columbia.

In 1966, investors Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger acquired shares in the firm.

Supermarkets General took ownership of Hochschild's in December 1969; the acquisition price was not publicly disclosed. Under this new management, Hochschild Kohn embraced a bold "compete-or-get-trampled-on" approach. The York, Pennsylvania store opened its doors in 1968; subsequently, the expansive Columbia Mall location debuted in 1971 and was described by Chairman Louis B. Kohn II as "a start of a new era." Additional stores included one at Freestate Mall in Bowie—the chain’s final opening. By 1984, Supermarkets General shuttered Hochschild's operations; several stores were sold to Hutzler's, including prominent high-traffic sites at Harundale Mall and Security Square Mall.

The Hochschild, Kohn Belvedere store earned placement on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

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