Martin's (New York)
 | |
| Industry | Fashion retail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1904 |
| Defunct | 1977 (store closures followed) |
| Fate | Acquired; stores subsequently rebranded or shuttered |
| Headquarters | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
Key people | Hyman Zeitz, Zeitz family |
Martin's operated as a specialty apparel retailer within the New York metropolitan area, with its principal store situated on Fulton Street in Brooklyn. By the mid-1970s, the chain had expanded to six locations before being sold in 1977 to the entity managing Times Square Stores.
Expansion of a Brooklyn Retailer
Martin's origins trace back at least to 1903.[1] The founder, Hyman Zeitz (circa 1860–1930), who immigrated to America in 1882,[2] initially established a coat and suit section within an existing blouse shop named Martin's located at the intersection of Fulton and Bridge Street in Brooklyn, New York. He eventually acquired full ownership of the business.[3][4] Over time, the enterprise grew and relocated in 1924 to an adjacent seven-story structure known as the Offerman Building.[3][5] Following Hyman Zeitz’s death in 1930, his son Fred J. Zeitz assumed the presidency, a role he maintained for more than three and a half decades.[6]
In 1947, architect Morris Lapidus designed a contemporary entrance for the Offerman Building that replaced the ornate Victorian elements with streamlined modern aesthetics.[5][7]
Suburban Growth
During the 1950s, Martin's initiated a phase of expansion by launching new outlets in suburban areas around New York. The inaugural suburban branch debuted in Garden City, located within Nassau County, at the intersection of Franklin and Ninth Street, opening its doors in April 1952. Following this, a store in Babylon, situated in Suffolk County, commenced operations in August 1956 within the Great South Bay Shopping Center. The chain further extended with a Huntington branch opening in August 1962 inside the Big H Shopping Center. This Huntington location spanned 75,000 square feet (7,000 m2) and featured a 500-seat community room designated for civic events, making it the largest branch at that time, although it remained significantly smaller than the 225,000 square feet (20,900 m2) flagship store in Brooklyn.
In 1966, leadership transitioned to Wilbur Levin, grandson of Hyman Zeitz, who assumed the presidency of the chain while Fred and Harry continued to hold prominent executive positions. A profile published by The New York Times that year portrayed Martin's as a "calm and understated oasis" amid the bustling activity on Fulton Street, positioned almost directly across from Abraham & Straus and near discount retailers such as J.W. Mays and E. J. Korvette. The chain reported annual revenues of $25 million, with $15 million attributed to the Fulton Street store alone. By 1968, the Times praised the establishment as "(Fulton) street’s most prestigious unit," noting it conducted more bridal business than any other U.S. store and stood as one of the largest family-operated specialty stores nationwide. It was also regarded by many as a Fifth Avenue outpost due to its focus on superior quality combined with competitive pricing.
In August 1969, Martin's inaugurated its fifth outlet within the newly developed Smith Haven Mall located in Suffolk County’s eastern suburbs—marking its first presence inside an enclosed shopping mall.
Decline and Sale
In 1972, Wilbur Levin, then president of Martin's, departed the company to pursue a career in banking. Leadership was subsequently assumed by another grandson of Zeitz, Robert Rosenthal. At that time, Levin indicated that the stores were performing well and that his career transition would occur "without disrupting Martin's."
A sixth outlet was launched in early 1977 at the newly opened Riverside Square Mall in Hackensack, New Jersey. Despite this expansion, the family-owned business experienced a continuous downturn in profitability throughout the 1970s. By October 1977, with annual revenues reported at $30 million, Martin's was acquired for an undisclosed sum by the Seedman Merchandising Group, known for operating Times Square Stores. Although Rosenthal initially remained as president after the sale, he departed the following year.
The Fulton Street location was shuttered in 1979 due to its prolonged lack of profitability. Reflecting on the shift in the retail landscape, it was noted that Martin's Brooklyn store, which had long served a wealthy clientele, had become disconnected from the surrounding shopping environment. Following this significant closure, the remaining Martin's stores either ceased operations or underwent rebranding within a few years.
In 2005, Brooklyn’s Offerman Building received designation as a New York City Landmark.
References
- ↑ Digital Metro New York, Martin's Silver Dress Parade Sheet Music (1928)
- ↑ "Brooklyn's Fulton Street Stores Face Rivals Calmly". The New York Times. Jan 5, 1968.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Hyman Zeitz Dies After An Operation". The New York Times. Feb 26, 1930.
- ↑ "Martin's, Brooklyn Oasis of Shopping Calm". The New York Times. June 16, 1966.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "New York City, Landmarks Preservation Commission, Offerman Building Report (2005)" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-03-02. Retrieved 2009-09-24.
- ↑ "Fred J. Zeitz Is Dead at 81; Was Chairman of Martin's". The New York Times. May 27, 1977.
- ↑ "A Change Takes Place" (PDF). Brooklyn Eagle. Mar 3, 1947.