Parmelee-Dohrmann
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail |
| Founded | 1878 |
| Fate | Acquired by Dohrmann; rebranded as Dohrmann's in the 1950s; later acquired by Broadway-Hale Corporation |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Fine china, crystal, glassware, silverware, artistic objects, household appliances |
Parmelee-Dohrmann was a Los Angeles-based retail chain specializing in luxury items such as fine china, crystal, glassware, silverware, and artistic objects.[1]
The origins of the store trace back to 1878 when it was housed in an adobe structure near the Los Angeles Plaza.
On June 17, 1899, Parmelee and Dohrmann inaugurated their "China Hall" location within the Workman Block at 232–234 S. Spring Street. At that time, their inventory also included household appliances such as stoves and refrigerators.[2]
In 1906, the company celebrated multiple grand openings for its expansive new flagship store, which covered approximately 70,000-square-foot (6,500 m2) across five levels of an eight-story building located at 436–444 S. Broadway, then recognized as the city's primary shopping district. The architectural firm Morgan & Walls designed this establishment.[3] Beyond tableware and home décor, the store also retailed artworks. It was regarded as the finest establishment of its type west of New York City and introduced a novel pneumatic tube system to expedite sales transactions between sales staff and cashiers.[4][5]
By 1927, the business relocated to the newly developed upscale retail district surrounding West Seventh Street, following the earlier move of J. W. Robinson's in 1917 to Seventh, Hope and Grand.[6] Their new premises were situated at 741–747 S. Flower Street, conveniently close to other prominent retailers such as Myer Siegel and Barker Brothers.
After relocating to Flower Street, the Los Angeles Times described Parmelee-Dohrmann as the world's largest retailer specializing in china, crystal, and silver, operating a total of fifteen stores.[7]
In March 1933, both the flagship on Flower Street and the Pasadena branch were shuttered as part of a joint venture with upscale department store Bullock's. This partnership resulted in the opening of "Bullock's Parmelee Dohrmann" within Bullock's flagship location at Seventh and Broadway in Downtown Los Angeles. Occupying the entire seventh floor, it offered dinnerware, glassware, kitchen utensils, refrigerators, ranges, and washing machines.[8]
Eventually, Dohrmann acquired full ownership by buying out Parmelee. During the 1950s, all remaining stores were rebranded under the name Dohrmann's.
The San Francisco Union Square location occupied roughly 76,000-square-foot (7,100 m2) before being demolished in 1967 to make way for a new building by Macy's, which later became part of the larger Macy's Union Square complex.[9]
Dohrmann's was ultimately acquired by the Broadway-Hale Corporation, which merged into Federated Department Stores in 1995; Federated subsequently rebranded itself as Macy's, Inc.[10]
References
- ↑ Longstreth, Richard (1997). City Center to Regional Mall: Architecture, the Automobile, and Retailing in Los Angeles, 1920-1950. MIT Press. p. 41.
- ↑ "Advertisement for "China Hall"". Los Angeles Times. June 17, 1899.
- ↑ "New Building on Broadway". Los Angeles Evening Express. March 18, 1905.
- ↑ "Beautiful Art Ware at Opening Display: Parmelee & Dohrmann Store Draws Crowds". Los Angeles Times. November 18, 1906.
- ↑ "Really a Broadway Palace". Los Angeles Times. April 1, 1906.
- ↑ "Steam Shovels Scooping Out Dirt At Site Of Big Store", Los Angeles Times, May 24, 1914
- ↑ "Merchants Enter New Home Soon". Los Angeles Times. January 30, 1927.
- ↑ "Add for Bullock's and Parmelee-Dohrmann". Los Angeles Times. February 6, 1933. p. 5.
- ↑ "Old Dohrmann's Front Now New Door at Macy's". San Francisco Examiner. October 29, 1968.
- ↑ Family Parmelee website