Swelldom
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail |
| Founded | 1906 |
| Founder | Harry Goldberg |
| Defunct | 1970s |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California , United States |
Area served | California |
| Products | Women's apparel |
Swelldom was a prominent women's apparel retailer, often characterized as both a "cloak and suit house" and a "department store," which operated across California from 1906 through the 1970s. Its outlets included sites on Broadway in downtown Los Angeles, along Wilshire Boulevard at Camden in Beverly Hills, and near Union Square in San Francisco.
Los Angeles locations
The initial Swelldom store was established by Harry Goldberg in 1906 under the name Swelldom Cloak and Suit Shop, located at 521 S. Broadway. By 1912, Swelldom had secured a lease for premises at 535 S. Broadway, which it began occupying in 1914.
In November 1920, the company inaugurated a new retail space at the northwest corner of Broadway and Sixth Street, branding it as "The New Swelldom Beautiful." This particular store underwent significant enlargement and refurbishment in 1925. Then, in January 1946, Swelldom once again updated this location, marketing it as the "New Swelldom." Sharing this intersection with notable men's specialty retailers such as Silverwoods on the southeast corner and Mullen & Bluett on the northeast, Swelldom promoted itself with the slogan "The Women's Corner."
The structure housing Swelldom at 6th and Broadway is commonly referred to as either the Swelldom Building or the Sun Drug Company Building, designed by architects Pierpont, Davis, and Withey. In 1979, this building was officially recognized as the "Swelldom Building" within the National Register of Historic Places, designated as a contributing property to the Broadway Theater and Commercial District.
Beverly Hills location
On September 9, 1943, Swelldom inaugurated a store at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Camden Drive in Beverly Hills. With Saks Fifth Avenue having established its presence in this vicinity since 1930, this area of Beverly Hills emerged as the premier suburban upscale fashion district, surpassing Hollywood Boulevard and competing directly with downtown’s Seventh Street.
San Francisco location
Swelldom initially launched a temporary outlet on Fillmore Street in San Francisco in 1908. Subsequently, on May 17, 1909, it opened a fully outfitted and ornate store spanning 136–144 Grant Avenue near Union Square. At that time, Swelldom marketed itself as a purveyor of "high-grade, exclusive apparel at moderate prices."
External links
- Swelldom featured in the Avery Shepherd mystery series
- Photograph of Swelldom located at the northwest corner of 6th & Broadway, Calisphere, University of California