The Sample
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail |
| Founded | 1928 |
| Founder | Anne W. Bunis |
| Defunct | 1991-01-31 |
| Headquarters | Buffalo, New York , United States |
Area served | Buffalo metropolitan area, New York |
| Products | Luxury women's apparel, home furnishings |
The Sample, also referred to as The Sample Dress Shop or The Sample Shop, was a family-operated, upscale department store located in Buffalo, New York, specializing in luxury women's apparel and home furnishings. Established in 1928 by Anne W. Bunis on Hertel Avenue, the business originated when Mrs. Bunis offered 48 "sample" dresses imported from New York City, each priced at $12.75.
The company experienced significant growth during the 1950s, opening additional outlets in Lancaster, Lockport, Thruway Plaza (which later became Thruway Mall) in Cheektowaga, New York, South Buffalo, and Downtown Buffalo (the latter closed in 1959). Expansion continued with new stores launched in Amherst, New York (1961), Seneca Mall in West Seneca, New York (1969), Eastern Hills Mall (1971), Summit Park Mall (1972), McKinley Mall in Hamburg, New York (1985), and the final location at Walden Galleria in Cheektowaga, New York (1988).
After the passing of chairman Maer Bunis in 1990, The Sample encountered swift financial troubles, ultimately filing for bankruptcy and shutting down its flagship Hertel Avenue location on January 31, 1991.
The Sample gained recognition for its biannual "Pup Sale," a clearance promotion featuring deeply reduced surplus inventory humorously advertised through newspaper campaigns. This event became a prominent retail occasion in Buffalo, attracting substantial shopper turnout and generating high sales volumes.