ZCMI

Zion's Co-operative
Mercantile Institution

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Company type	Department store
Industry	Retail
Founded	October 9, 1868
Fate	Transitioned to Meier & Frank or acquired by Dillard's
Successor	Meier & Frank (2001–2006) Dillard's (2001–present) Macy's (2006–present)
Headquarters	Salt Lake City, Utah
Products	Apparel, footwear, bedding, furniture, jewelry, cosmetics, and home goods
Parent	The May Department Stores Company (1999–2001)

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Zion's Co-operative Mercantile Institution (ZCMI), circa 1910

Zion's Co-operative Mercantile Institution (ZCMI) was a prominent American department store chain. Established in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 9, 1868, by Brigham Young, it was known for many years by the motto "America's First Department Store."

History

Although the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) had been in Salt Lake City for around two decades by that time, the church members faced hostility from the local non-Mormon community. This tension stemmed partly from Young's criticism of non-LDS merchants who had exploited consumers through price gouging on essential goods and his encouragement in 1866 to boycott such businesses. LDS-affiliated merchants frequently encountered inflated wholesale prices once suppliers realized they were dealing with church members.

Motivated by the upcoming railroad completion and a desire to foster equitable commerce, Young proposed uniting LDS-owned enterprises under a single establishment. This cooperative approach enabled them to place bulk orders and provide merchandise primarily to fellow church members.

ZCMI was officially formed in 1868 and incorporated with a renewable 25-year charter in 1870. A key factor in its foundation was the LDS Church’s acquisition of the Eagle Emporium, a collection of mercantile businesses owned by William Jennings.

Over time, ZCMI evolved into a powerful commercial entity, producing its own footwear and work apparel lines. Its inventory ranged widely—from construction materials like lumber and nails to household essentials including fabrics, sewing supplies, food preservation items, furniture, draperies, and select beauty products—offering nearly everything pioneers required for daily life and prosperity.

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The former ZCMI Center Mall located in downtown Salt Lake City, photographed in 2004

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, ZCMI quickly became a familiar name locally. The LDS Church maintained controlling interest until the company’s eventual sale in December 1999. The institution’s establishment was approved by the Council of Fifty, an early LDS Church organization. Traditionally, the store president was also the LDS Church president; however, Harold Harper Bennett was the first leader who did not concurrently hold that ecclesiastical position.

In 1990, ZCMI launched a new retail format called ZCMI II. This smaller-scale store focused exclusively on men's and women's apparel and footwear, omitting departments such as housewares, linens, and children's clothing. The inaugural ZCMI II opened at Tri City Mall in Mesa, Arizona.

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Traditional logo

Following two years of financial losses amid growing economic and social challenges, ZCMI was acquired by May Department Stores Company based in St. Louis, in October 1999. The stores continued operating under the ZCMI brand within May’s Portland-based Meier & Frank division until April 2001 when they were rebranded as Meier & Frank. Concurrently, locations in Utah cities including Logan and St. George, along with Idaho outlets in Idaho Falls and Pocatello, were sold to Dillard's in March 2001. In 2005 May Department Stores was itself acquired by Federated Department Stores, now known as Macy's, Inc.. By September 2006 all Meier & Frank outlets were converted to operate under the Macy's banner.

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The ZCMI cast iron facade at City Creek Center in 2023

The distinctive cast iron front of ZCMI remains preserved at the City Creek Center, featuring the original ZCMI signage as part of the storefront for Macy's.

See also

• ZCMI Center Mall – a former shopping complex owned by the LDS Church, located near Temple Square in Salt Lake City
• Zion's Central Board of Trade
• Zions Securities – the property investment arm of the LDS Church
• List of department stores converted to Macy's

External links

• Utah state history: ZCMI
• Utah Heritage Foundation information on the ZCMI building’s façade in downtown Salt Lake City