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What happened to Gimbels department store in New York?

Published in Retail History 2 mins read

Gimbels department store in New York City ceased operations, with its significant retail space undergoing a series of transformations, ultimately becoming part of the Manhattan Mall and later subdivided for various uses.

The Transformation of a Retail Landmark

After its closure, the former Gimbels flagship store building in New York City did not remain vacant. In 1995, the space was taken over by another prominent department store, Stern's, marking a new chapter for the retail location. Concurrently, the entire retail complex housing the former Gimbels was rebranded and became known as the Manhattan Mall.

A Timeline of Change

The storied retail space saw several significant shifts over the years:

Year Event Description
1986 Gimbels New York closes The original Gimbels department store ceases operations.
1995 Becomes Stern's; Mall renamed Manhattan Mall The primary anchor store space is occupied by Stern's; the mall is renamed.
2001 Stern's closes The Stern's anchor store, the successor to Gimbels, shuts down.
Post-2001 Space subdivided and converted The large retail area is broken down, and upper levels become office space.

From Retail Hub to Mixed-Use Space

Following Stern's closure in 2001, the extensive space that once housed Gimbels was significantly reconfigured. The large anchor store area within the Manhattan Mall was subdivided into smaller retail units, accommodating various tenants. Furthermore, the upper levels of the former department store building were converted from retail use into modern office spaces.

This evolution reflects a broader trend in urban retail, where traditional large department stores have adapted to changing consumer habits and economic pressures by transforming their vast properties into more diverse, mixed-use developments. Today, the location serves a blend of retail and commercial functions, a far cry from its days as a single, bustling department store.

Learn more about the history of the location at Manhattan Mall.