Grinnells Pianos
Once known as the largest piano factory on the earth, Grinnells Pianos opened its doors In Holly, Mich., in 1913. The company lasted for nearly a century, thanks in part to its Quality pianos and to its consistent community involvement hosting annual statewide music festivals.
Harmony House
Carl Thom opened the first Harmony House music store in Hazel Park in 1947. Known for Its superb selection of Detroit music, the chain grew to 38 stores before finally closing in 2002.
Highland Superstores
In 1933, Harry Mondry founded the first Highland Appliance Store, named for its location In Highland Park. The company had a dramatic rise and fall in its time, expanding to three States before finally liquidating in 1993.
Himelhochs
The first Himelhochs clothing store opened on Washington Boulevard in downtown Detroit In 1907. Fifty years later, the chain had stretched across the country, and even to Paris. But in 1977, the company filed for bankruptcy and closed. Its original location on Washington has been preserved as a historic landmark.
Hudsons
The J.L. Hudson Company was founded in 1881 by Joseph L. Hudson. The 29-story Flagship store, located at 1206 Woodward in downtown Detroit, was the worlds tallest
Department store throughout most of the 20th century, with 706 fitting rooms, 68 Elevators, 51 display windows, five restaurants, a fine-art gallery, and a wine department.
After many changes in the retail sector, the chain was eventually folded into Macys.
Hughes & Hatcher
In 1910, Fred Hughes and Leslie Hatcher opened their clothing store in downtown Detroit, And it soon became the top name in gentle menâs fine apparel. Aside from its stupendously Stylish suits, Hughes & Hatcher was known for having the largest display windows in town.
Jacobsons
In 1838, the first Jacobsons store opened in Reed City, Mich. The store catered to the Fashion needs of upscale Michigan clientele, and eventually expanded to Florida and
Other states. The store is still profitable in Florida, but the Michigan stores, after more Than 150 years, remain closed.
Joshua Doore Furniture
In 1973, Harvey Leach opened the doors to Joshua Doore and, for years, drew in customers With the charming slogan âYou've got an uncle in the furniture business.â A few years later, Amid the companyâs transformation into Uncle Robinson Furniture, Leach was found dead
In the trunk of his car, allegedly as a result of financial challenges.
Kerns
Where the Compuware building stands in downtown Detroit today once stood another Grand retailer of the city's golden era, Kerns Department Store. Kerns opened in 1900 and
Competed with J.L. Hudsons until closing in 1959. After much restoration, the famous Kerns
Clock was rededicated by Compuware in 2003.
Kinsel Drug Store
The next time you need a remedy for a late-night cough, you can thank Edward C. Kinsel, Who opened Detroitâs first 24-hour drugstore. Kinsels opened in 1894 and offered patrons Everything from cold remedies to cold cuts.
Klines
Eugene B. Kline founded Klines womenâs fashion store in 1911. The chic-looking store on Woodward Avenue was called the most modern store in the country in 1940.
Merchant of Vino
Founded in 1974, Merchant of Vino was well known for its fine wine and gourmet foods. Although Eddie Jonna eventually sold his popular chain to Whole Foods Co., his sons Marc And Matthew picked up where their father left off, opening the state-of-the-art Plum Markets Now seen around metro Detroit.
New York Carpet World
Marvin Berlin opened New York Carpet World in 1967. Along with his partner, Irving Nusbaum, Berlin grew the chain to an impressive 250 stores in 17 states, including
Michigan, making it the top source for household flooring.
Perrys Drug Store
Jack A. Robinson founded the hugely successful Perrys Drug Store chain, which was Taken over by Rite-Aid in the mid-90s. The first Perrys store opened in Pontiac in 1957,
Named for its location on Perry Street.
Pfeiffer Brewing Company
Conrad Pfeiffer began brewing his own beer in 1882. His Art Deco red-brick brewery was Built between Beaufait and Bellevue avenues on the east side of Detroit, complete with a Stable and hospitality area that offered tours, products for sale, and a beer garden. Pfeiffer Brewing Company began producing its olive-drab cans with black lettering! for the government During World War II, soon after it began selling its yellow Johnny Fifer cans to the public.
R.H. Fyfe and Company
Detroit was once home to the largest shoe store in the world. Fyfes opened in 1865 and, By 1919, it had expanded to include 10 floors of shoes and service areas, as well as a
Miniature-golf course. After closing, the headquarters at Woodward and Adams was Converted into residential lofts.
Sams Jams
Opened in 1979, Sams Jams was a hip Ferndale record shop where customers could Always find rare and vintage tunes. Sams frequently hosted album signings with popular
And alternative bands of the day. But much to the dismay of the local underground music community, Sams closed its doors in 1993.
Sanders
Frederick Sanders opened his first retail shop in downtown Detroit on June 17, 1875. At One time, Sanders had over 57 stores around town selling an assortment of candy, fudge
Toppings, and baked goods. Sanders sold his first Ice Cream Soda in 1876, when he Substituted ice cream for the sweet cream used in his Sweet Cream Soda.
Sebastian S. Kresge/Kmart
With his humble beginnings, historic philanthropist Sebastian S. Kresge likely couldn't Have imagined that the city of Detroit would turn his modest five-and-dime store into The gargantuan enterprise it became. S.S. Kresge Co. opened in Detroit in 1899, and later expanded into Kmart Corporation, before merging with Sears, Roebuck & Co.
Sibleys Shoes
Aaron Ross and Norm Rosenfeld opened the first Sibleys shoe store in Detroit in 1920 And soon expanded to various locations throughout Michigan and Ohio. Headquartered
In the Fox Building and, for a time, the Renaissance Center, the chain was finally Dismantled in 2003.
Strohs
In 1850, Bernhard Stroh established what would become a Detroit institution, then Referred to as Lions Head brewery. During Prohibition, the company stayed afloat by
Producing ice cream and near beer and selling it in grocery stores and ice-cream parlors Strohs Ice Cream can still be found today). With its headquarters at Grand Park Centre
Near Grand Circus Park, Strohs was family-owned and -operated for more than 145 years.