Broadway

The Broadway was a mid-level department store chain headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1896 by English born Arthur Letts, Sr., the Broadway became one of the dominant retailers in Southern California and the Southwest.

The company became Broadway-Hale Stores in 1950, with the purchase of Hale Bros. Stores of Northern California. The brand continued to expand well into the next decade, buying out competitors and opening stores throughout California and the Southwest.
 
After acquiring Bergdorf-Goodman, Neiman-Marcus, Holt Renfrew & Co., and merging with Emporium Capwell, Broadway-Hale Stores was one of the nation’s largest department store chains with 45 stores.

The company continued its expansion through the end of the 1970s, when the company was split into two divisions: The Broadway Southern California, based in Los Angeles; and Broadway Southwest, headquartered in Phoenix. The next two decades saw a reversal in fortunes, with multiple attempts at restructuring undertaken to avoid bankruptcy. In 1995, the chain was acquired by Federated Department Stores, and the majority of locations were converted to Macy’s or Bloomingdale’s.

Written by Ranch Queen Vintage

from a 1950s mink stole

Courtesy of Augusta Auctions

from a pair of 1950s Spring-o-lators

Courtesy of Ranch Queen Vintage

from a 1960s beaded knit cardigan

Courtesy of Ranch Queen Vintage

from a 1970s men’s shirt

Courtesy of Ranch Queen Vintage