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Bergdorf Goodmans

Founded (1901)

Bergdorf Goodmans Bergdorf Goodman was founded by Herman Bergdorf, an immigrant from Alsace, France. It started as a tailor shop for ladies and was located just above Union Square in downtown Manhattan.

Edwin Goodman was a merchant from Lockport, New York and had moved to New York City to work as an apprentice for Bergdorf. Within two years, Goodman enough money to purchase an interest in the business which was renamed Bergdorf Goodman in 1901. The two men did not remain partners and Goodman bought out Bergdorf, who then retired and enjoyed his remaining years in Paris. Goodman retained the Bergdorf Goodman name.

In 1914, Goodman became the first couturier to introduce ready-to-wear, making Bergdorf Goodman a destination for American and French fashion. During the Great Depression, Goodman thrived, and bought the entire building on Fifth Avenue and 58th Street. Throughout the 1930s, Goodman purchased the mortgages of the surrounding businesses, eventually acquiring the entire block. Unsure that his business would be able to support that large structure, he rented out much of it. His fears were unwarranted because he outgrew his salon in less than a decade; the result of his major contributions to the fashion industry.

Goodman's son, Andrew, joined the firm after the death of his father, and became head of the company in 1953.
Andrew was responsible for enhancing Bergdorf's reputation and expanding its range of merchandise and services. During Andrew's tenure as chairman, Bergdorf opened a fur salon, developed the successful Bergdorf Goodman Number Nine perfume, and created Miss Bergdorf, a ready-to-wear line for younger customers. Since those early years, Bergdorf Goodman has continued to expand to bring its customers superb services and products, including “The Decorative Home on Seven,” unique books, bridal salons and day spas. In 2004, Bergdorf Goodman went online, bringing its products to all corners of the globe.

In 1972, Bergdorf Goodman was acquired by Carter Hawley Hale Stores. Andrew Goodman retired in 1975. In the 1980s, Bergdorf Goodman was in the vanguard of fashion; among the first to recognize new European and American designers and especially important in bringing attention to Milan designers, such as Giorgio Armani, Gianfranco Ferre, and Krizia. In 1986, the store opened a department for furniture and household accessories. In 1987, Bergdorf Goodman’s ownership changed again, passing to the Neiman Marcus group. Bergdorf Goodman has launched many designers in America, including Missoni, Armani, Ferre, Krizia, and Lacroix, and discovered Donna Karan and Calvin Klein.

In 2003, the store introduced new boutiques for Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Versace, and Yves Saint Laurent. The Bergdorf Goodman Men's store features exclusive brands such as Loro, Kiton, Bontoni, John Lobb and Charvet. On May 2, 2005, Bergdorf's parent company, Neiman Marcus Group, was acquired in a leveraged buyout LBO, selling itself to two private equity firms, Texas Pacific Group and Warburg Pincus.