S. Klein Department Store, 1910-1975

Samuel Klein founded the discount department store S. Klein, with his flagship store at this location (presently Zeckendorf Towers) around 1910. Although his business grew to include 19 stores in New York and New Jersey, changes in discount retail shopping led to the decline of the once-popular chain and this store closed in 1975. During the 1940s and 1950s, the store was famous for its bargain bins and the enthusiasm for which shoppers would "dig" through them, competing with others for the best deal. The experience of shopping at S. Klein has been depicted in such iconic television shows as I Love Lucy.