While shopping this holiday season, I reflected on what a different experience buying gifts at Christmas is nowadays. Years ago, my go-to resource for the perfect unique gift was Jacobson’s, arguably Michigan’s most beloved department store. Long before I spent three years of my young career working there, I was a loyal customer. Jacobson’s was a chic shopping experience – with lovely store interiors, fine furniture displays, beautiful woodwork at its entrances and some stores even featured dramatic staircases.
Sure, it was a place where the well-heeled designer dress crowd came to shop but stores also offered beautifully tailored clothing for everyone. The merchandise was curated for its customers and the unique communities they were in – not the same brands you would find at any department store. And I loved that stores were mostly located in downtown shopping districts, not big shopping malls. It’s a strategy that worked beautifully for them for a very long time, until it didn’t. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2002 and never emerged, resulting in all stores being closed by the end of that year.
It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since Jacobson’s closed its doors. The retail landscape has changed considerably since then. Big box retailers and online shopping have taken over. Whenever I mention Jacobson’s, or my time working there, I get many of the same reactions. Sad sighs, statements of adoration, anecdotes about special things bought there or presents received, memories of an event attended at a favorite store, and always followed by the words “I Miss Jacobson’s”. I can certainly relate. Feeling a little nostalgic, I pulled out my scrapbooks from the Jacobson’s days and did a little digging into the company’s history which I find fascinating.
My Time as a Jacobson’s Employee
I started working for Jacobson’s in 1997 as Designer Salon manager at the Ann Arbor store. I was a recent college grad that majored in fashion merchandising and was eager to make a name for myself at this beloved Michigan retailer. I knew that if I worked hard there could be opportunity for me at the corporate offices, where I hoped to pursue my dream of working in public relations and special events in the fashion industry.
A short time later, my dream was realized when Jacobson’s began searching for a corporate manager for PR and events to ensure consistency for the brand as they continued to grow in other markets. I started as Central Public Relations and Special Events manager in 1999. I was responsible for working with media and managing events for all of our 24 stores.
I traveled quite a bit and loved working with stores on exciting events that brought in business and often benefited deserving charities. I loved working with our incredible buyers who often discovered up-and-coming designers that I got to help publicize. And that’s how I met Jill (my best friend and treasure hunting partner). She joined Jacobson’s as an assistant buyer after a stint working in fashion in New York. She worked in the designer apparel area, so her team brought in some of the biggest name designers to our stores. We became friends during this time and have had a close bond ever since.
The Jacobson’s Experience
There are so many reasons people miss Jacobson’s so much, but the easiest way to sum it up is that it was an experience. From how you felt when you were in the store to how much you loved an item you bought there. It wasn’t just a place to go to buy things that were crowded on a rack or available at any other store in the mall. It was a place to meet a girlfriend for lunch and shopping or to attend a special fashion event. Customers loved getting a personalized shopping experience where salespersons knew their name and kept note of their shopping preferences. There was nothing quite like it.
From the very beginning the company’s founders made sure that they stood apart from the rest. They considered Jacobson’s to be a neighborhood store, so they were mostly rooted in the downtown business districts of Michigan’s most thriving cities. Jacobson’s resisted mall locations for many years believing they didn’t meet their quality standards. The company invested greatly in each of their downtown locations, paying special attention to parking, to ensure that all businesses in the area would benefit and thrive.
Jacobson’s Stores were well appointed visually, with fixtures that looked like fine furniture and interiors that felt like home. They had exquisite windows and in-store visual displays – some people would make special trips inside just to see them.
Jacobson’s also had a well edited selection of merchandise. Buyers were encouraged to carefully select goods for their unique customers – down to the distinct communities they served and, in some cases, buying specific merchandise for an individual customer. It was that level of service that created intense customer loyalty.
History
Jacobson’s was a regional department store chain founded in Reed City, Michigan in 1868 by Abram Jacobson. When he passed away in 1892 the business was left to his three sons, who began regularly traveling across Michigan with trunks of merchandise for customers who were unable to visit the store. Recognizing the potential for growth on these trips, his son Moses desired to open stores farther south along the railroad lines connecting Detroit with Chicago. The company eventually expanded to Jackson in 1904, Ann Arbor in 1924, Battle Creek in 1937 and moved its headquarters to Jackson in 1937.
Brothers Nathan and Zola Rosenfeld purchased the retailer in 1939 and they began expanding throughout the state. Nathan was a retail and finance specialist who wanted to turn Jacobson’s into one of Michigan’s finest stores. They opened East Lansing in 1942, Grand Rapids in 1943, Saginaw and Grosse Pointe in 1944, Birmingham in 1950, Kalamazoo in 1960, Dearborn in 1964 and East Grand Rapids in 1966. The first of 11 Florida stores opened in Sarasota in 1969, after Nathan and Marjorie Rosenfeld headed south for the winter and noticed a lot of Michigan license plates on their drive (they must be Jacobson’s customers and need a place to shop!).
The 70’s brought the opening of Toledo in 1974 and Rochester in 1978, as well as additional growth in Florida with Winter Park in 1972, Longwood in 1975 and North Palm Beach in 1977. In the 80’s, the company continued to expand in Florida with Osprey and Clearwater in 1980, Jacksonville and Ft. Myers in 1982 and Tampa in 1985, along with stores in Livonia in 1987, Indianapolis in 1988 and Columbus in 1989. In 1982 a Florida distribution center opened in Orlando and in 1988, a new $10 million corporate headquarters and warehouse was opened off of I-94 at Sargent Rd. in Jackson, Michigan. Another notable change occurred when Nathan Rosenfeld passed away in 1982 and his son Mark Rosenfeld took over the company.
The 90’s brought many ups and downs for Jacobson’s. In 1993 the company celebrated its 125th anniversary, an incredible milestone. Other positives included the openings of the Naples store in 1992, Louisville in 1994 and Kansas City and Boca Raton in 1996. In 1997, Mark Rosenfeld retired, and P. Gerald Mills became president and CEO. That same year, Jacobson’s posted its biggest loss in decades which resulted in the closing of three stores – Jackson, Dearborn and Kalamazoo which were no longer profitable. Mills also made other changes to the business model to modernize and streamline operations. Following those actions, Jacobson’s operated 24 stores primarily in Michigan and Florida, with stores in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Kansas. In 1999, the company saw profits double and launched a presence on the World Wide Web, exploring e-commerce as it was called at the time.
In the year 2000, Jacobson’s announced that the East Lansing store would close to be replaced with a new store at Meridian Mall in Okemos and similarly in 2001, the Longwood store would close in Florida to be replaced with a new location in Altamonte Springs. In June 2001, Mr. Mills retired, and Carol Williams joined the company as its first female president and CEO. Despite the many recent positive changes, Jacobson’s continued to lose market share at the same time it was working to pivot the company toward a new future. And then, 9/11 happened and the nations buying habits completely changed in an instant. Losses mounted and Jacobson’s began defaulting on its financial obligations.
Chapter 11 to Closing
In January of 2002, Jacobson’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and announced it would close five of its stores. At the time, the move was considered a “new beginning” for the company. Closing the five underperforming stores in Ohio and Florida, along with cutting about 500 jobs and obtaining financing for a reorganization, would allow the organization to move forward with the best performing stores and new inventory to be more competitive. As employees, we were cautiously optimistic that this was the step we needed to take to get us back in the black…and held out hope that we would. We went about business as usual.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be. On June 27, 2002, Jacobson’s announced it would file a motion in bankruptcy court to sell its holdings or begin liquidation proceedings. The hope was a buyer would come forward that would purchase the company and enable it to emerge from bankruptcy, however unlikely that was to happen given the current retail environment. Ironically, because we had been operating “business as usual,” we were actively promoting new product lines and seasonal merchandise at the time. I had been in Lansing that morning meeting with a retail reporter from the Lansing State Journal about fall fashion and holiday, so I wasn’t at the Jackson headquarters that day to hear the news in person. Employees were notified during a mandatory meeting, and I received a call from my boss afterward. Even though the writing had been on the wall for a while, I had so hoped our miracle buyer would come through and save the day. None of us expected it to come to a close so quickly. Our last day at the corporate office was July 12. Stores began liquidation and were all closed by the end of 2002.
Jacobson’s Nostalgia
A special nostalgia about Jacobson’s remains just about everywhere. Certainly, in the hearts of many. If you want to take a walk down memory lane, there are a few places you can go:
Jacobson’s, I Miss it So! By Bruce Allen Kopytek – Published in 2011, this book beautifully illustrates the chronological history of the company, but more importantly, it captures the heart of it. Kopytek also has a blog – The Department Store Museum – which is an online repository of information about classic department stores that no longer exist. As an old retail junkie, I find both to be fascinating reads.
Birmingham Museum – They are currently presenting a ‘Jacobson’s Experience’ exhibit. It features a store-like setting with clothing and accessories straight off Jacobson’s shelves, including a wedding dress from 1970 that was purchased and worn by a customer of the Birmingham store. They even have a guestbook where visitors can leave a personal memory of Jacobson’s behind.
The Castle Museum of Saginaw – Jacobson’s once had a huge presence in Saginaw, eventually with a store that covered an entire city block. After Jacobson’s closed in 2001, the Castle Museum purchased its first store building as a home for their collection and archives. You can find a great online historical view of the Saginaw store here.
Ella Sharp Museum – Located in the heart of Jackson, where Jacobson’s has its deepest roots, Ella Sharp has a great collection of Jacobson’s memorabilia. I don’t believe they have an active exhibit, but it’s worth inquiring about if you’re in the area.
Jacobson’s left an indelible mark on the world, particularly in the communities where its stores resided for so many years. As Bruce Kopytek noted in his book, those communities lost an excellent employer, a good neighbor, and a place where memories were made. It’s been fun to take this trip down memory lane, reminiscing about my time at Jacobson’s Stores. I can truly say that it was my dream job of a lifetime. I was also fortunate to make some of the dearest friends in my life at that job – relationships I still cherish 20 years later.
Jacobson’s will always be a Michigan treasure.
~ Beckie
* Photo credit – Taken from the book ‘Jacobson’s, I Miss it So!’ which credits the photo to Ella Sharp Museum
**Photo credit – Mary Genson at C and G News
*** I’d also like to give a shout out to Bruce Kopytek as I used his book to fact check the timelines listed in this post.
I grew up in Grosse Pointe in the 70s and 80s and we loved shopping at Jacobson’s! On Saturdays my aunt and cousin would come drive in and we’d all go to lunch in the dining room – so many great memories. I moved to Louisville in the 90s and was so happy when a Jacobson’s store opened here. There will never be a better department store shopping experience!
Such wonderful memories. I loved the dining room in Grosse Pointe – so special! The Louisville store was fabulous as well – different, but really specialized. The staff in Louisville was top notch too. I agree…there will never be another store like it.
Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment, Mark. 🙂
~ Beckie
HAPPY NEW YEAR! It was a great story about the Jacobson’s store. So many of us share this same sentiment. My mother shopped there for me in the 1960s. I attended a “Charm & Fashion Clinic” and did my 1st fashion show at 11 years old. By the 1980s I was house model and was sent to all the stores for Trunk Shows, runway and staff meeting fashion shows. I was fortunate enough to work with Oleg Cassini and the great grandson of Salvatore Ferragamo at the Grosse Pointe location. I was proud to represent Jacobson’s as a model. I have cherished photos of some of the shows. ♡♡♡ Denise
Wow! That’s incredible. Such precious memories you have. It was attending the type of fashion shows you describe that inspired me to follow the career path I did. Its a bummer that these experiences don’t exist anymore for young people.
Beautifully written! I miss Jacobson’s too.
It was a family friendly upscale shopping experience. The staff in all areas of the store were always ready to help find the perfect gift or special clothing item.
Unfortunately the company couldn’t withstand the changes our retail world was encountering. The attention to detail was surpassed by no one.
I agree, Patrice. Retail experiences like theirs just don’t exist anymore. I always wonder if a concept like that could be successful again if under leadership with experience in today’s business environment. Even on a smaller scale. I certainly have heard from a lot of people on this post who miss it. Thanks for reading and commenting. It means a lot. Happy New Year.
~ Beckie
I was thinking about Jacobson’s earlier this week. I drove past the old Saginaw location, while home for the holiday and was trying to remember how long ago they closed. I told myself I’d look into when I wasn’t driving and forgot. Then a link to your article popped up on my Instagram today.
Oh my gosh, how funny. I guess I wasn’t the only one feeling nostalgic about them. I’ve had so many people reach out to me on this post. Nice to see how much Jacobson’s was loved and is still missed so much today. Thanks for reading Meagan and Happy New Year!
~ Beckie
Jacobson’s in Dearborn was my first sales job. I worked there for 2 years after graduating from high school and until I finished my degree. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I loved all the customers and management. The store was always so beautiful and the merchandise was unsurpassed.
I have many fond memories of taking my children there and dropping pennies into the fountain from the second level. What a grand staircase! Also, I remember taking my children to breakfast with Santa and manners class besides buying beautiful Christmas outfits for them.
Truly a legend, especially in Dearborn!
Wow Denise, you have so many special memories there. Jacobson’s left its mark on generations of people. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
~ Beckie
I worked at Jacobson’s on Park Avenue in Winter Park Florida. I was a Fashion Consultant, gave seminars and appear on t.v. for our store. I still have lovely clothing from our store! Jacobson’s was truly special. In my opinion there will never be another department store like it!
Loved the Winter Park store – it was just so unique to that community. Sounds like you had some interesting roles for the store – how cool. And I agree completely…there will never be another store like it. It’s been wonderful to hear from so many people that loved it as much as I did.
I had the pleasure to work for Peter Schuette for three years at Saks Naples. He told amazing stories of his time at Jacobson’s.
I remember the E Lansing store when I was a student at Michigan State in the early 80s
Oh I remember Peter Schuette! He was the Birmingham store manager – always had great taste. Nice to hear that he went on to share great stories about Jacobson’s. 🙂 East Lansing was such a unique store.
I loved seeing and reading this! Thank you! Jacobson’s was special in Toledo and to my family. Our Grandmother would buy us dresses at the beautiful children’s department. I worked in the Ms J shop in high school and college. I have the fondest memories of fashion, class and great people!
Well, I loved seeing and reading this comment. 🙂 Thank you, Lindsey! It’s truly warmed my heart to see such a great reaction to this post and to hear about all of the wonderful memories people have of the store. It really had an impact on a great number of people. Thanks again for reading and sending this comment. It means the world to me.
~ Beckie
I too have fond memories of Jacobson’s. From going to the hair salon in Dearborn location as a little girl to working at Ann Arbor store in the late 80’s, part time. One of my last purchases from Jacobson’s was a pair of sexy, strappy heels purchased at Palm Beach store in Florida in 2000. I was on a company trip & they gave us money to go on a shopping spree & I went to Jacobson’s. I still have a grey sweatshirt with Jacobson’s embroidered across the front that I cannot part with. I miss the store so much.
I miss it so much too! And I have a couple of really special pieces too that I can still vividly remember buying. I’ve got them packed away in a nice container – they certainly don’t fit anymore but are a good memento. Thanks for reading the blog Rebecca and for sharing such a nice memory. 🙂
You totally summed up the feeling of shopping at Jacobsons. I grew up going mostly to the Birmingham location and miss this type of shopping experience. Thank you for taking the time to write this article.
Well thank YOU for taking the time to read it and for your very nice compliment. This one was very close to my heart. 🙂
Loved seeing this post. I was a former Accessories / Fine Jewelry/ Hand Bag Department Manager at Jacobson’s in Rochester, Michigan near the Village in 1998. Loved this store. I was only 29 years old and always thought this was such a fancy store. I still have Christmas ornaments I purchased with my employee discount. Sad to see this place closed!
Such a nice memory. The store always had really special Christmas ornaments. Thanks for reading and taking the time to leave this nice comment.
As a former Saks Fifth Ave employee I still loved Jak’s more! Back in the day when we had handwritten sales checks and customer service meant something. I miss our store daily as I drive thru downtown Birmingham I always say I miss Jak’s more than anything. My son was fully clothed there. How I wish we had real classy stores like this one back ❤️
Hi Diane – I agree…wish it was still here! Those handwritten checks were the best – made you feel like you were shopping at a boutique. Thanks for reading and for sharing your memory. 🙂
Oh, I loved Jacobson’s! When I was looking for a new dress, or a special outfit, I could count on finding it at Jacobson’s! Truly missed the store when they closed!
The best place for special occasion for sure. Thanks for reading 🙂
Thanks, great article Worked for Jacobsons 1988-2002 ..
Thanks for reading 🙂
Loved do the story display at the home store Birmingham 1978 -1982
My windows
Always a eye catcher
I worked in the visual department as a visual merchandiser in the Rochester store 1996 – 2000 and then went to the Toledo store from 2000 – 2001 as the Visual Manager. My time at Jacobson’s to this date was the most creatively satisfying time of my career. We had very beautiful merchandise, props and mannequins to work with and we’ were encouraged to think creatively. My boss Roger Soper and corporate boss Greg Digue were completely inspiring and so talented. Retail will never be the same.
Hi Coralyn
Jacobson’s really did an amazing job with visuals – really understanding how they could inspire and sell merchandise. I worked with Greg Digue at the corporate office and always thought he was such a great creative (and gentle soul). Thanks for sharing your experience…and I’m glad you have those memories of such a nice creative experience. 🙂
Bitter-sweet reading this, thank you. I was a loyal customer in Rochester…this Christmas I wore a Jacobson’s-brand sweater I bought there. Yes, I’m loyal to my clothes, too! I have a Jacobson’s-brand garment bag I’m not parting with!
Love this so much! Thanks Lisa. 🙂
I really enjoyed your article and could feel your passion about what Jacobson’s meant to you…and so many others. I have the honor of being a descendent of the Jacobson family. My great grand father was William Jacobson, son of Abram Jacobson. Even though our family sold the business in 1939 to the Rosenfeld brothers, I always take pride in our family name touching so many people through the Rosenfeld’s vision of changing what it meant to “go shopping”. Thank you for this well written piece that eloquently summarized what it meant to be part of the Jacobson family.
Oh my goodness, so nice to meet you Todd. How wonderful to have that family connection to the founders of such a treasured company – they left quite a legacy for all of us. 🙂 Your thoughts about my blog post mean the world to me and I thank you for taking the time to read it and share with me.
~ Beckie
In the first paragraph of Chapter 11 to Closing it is written “getting back in the red” but I think you meant “getting back in the “black” ~
I worked at Jake’s in E. Lansing, Birmingham & Dearborn in the Store for the Home. I am still dear friends with a group of ladies that worked with me from at the Dearborn Store for the Home. We call ourselves The Jake’s (or Jac’s) Gang. We try to get together as often as possible and a few of us text one another daily! It certainly helped us get through the CoVid pandemic years.
Hi Donna – Thanks for pointing that out, yes, I did mean black (eek..I’ll go make that change now!). Glad to hear you still have your group of Jake’s girls. I do too and its wonderful to have that bond.
This is an outstanding account of Jacobsons which rose to be a preeminent high quality fashion retail store in the US. Moreover your account properly recognizes the thousands of associates who in fact made Jake’ s great .
Thank you
And thanks to Margaret Crandall who shared it with Michelle & Tom McCallister who sent it on to me .
Thank you thank you thank you…
Hello Mr. Rodefeld! It’s so nice to hear from you and I hope you are doing well. Thank you so much for your kind words about my blog – a lot of heart was poured into it and it means a lot to me that you recognized that. I’m honored. Jake’s surely did have countless wonderful employees, and also great leadership – including you. I’ll treasure my time there always. Thanks also to Margaret, Michelle and Tom for sending the blog your way. 🙂
~ Beckie Christensen