Ohrbach's was a moderate-priced department store focused on clothes and accessories. The first store was opened in New York on october 4th, 1923. It expanded in L.A. with a store opened in 1945. It sadly went defunct in 1987. I invite you on a visit to the 14th Street store with the help of some great LIFE Magazine (US) photographs.
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To most american women 14th Street means a fat lady struggling into a girdle which she has just snatched off a bargain counter. This happens, but New York's dusty, bustling downtown shopping center - which sells nearly 100$ million in ready-to-wear garments a year - is getting more of a soignee look. Customers must still pay cash, fight for their own selections and carry them home, but the strong and persistent can find some of America's best split-second reproductions of high styles at low prices. To prove it LIFE last week (october 1951 - my annotation) sent some models with stamina and a 10$ bill apiece to 14th Street.
Without the expense of salesclerks, deliveries, charge acounts or alterations, 14th Street garments sell at about half the average retail mark-up. The wholesale cost itself is lowered by bulk purchases from the nearby, inexpensive garment industry and by off-season buying from big-name designers who want to keep their factories busy. It is the prospect of getting garments like these, rather than dog-earned sale merchendise, that draws the biggest crowds.
The oldest store on the street , S. Klein's handles 250.000 customers on a peak Saturday. Klein's once sold 29 mink pieces in 20 minutes. Last year the store bought up 9% of the world supply of expensive chinese cashemere. At Ohrbach's, a younger, more sedate emporium, no sales are advertised but customers are advised that they can find the latest french fashions at prices guaranteed to be the lowest in town and a plushy "Oval Room" is set aside for special plums. But even for a Balenciaga copy, on 14th Street the rule of cash-and-carry still applies.
At Union Square shopper stream along 14th Street between Ohrbach's and S. Klein's.
Bargain hunters clutch at the unadvertised special announced over the loudspeaker at Klein's.
$9.50 party dress in red velveteen with scoop neck basque top, full skirt and tight push-up sleeves comes with its own crinoline underskirt (Ohrbach).
$7.95 afternoon dress in oyster ottoman faille is trimmed with black velvet (Ohrbach). Small velvet hat is $2.50, rhinestone clips are $1.49 each.
Sweater has gold button and ribbon tab on its turtle neck. Wool skirt with elastic waist-band is $5.95, plaid canvas bag is $2.45 (all from Lane).
$8.50 town dress in red-and-black checked rayon and wool has dolman sleeves and buttons down front. Crocheted cloche is $2.49 (both S. Klein's).
$4.95 street suit in gray corduroy has peg-top skirt, green, gray and yellow striped jersey bodice, short cap jacket. Small visored cap is $1.49 (both Lane).
$6.50 dinner dress is street-length mushroom-pleated purple crepe with a black velvet belt. Worn with it are long black jersey gloves at $1.89 (Ohrbach).
Pastel carpet and soft lighting are features of Lane's (slogan: "Where 5th Avenue fashions meet 14th Street prices). Sign limits customer to three deesses in fitting room.
Oval room at Ohrbach's has no dresses from stock on display. Customers who want to see its "hidden stock", more expensive styles by name designers which are kept out of sight and touch of crowds, wait patiently for help of clerk.
Balmain import bought by Gladys Ohrbach (right), president's wife, is shown to fashion coordinator. Copy will be $49.50. Gainsborough on wall is from store owner's collection.
photos and documentation: LIFE Magazine (US) | Zetu Harrys collection
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