HistoricSiteMarkers
Progressive & Modern Era

Original Site of Neiman-Marcus

Dallas, Dallas County, Texas

Marker Inscription

On September 10, 1907, the first Neiman - Marcus store opened at this site. Established by Herbert Marcus, Sr., his sister Carrie Marcus Neiman and her husband A. L. Neiman, it was founded on the principles of innovative marketing concepts and quality merchandise. Located in the center of Dallas' early retail district, the store was the cornerstone of the firm's later development as one of the leading retail establishments of the city and the nation. A fire destroyed the building here in 1913 and a new structure was built at Main and Ervay streets.

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

On September 10, 1907, Herbert Marcus, Sr., his sister Carrie Marcus Neiman, and her husband A. L. Neiman opened the very first Neiman-Marcus store on this spot in the heart of Dallas's early retail district. Built on a promise of innovative marketing and quality goods, the store became the cornerstone of a firm that would grow into one of the nation's premier luxury retailers. A fire destroyed the original building in 1913, and a new store rose at Main and Ervay streets.

Why it matters

This was the birthplace of an American luxury-retail institution that helped define modern merchandising and lifted Dallas onto the national commercial stage.

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Related people

  • · Herbert Marcus, Sr.
  • · Carrie Marcus Neiman
  • · A. L. Neiman

Themes & tags

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