Franklin Simon - Biography

Biography

Born on New York City's Lower East Side in 1865 to Henri and Helene Simon, Franklin had three brothers and three sisters. In 1878, after his father's untimely death, he found work at Stern Brother's, a dry goods store located at 32-36 West 23rd Street. One of the store's principal's, Louis Stern, befriended young Simon, teaching him the "ropes" of dry goods.

Franklin Simon married Frances Carrol in 1892, the daughter of a New York City Sheriff. They had four children: Franklin Simon Jr.,"Frankie" who died July 3, 1902, Arthur J. Simon (1892–1968); Helene Simon (1895-?); and George D. Simon (1898–1944). In 1902 with one hundred thousand dollars saved, Simon took a gamble; he and Herman Flurscheim founded Franklin Simon & Co., a store of "individual shoppes" on 37th and 5th Avenue, the home of Mrs. Orme Wilson, sister of John Jacob Astor. This prompted naysayers to speculate "if it's quiet he wants, he'll find plenty."

His two surviving sons and his son-in-law, Laurence Magee Lloyd (1893–1972), served as officers in the company.

First to view 5th Avenue as a retail center, Mr. Simon initiated "Buyers Week" and "Market Week," thus revolutionizing how manufacturers and retailers presented and sold new fashions - generating millions of dollars in business for the surrounding neighborhood.

Franklin Simon employed revolutionary artists such as Norman Bel Geddes and Donald Deskey. Their talent helped change the future of department store display windows, creating futuristic designs that stopped traffic on 5th Ave.

Also notable, Franklin Simon & Co. became the first fashion-retail outlet to provide night-time shopping and onsite parking.

His kindness was renowned. For example, two French orphans found abandoned in one of Titanic's lifeboats were brought to the store. Mr. Simon provided clothes and financial support. He published the little girls' picture in major newspapers with the hope of finding their family. He insure they had whatever they needed at no cost. Also, France bestowed its highest honor, "The Legion D'Honneur." This honor came for "doing more than anyone to put American women in French clothing."

Civic minded, Mr. Simon was elected chairman of the centennial committee to save Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home; bound for demolition if not for Mr. Simon's efforts. He was also the director of the Hospital for Joint Diseases and a member of the board of governors of the Stuyvesant Square Hospital. Simon was a member of the Empire State Luncheon Club, Westchester Country Club, Quaker Ridge Golf Club, Uptown Club and the National Democratic Club.

His grandson, Franklin Simon the 3rd, became Senior VP for Bloomingdale's, being credited for establishing their "Mens" identity. He was often referred to as "Dean of Mens' Clothing". Later, Franklin Simon the 3rd went on to become President of Filenes, VP of Burdines and finally CEO and President of Bullocks. Many of Franklin Simon's great grandchildren continued his legacy of innovation in the arts.