Jacobson’s Department Stores: A Legacy of Luxury in Michigan

Jacobson's Department Stores—they smelled like Chanel No. 5 and money. Lots of money. Founded in 1868 in Reed City, Michigan, these weren't the places to pop in and buy a pair of socks. No, Jacobson's was destination shopping that catered to upscale tastes, where merely carrying one of their gift boxes out of the store meant you had "arrived" in life.

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The company was originally founded by Abram Jacobson, who passed away in 1892 and was taken over by his three sons. The boys began pounding the pavement, taking their wares from city to city to those who couldn't reach the Reed City store. According to Treasure Hunters, this lasted until 1904, when they opened their second location in downtown Jackson, Michigan, where they would later move the corporate headquarters to in 1937, followed by Ann Arbor in 1924 and Battle Creek in 1937.

Jacobson's "YES WE CAN!" Attitude Leads to Growth

In 1939, the Jacobson boys sold the family business to Zola and Nathan Rosenfeld. Under their leadership, Jacobson's expanded its empire from Michigan to Indiana, Kansas, and even the sunny shores of Florida. Known for its immaculate displays, customer service, and the "YES WE CAN!" philosophy, Jacobson's didn't just sell clothes or merchandise; they sold an experience.

But even the swankiest department stores aren't immune to a changing economy and consumer habits. By the 1990s, Jacobson's charm started to show some cracks. The retail market shifted, and the white-collar recession hit hard. While Florida stores clung to life, the Midwest branches struggled.

The End of the Jacobson's Era

According to the Vintage Fashion Guild, in 2002, Jacobson filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, ending an era of Michiganders dressing their best to go shopping. Imagine getting dressed up to buy more dress clothes.

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Today, Jacobon's memory lives on in tales of "when shopping was an event" and in the closets of Michiganders who still cherish a well-preserved "Jake's" find.