Image courtesy of Poplar Bluff Republican Holiday Supplement, December 8, 1898
The New York Store
The New York Store
One of downtown Poplar Bluff's most prominent department stores of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, operated by Peter Cohn and David Pels.
Did You Know?
The New York Store used a "trolley case box system" to speed up sales transactions — a cutting-edge retail technology for the 1890s.
The Story
The New York Store was one of the most prominent department stores in downtown Poplar Bluff during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Operated by Peter Cohn and David Pels, the business was heavily promoted in regional newspapers as a modern "metropolitan" style store serving Southeast Missouri.
An 1898 Poplar Bluff Republican holiday supplement described the store as carrying a large wholesale and retail stock comparable to major department stores of the era. The article praised the establishment's "high-class goods" and modern business practices while describing the proprietors as "enterprising and progressive commercial princes."
The newspaper also highlighted several modern conveniences used by the store, including a "trolley case box system" designed to speed the handling of sales transactions — an advanced feature for the period.
Historic newspaper accounts suggest the business played an important role in the growing commercial identity of Poplar Bluff during a time of rapid railroad expansion, industrial growth, and downtown development.
The New York Store survives today primarily through historic newspapers, postcards, advertisements, and photographs documenting early Main Street commerce in Poplar Bluff.
Known Details
- Proprietors: Peter Cohn & David Pels
- Established: 1881
- Business Type: Department Store / General Merchandise
- Mentioned in: Poplar Bluff Republican Holiday Supplement, December 8, 1898
What's There Now
The original building no longer stands. The site is part of modern downtown Poplar Bluff.
Gallery
People Connected to This Site
Businesses Connected to This Site
The New York Store
Active 1890s
Primary occupant and operator — department store operating from this site at The New York Store Notable event: Holiday Supplement Feature (December 8, 1898) — The Poplar Bluff Republican Holiday Supplement described the store as carrying a large wholesale and retail stock comparable to major department stores of the era, praising its 'high-class goods' and modern business practices and describing the proprietors as 'enterprising and progressive commercial princes.'
Poplar Bluff Republican
Active 1890s
Publisher — regional newspaper that promoted and documented the store in its holiday supplement at The New York Store Notable event: Holiday Supplement Publication (December 8, 1898) — The Poplar Bluff Republican published a holiday supplement featuring The New York Store, praising its merchandise and modern business practices.
Quick Facts
Era
1890s
Year Built
1881
Area
Downtown
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