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Keep cards close with an E. J. Korvette Metal Business Card Holder inspired by a company that reshaped discount retail. Eugene Ferkauf and Joe Zwillenberg founded the chain in New York City in 1948, beginning with luggage, appliances, and jewelry sold at substantial discounts. Korvette’s later became known for membership-card pricing and grew to dozens of stores before declaring bankruptcy in 1980. This piece suits collectors and admirers of business history, postwar commerce, and the changing landscape of American department stores.
E. J. Korvette, also known as Korvette’s, was an American discount department store chain founded in New York City in 1948 by World War II veteran Eugene Ferkauf and his friend Joe Zwillenberg. Ferkauf began in a 400-square-foot Manhattan loft, selling luggage, appliances, and jewelry at substantial discounts. The company popularized membership cards and challenged restrictions on discount pricing. Its first modern-format store opened in Carle Place, Long Island, in 1954; by 1958 it had 12 stores, eventually reaching 58. During the 1960s, it expanded into several metropolitan areas and opened a flagship at Herald Square in 1967. Ferkauf retired in 1968. Korvette merged with Spartan Industries in 1966, was owned by Arlen Realty and Development Corporation from 1971 to 1979, and was then purchased by France’s Agache-Willot Group. After years of management and merchandising difficulties, the company declared bankruptcy in 1980. Its 17 remaining stores closed on December 24, 1980. A separate Quebec retailer later used the Korvette name without affiliation to the American chain.
Korvette's Metal Business Card Holder
$24.99
Sale price
$24.99
Regular price
Keep cards close with an E. J. Korvette Metal Business Card Holder inspired by a company that reshaped discount retail. Eugene Ferkauf and Joe Zwillenberg founded the chain in New York City in 1948, beginning with luggage, appliances, and jewelry sold at substantial discounts. Korvette’s later became known for membership-card pricing and grew to dozens of stores before declaring bankruptcy in 1980. This piece suits collectors and admirers of business history, postwar commerce, and the changing landscape of American department stores.
E. J. Korvette, also known as Korvette’s, was an American discount department store chain founded in New York City in 1948 by World War II veteran Eugene Ferkauf and his friend Joe Zwillenberg. Ferkauf began in a 400-square-foot Manhattan loft, selling luggage, appliances, and jewelry at substantial discounts. The company popularized membership cards and challenged restrictions on discount pricing. Its first modern-format store opened in Carle Place, Long Island, in 1954; by 1958 it had 12 stores, eventually reaching 58. During the 1960s, it expanded into several metropolitan areas and opened a flagship at Herald Square in 1967. Ferkauf retired in 1968. Korvette merged with Spartan Industries in 1966, was owned by Arlen Realty and Development Corporation from 1971 to 1979, and was then purchased by France’s Agache-Willot Group. After years of management and merchandising difficulties, the company declared bankruptcy in 1980. Its 17 remaining stores closed on December 24, 1980. A separate Quebec retailer later used the Korvette name without affiliation to the American chain.
| One size | |
| Width, in | 3.67 |
| Height, in | 2.35 |
| Depth, in | 0.36 |
Product features
- Holds up to 20 standard 3.5" x 2.0" business cards
- Glossy metallic, polished exterior finish
- Velvet-like interior base for card protection
- Comfortable, pocket-friendly design
- Friction snap closure for secure storage
Care instructions
- Wipe the dust or any dirt off gently with a clean, dry cloth.
EU representative: HONSON VENTURES LIMITED, gpsr@honsonventures.com, 3, Gnaftis House flat 102, Limassol, Mesa Geitonia, 4003, CY
Product information: Generic brand, 2 year warranty in EU and Northern Ireland as per Directive 1999/44/EC
Care instructions: Wipe the dust or any dirt off gently with a clean, dry cloth.