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GhostCorp Apparel - resurrecting iconic corporate ghosts.
Keep a small reminder of Federal's story close at hand with this Double-Sided Keychain Charm. Founded in Detroit in 1929, Federal Department Store expanded through its 1961 merger with Columbus-based Kobacker's and its 1969 purchase of Shifrin-Willens Jewelers. Bankruptcy followed in 1972, and the chain was liquidated in 1980. For department-store history collectors, this keepsake brings together a distinctive Detroit retail name and the milestones that shaped its journey across several Midwest communities.
Federal Department Store, commonly known as Federal's, was a department store chain based in Detroit and founded in 1929. Its history includes expansion through a merger and a separate jewelry acquisition. In 1961, Federal's merged with Kobacker's, a department store company based in Columbus, Ohio. In 1969, Federal's bought Shifrin-Willens Jewelers. The chain filed for bankruptcy in 1972; that same year, its stores in Lansing and Kalamazoo closed. One of Federal's holdings at the time of the bankruptcy was the Hoffritz for Cutlery chain, which was sold in 1975 through a leveraged buyout. In 1978, Steven Watstein, also known as Steven West, purchased Federal's. The chain was liquidated in 1980. These milestones trace Federal's from its 1929 founding through a merger, an acquisition, financial difficulty, a change in ownership, and eventual liquidation. The documented locations connect its story to Detroit, Columbus, Lansing, and Kalamazoo.
Federal's Double-Sided Keychain Charm
$4.99
Sale price
$4.99
Regular price
Keep a small reminder of Federal's story close at hand with this Double-Sided Keychain Charm. Founded in Detroit in 1929, Federal Department Store expanded through its 1961 merger with Columbus-based Kobacker's and its 1969 purchase of Shifrin-Willens Jewelers. Bankruptcy followed in 1972, and the chain was liquidated in 1980. For department-store history collectors, this keepsake brings together a distinctive Detroit retail name and the milestones that shaped its journey across several Midwest communities.
Federal Department Store, commonly known as Federal's, was a department store chain based in Detroit and founded in 1929. Its history includes expansion through a merger and a separate jewelry acquisition. In 1961, Federal's merged with Kobacker's, a department store company based in Columbus, Ohio. In 1969, Federal's bought Shifrin-Willens Jewelers. The chain filed for bankruptcy in 1972; that same year, its stores in Lansing and Kalamazoo closed. One of Federal's holdings at the time of the bankruptcy was the Hoffritz for Cutlery chain, which was sold in 1975 through a leveraged buyout. In 1978, Steven Watstein, also known as Steven West, purchased Federal's. The chain was liquidated in 1980. These milestones trace Federal's from its 1929 founding through a merger, an acquisition, financial difficulty, a change in ownership, and eventual liquidation. The documented locations connect its story to Detroit, Columbus, Lansing, and Kalamazoo.
Product features
- Acrylic construction with white base and double-sided print
- Compact size ~3.15" x 1.57" (8 x 4 cm); measurements may vary up to 1"
- Includes metal ring and short chain for secure attachment
- Durable, lightweight—made for everyday carry
- Manufactured product sourced from China; intended for adult use
Care instructions
- Clean with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid any chemicals.