Federal's Square Porcelain Fridge Magnet
$19.99
Sale price
$19.99
Regular price
Keep a reminder of Detroit department-store history close at hand with this Federal's Square Porcelain Fridge Magnet. Founded in 1929, Federal's merged with Columbus-based Kobacker's in 1961 and acquired Shifrin-Willens Jewelers in 1969. Bankruptcy followed in 1972, and the company was liquidated in 1980 after a change in ownership. Its story includes store closures in Lansing and Kalamazoo, giving this collectible a special connection to regional retail history and department-store nostalgia.
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.
| 2" x 2" | |
| Width, in | 2.00 |
| Height, in | 2.00 |
| Depth, in | 0.25 |
Product features
- 2" square porcelain tile with glossy finish
- Superior coating for bright, true-to-design color reproduction
- Vibrant, crisp printing using modern techniques
- Strong magnet mounted on the backside for secure hold
- Durable glossy surface that highlights fine details and contrasts
Care instructions
- Gently wipe the dirt or dust off with a clean, dry microfiber cloth