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Start the day with a nod to a beloved chapter of Indianapolis shopping history. This L. S. Ayres & Company coffee mug celebrates a retailer founded in 1872 that grew into a downtown destination for fashions, its memorable Tea Room, and seasonal displays that generations looked forward to seeing. From its flagship on West Washington Street to its expansion across the region, Ayres left a lasting mark on Indiana retail. A meaningful everyday keepsake for former shoppers and department-store history enthusiasts.
Founded in Indianapolis in 1872 by Lyman S. Ayres, L. S. Ayres & Company began as a dry-goods store, first operating as N. R. Smith and Ayres. The Ayres name appeared in 1874, and the business moved to West Washington Street in 1875. Its eight-story flagship at One West Washington Street opened in 1905 and grew into a major downtown complex. Known especially for women’s fashions, its Tea Room, holiday displays, and value-focused basement store, Ayres later expanded into Indiana shopping centers. Acquisitions added Bressmer’s in Springfield, Illinois, and Kaufman-Straus and Wolf & Dessauer in Kentucky and Indiana. Its Ayr-Way discount chain began in 1961; the stores later became Target locations. Associated Dry Goods acquired Ayres in 1972. After The May Department Stores Company acquired that parent in 1986, Ayres locations were reduced and its Indianapolis flagship closed in 1992. The remaining operation joined May’s Famous-Barr division. Following Federated Department Stores’ acquisition of May in 2005, Ayres was dissolved on February 1, 2006, and folded into Macy’s Midwest. The L. S. Ayres name was retired on September 9, 2006, as most stores became Macy’s.
L. S. Ayres & Company Ceramic Coffee Mug
$12.99
Sale price
$12.99
Regular price
Start the day with a nod to a beloved chapter of Indianapolis shopping history. This L. S. Ayres & Company coffee mug celebrates a retailer founded in 1872 that grew into a downtown destination for fashions, its memorable Tea Room, and seasonal displays that generations looked forward to seeing. From its flagship on West Washington Street to its expansion across the region, Ayres left a lasting mark on Indiana retail. A meaningful everyday keepsake for former shoppers and department-store history enthusiasts.
Founded in Indianapolis in 1872 by Lyman S. Ayres, L. S. Ayres & Company began as a dry-goods store, first operating as N. R. Smith and Ayres. The Ayres name appeared in 1874, and the business moved to West Washington Street in 1875. Its eight-story flagship at One West Washington Street opened in 1905 and grew into a major downtown complex. Known especially for women’s fashions, its Tea Room, holiday displays, and value-focused basement store, Ayres later expanded into Indiana shopping centers. Acquisitions added Bressmer’s in Springfield, Illinois, and Kaufman-Straus and Wolf & Dessauer in Kentucky and Indiana. Its Ayr-Way discount chain began in 1961; the stores later became Target locations. Associated Dry Goods acquired Ayres in 1972. After The May Department Stores Company acquired that parent in 1986, Ayres locations were reduced and its Indianapolis flagship closed in 1992. The remaining operation joined May’s Famous-Barr division. Following Federated Department Stores’ acquisition of May in 2005, Ayres was dissolved on February 1, 2006, and folded into Macy’s Midwest. The L. S. Ayres name was retired on September 9, 2006, as most stores became Macy’s.
| 11oz | 15oz | |
| Height, in | 3.74 | 4.61 |
| Diameter, in | 3.15 | 3.43 |
Product features
- Microwave-safe for quick reheats
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup
- Available in 11oz and 15oz sizes
- Glossy white ceramic with vibrant, long-lasting print
- Lead- and BPA-free, comfortable C-handle
Care instructions
- Clean in dishwasher or wash by hand with warm water and dish soap
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: Clean in dishwasher or wash by hand with warm water and dish soap