New York Department Stores Infant Bodysuit

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GhostCorp Apparel - resurrecting iconic corporate ghosts.

Share a little Puerto Rico history with this New York Department Stores Infant Bodysuit. The Kogan brothers’ business began with ladies’ clothing in Caguas and grew into a chain that served shoppers across the island. Their 1941 Santurce store brought air conditioning and customer self-selection to local department-store shopping, while later locations reached communities from Bayamón to Mayagüez. A charming choice for families who value local heritage, this piece introduces a new generation to an important story in Puerto Rican retail.

New York Department Stores grew from a ladies’ clothing business started by Salomón and Roberto Kogan in Caguas, Puerto Rico. Salomón arrived from New York City in 1931, and the brothers expanded to Guayama, Ponce, and Yauco. In 1936 they opened Broadway Department Stores and Manhattan Department Stores in San Juan. A larger, air-conditioned store at Santurce opened on May 7, 1941; it introduced customer self-selection and shorter working hours that other merchants adopted. In 1942, after Kleins’ owners left Puerto Rico, the Kogans acquired its premises and consolidated their three San Juan stores under the New York Department Stores name. A store designed by Henry Klumb opened at Santurce’s stop 17 on April 1, 1947. The chain later expanded to Bayamón, Guaynabo, Mayagüez, and other Puerto Rican communities. In 1988, its shares transferred to NYTSA Acquisition alongside Seedman’s and Santurce Realty. In 1994, Marshalls agreed to acquire most of the chain’s stores, with many slated for conversion or closure. By 1995, investor Investcorp had abandoned hopes of recovery and returned its original investment to clients.