Alexander's

Alexander's () was a department store chain in the New York metropolitan area. Catering to low- and middle-income consumers, Alexander's offered discounted designer fashions and high-quality private label goods. At its height, the company operated 16 stores. Its advertising slogan was "You'll find Alexander's has what you're looking for; how lucky can you get?!". The company still exists as a REIT.

The Paramus, New Jersey, location was notable because the building was the site of the world's largest mural painted by Polish artist Stefan Knapp. Although the location closed in 1992, the mural remained on the vacant building until 1998 when it was disassembled and put into storage. Several attempts to relocate the mural have failed including a plan to include it in the Xanadu complex.

Also notable was the flagship location in the World Trade Center mall. Upon completion in 1974, Alexander's became the anchor tenant for the new mall located on the concourse level of the complex. It took up roughly 1/6 of the 500,000 sqft mall, the largest in New York City, and was located underneath 4 World Trade Center, immediately to the east of the south tower. Like the rest of the chain, it closed in 1992 and the lease was sold.

History

The chain was founded in 1928 by George Farkas, a Brooklyn native who opened a store on Third Avenue in the Bronx and named it for his deceased father. The store managed to thrive during the following Depression, and another location was opened at...
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