Founder of Gimbel's Department Stores. Gimbel arrived in American in 1834, and shortly afterwards traveled to Vincennes, Indiana where he opened a trading post. Much of his business was with the Indian's, trading beads and other items for furs and pelts. He developed a trustworthy reputation with all customers and his motto was well known in the area, "Fairness and equality of all patrons, whether they be residents of the city, plainsmen, traders or Indians." Over the years he saved enough money to consider expanding business, opening department stores in larger American cities. He opened his first department type store in Milwaukee in 1887, and several years later, after his death, his sons opened a second store in Philadelphia, and some years later a store in Manhattan. His sons would continue the enterprise, and over the years Gimbel's became the largest department store retail corporation in the world. It would rival Macy's department store as the preeminent retail outlet in New York City. The rivalry was featured in the 1947 movie "Miracle on 34th Street" starring John Payne and Maureen O'Hara. He left eight sons to continue the business which lasted until 1987. At the time of it's closing there were thirty six stores throughout the United States.

Founder of Gimbel's Department Stores. Gimbel arrived in American in 1834, and shortly afterwards traveled to Vincennes, Indiana where he opened a trading post. Much of his business was with the Indian's, trading beads and other items for furs and pelts. He developed a trustworthy reputation with all customers and his motto was well known in the area, "Fairness and equality of all patrons, whether they be residents of the city, plainsmen, traders or Indians." Over the years he saved enough money to consider expanding business, opening department stores in larger American cities. He opened his first department type store in Milwaukee in 1887, and several years later, after his death, his sons opened a second store in Philadelphia, and some years later a store in Manhattan. His sons would continue the enterprise, and over the years Gimbel's became the largest department store retail corporation in the world. It would rival Macy's department store as the preeminent retail outlet in New York City. The rivalry was featured in the 1947 movie "Miracle on 34th Street" starring John Payne and Maureen O'Hara. He left eight sons to continue the business which lasted until 1987. At the time of it's closing there were thirty six stores throughout the United States.

Bio by: Saratoga