Is the spirit of Gimbels, the iconic department store that once defined New York City retail, truly gone? The answer, surprisingly, is a complex tapestry woven with threads of nostalgia, real estate, and the enduring echoes of a bygone era.

The question of Gimbels' continued presence in the bustling landscape of New York City is more than just a query about a retail space; it's a reflection on the evolution of consumer culture, the shifting tides of economic forces, and the enduring power of memory. While the name "Gimbels" may no longer grace the storefronts of Manhattan, the legacy of this legendary establishment persists in the city's collective consciousness. Gimbels was more than a store; it was a destination, a social hub, and a symbol of a particular time in American history.

Category	Details
Name	Gimbels Department Store
Founded	1842 (in Vincennes, Indiana)
Key Locations	New York City (Flagship), Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh
Peak Years	Mid-20th Century
Closure	1986 (New York City Flagship)
Parent Company at Closure	Batus Inc.
Notable Features	Extensive advertising campaigns, innovative retail practices, strong focus on customer service, annual Christmas displays, competitive rivalry with Macy's
Impact	Shaped the retail landscape of the United States, influenced consumer culture, provided employment for generations, and remains a cultural touchstone
Legacy	Remembered fondly by many, subject of nostalgia, building still standing at 119 West 31st Street (Manhattan Mall)
Reference Website	Wikipedia - Gimbels

Gimbels story is one of both triumph and, ultimately, of adaptation. The initial roots of the department store reach back to 1842 in Vincennes, Indiana. Over time, Gimbel stores expanded, adding more departments, services, and physical buildings as they evolved. However, the most iconic chapter undoubtedly unfolded in New York City, with the opening of its flagship store. This landmark location, designed by architect Daniel Burnham and opened in 1910, played a pivotal role in shaping the citys midtown infrastructure, drawing crowds and influencing the development of the surrounding areas. Notably, the location near Macy's, a block away on West 34th Street, helped the rivalry between the two titans of retail become a cultural phenomenon.

By the time Gimbels closed its doors in 1986, the New York flagship, due to its easy accessibility, suffered from a high rate of shoplifting losses, also known as "shrinkage", or shoplifting losses, in the world. The closure of the store marked the end of an era for American department stores, reflecting broader shifts in the retail industry. Only those businesses which could adapt to changing consumer demands and market pressures managed to survive. This period saw the emergence of suburban shopping malls, changing shopping habits, economic downturns, and the rise of online shopping, which collectively contributed to the decline of many iconic department stores, Gimbels included.

The physical space that once housed the Gimbels flagship store in New York City, located at 119 West 31st Street, hasn't vanished, however. The building itself still stands, though extensively renovated. After the store ceased operations in the late 1980s, the building sat vacant for several years, waiting for a new purpose. In the 1990s, it was redeveloped for retail use, and was home to stores such as the first Barnes & Noble to open in Pittsburgh. A further redevelopment in 2002 transformed the building into offices, and it is now known as the Heinz 57 Center.

The building has now been re-imagined as the Manhattan Mall, with JCPenney as its flagship store. But, Gimbels imprint is not completely erased. A faded Gimbels ad can still be found on a building on West 31st Street, a small but poignant reminder of the stores past glory. The iconic skybridge that once connected Gimbels to Saks also remains, incorporated into the current malls structure, a visible link to the past.

The 2003 film Elf, starring Will Ferrell, inadvertently ensured that the name Gimbels would live on a little longer. Director Jon Favreau, who also played Dr. Leonardo in the film, sought permission to use the Gimbels name and even filmed scenes in the Macy's flagship location on 34th Street for the interior shots. Several characters in the movie were employees of the fictional Gimbels New York City store, adding another layer to the department stores lasting pop culture resonance.

The evolution of the store is an enduring example of business adapting to the times, as well as being one of the greatest department store chains in American history. Abraham & Straus briefly replaced Gimbels in 1989, before converting to Stern's in 1995, and ultimately closing in 2001. The space eventually became a JCPenney, opening in 2009 and closing in 2020. The interior mall concourse was known as the A&S Plaza from 1989 until 1995, and later, as the Manhattan Mall from 1995 until present.

In the end, while the physical presence of Gimbels is gone, its memory endures. For many, the name evokes a sense of nostalgia and simpler times. The stores legacy continues to resonate, a reminder of the ever-changing dynamics of the retail world and the lasting impact of an iconic American institution. The vacant spaces and the faded remnants of the store serve as a constant reminder of the history. The question, Is Gimbels still open in New York City? ultimately receives a bittersweet answer. No, the store is not still open in its original form. However, the legacy and the memories of Gimbels department store remain a vivid chapter in the city's rich history.

The lack of results in a search, or the appearance of a "Check spelling or type a new query" response, is a common experience when looking for Gimbels. Its a symptom of a retail era that has passed. Batus Inc., the parent company at the time of its closing, was a major force in the business world, but even that level of influence couldn't save Gimbels from the pressures of the market.

The design and construction of the store was a landmark achievement, and now that the building that once housed it is part of a new development, the memory of the space it once held will live on for generations to come.

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