Ludwig Baumann and Company

Ludwig Baumann and Company (Ludwig Baumann & Co.) was a prominent American home furniture chain in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. At its peak, it was the largest furniture provider in the United States.

Ludwig Baumann & Co. flagship store on 8th Avenue New York, NY (1897).

History
Ludwig Baumann & Co. outlet store in Jamaica, NY (1951).

Bohemian immigrant brothers Ludwig Baumann and Albert Baumann opened a small New York City furniture store named Baumann Brothers in 1876.[1][2] However, the partnership between Ludwig and Albert dissolved in 1888.[3] Ludwig then opened his own furniture store under the name Ludwig Baumann & Company which quickly grew into one of the largest furniture providers in New York City specializing in quality and affordable home furniture.[2]

In 1897, Ludwig Baumann & Co. opened its flagship store on West 35th Street & 8th Avenue which was the largest New York retail furniture store at that time.[4] Construction of the 8th Avenue store was completed by architect Albert Wagner at a cost of around $175,000, the equivalent of about $6,200,000 in 2023.[5] After Ludwig's death in 1904, the company passed to his son Sidney J. Baumann.[1] During this time, Ludwig Baumann & Co. opened outlets across the New York City area earning the reputation of "America's Greatest Furniture House."[6][7] Following the death of Sidney in 1936, the company passed to his son Walter S. Baumann.[2][8] Ludwig Baumann & Co. continued to expand by opening additional outlets across the country and selling new goods such as men's and women's apparel.[9][10][11] The company also continued to boast record sales with over $15,000,000 in 1947, the equivalent of over $200,400,000 in 2023.[12] Ludwig Baumann & Co. was ultimately purchased by Spear & Co. in 1952 creating the largest furniture provider in the United States at that date.[13] Spear & Co. closed Ludwig Baumann's flagship 8th Avenue store in 1954 before selling off other Ludwig Baumann stores shortly thereafter.[14][15]

Notable Innovations

Ludwig Baumann & Co. pioneered the instalment payment method for retail purchases. The company's "liberal credit system" extended a line of credit to consumers who previously could not afford retail furniture and then had them pay off the credit in small weekly payments.[4][16][17] The New York Tribune estimated that as of 1897 there were at least 100,000 Ludwig Baumann & Co. credit customers.[4] The instalment payment method was credited for the early success of the company.[4][16] Ludwig Baumann & Co. was also a first to utilize mail order which revolutionized retail sales.[4]

References
  1. "FURNITURE HOUSE IS 75.; Ludwig Baumann & Co. Marks Its Anniversary This Week". The New York Times. March 16, 1933. p. 8.
  2. "S. J. BAUMAbllt DIES; FURNITURE DEALER; President of Ludwig; Baumann Company Headed One of the Oldest Stores of Its Kind. FIRM ESTABLISHED IN '76 He Entered Employ of Father at Age of 15 -- Noted for Aid to Jewish Charities". The New York Times. February 6, 1936. p. 19.
  3. "Corporationship Notices - Baumann Bros". The Sun. February 26, 1888. p. 16.
  4. "A Big Furniture House". The New York Tribune. November 21, 1897. p. 3.
  5. Miller, Tom (December 13, 2014). "Daytonian in Manhattan: The Ludwig Baumann Bldg -- Nos. 260-266 West 36th St". Daytonian in Manhattan.
  6. "Announcing our New Home - America's Greatest Furniture House". The New York Herald. December 10, 1922. p. 22.
  7. "BUSINESS LEASES.; Ludwig Baumann & Co. Rent First of 20 Proposed Radio Stores". The New York Times. December 13, 1928. p. 53.
  8. "WALTER S. BAUMANN". The New York Times. July 30, 1975. p. 36.
  9. "New Ludwig Baumann Store". The New York Times. January 3, 1949. p. 33.
  10. "Ludwig Baumann Adds Lines". The New York Times. April 14, 1936. p. 39.
  11. "MEN'S STORE SHOWN.; Ludwig Baumann to Open Section to Public on Saturday". The New York Times. September 13, 1934. p. 32.
  12. "Ludwig Baumann Earned $1,005,007 in '47 On Sales of $15,395,324, Both New Records". The New York Times. March 30, 1948. p. 35.
  13. "Two Concerns Here Merge to Form Biggest Home Furnishings Chain; Spear & Co. Acquires Majority Interest in Ludwig Baumann -- 14 Retail Outlets Involved". The New York Times. December 2, 1952. p. 45.
  14. "STORE PLANS TO MOVE; Ludwig-Baumann-Spear's Will Close Eighth Ave. Building". The New York Times. October 12, 1954. p. 40.
  15. Tompkins, John S. (July 26, 1957). "FURNITURE CHAIN TO SELL REALTY; Baumann-Spear to Dispose of Stores, Warehouse in Pittsburgh Area Store Sales Involved". The New York Times. p. 23.
  16. "Success of an Enterprising Firm". The New York Tribune. February 2, 1896. p. 15.
  17. "62nd Anniversary Furniture Sale". The Sun and the New York Herald. March 7, 1920. p. 19.
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