The Fourteenth Street Stores in Sunday News Ads

Hearn’s, located at Fifth Avenue and 14th Street, with branches in the Bronx and Newark, was a heavy advertiser that Sunday. Founded in 1827, it was the oldest of the city's department stores and had been on Union Square since the mid-19th century when Tiffany and Macy's were its neighbors. Family-run for 105 years and considered stodgy and overpriced. it had almost gone under during the Depression. A Time magazine article at that time described a rundown barn where merchandise and customers were scarce. New owners gave it a much-needed face lift and enhanced image in the 1930s. The revamped store specialized in quick turnover of moderately priced merchandise, serving as a more upscale alternative for Union Square shoppers. It also had a large basement grocery section and a big liquor store where downtown artists found they could get their checks cashed.

On this day Hearn's advertised discounted tot's pastel cotton dresses, slightly irregular, marked down to $1 from the original $1.85 and available in blue, maize and rose. Mail and phone orders were filled within the week. Pure wool spring suits and toppers for teenage girls in the "beloved cardigan style" in aqua, coral, gold or checks were among the items for teens and tots featured that week, The belted topper had large, deep armholes and the suits had whaling all around and a pleated skirt. The store proclaimed it was “century famous for housewares.” Hearn’s food sale started Monday in the basement food center; no mail. phone or delivery orders were accepted. Center cut pork chops were 39 cents, sliced beef liver was available at 43 cents, sugar-cured corned beef at 34 cents a pound and chopped meat at 29 cents. You also could have your watch repaired or ship food, clothing and shoes overseas through an overseas service on the second floor.

Hecht’s at 55 W. 14th billed itself as New York's budget department store, inviting News readers to outfit the family on a Hecht budget account. The store would be open until 9 PM every day until Easter except. Friday. A scallop dress was $8.30. The store also advertised toasters, utility closets and other useful household items. Allan’s at 14th and Sixth advertised woman’s clothes. Norton’s at 42 W 14th St, between Fifth and Sixth, had boy’s longie suits for $6.60, women's orthopedic arch oxfords, a frequently occurring item in News ads that day, for $3.95. dresses size 38-44 for $3.65 and a felt ball Easter hat with a row of flowers on side for $1.19, among other advertised women 's and kid's clothing. Ohrbach’s at 14th and Union Square, which offered knock-offs of designer clothes at modest prices, ran a small identity ad with no merchandise featured.