You can own a vintage piece of Philadelphia retail history. Jacob Reed's Sons was a prominent Philadelphia clothier, originally established in 1824 by Jacob Reed. The business, known for its high-quality men's clothing and uniforms, was eventually passed on to his sons, who renamed it "Jacob Reed's Sons". The store was particularly known for its Ivy League style and served as a major retailer in Philadelphia for over 150 years.Jacob Reed began as a tailor and apprentice, eventually opening his own shop. He initially focused on individual tailoring but later expanded to ready-to-wear garments and uniforms.In 1877, Reed's sons took over and moved the business to Chestnut Street, which was becoming a popular retail destination. They aggressively advertised the new location and competed with other established businesses.Jacob Reed's Sons became known for its high-quality menswear, including Ivy League styles and uniforms for various organizations like the military, the Post Office, and the National Park Service.Architectural Significance:The store's building at 1424-1426 Chestnut Street, designed by William L. Price, is notable for its Mediterranean-inspired design and the use of reinforced concrete. It also featured Mercer tiles depicting the clothing-making process.The business closed in 1983, marking the end of an era for the long-standing Philadelphia institution.
