Both Conrad's and Chandler's were separate stores and had been in Boston for many years in and around what we now call Downtown Crossing. Both sold women’s apparel and had loyal customers.

 

Long glass counters with hats and gloves attended by many older sales ladies hovering about wearing their eye glasses on chains around their necks. I recall the old inter-store phones hanging on the walls by each cash register with little brass bells on top that jingled when they rang. I think the building which was new in the mid-1920’s is still on Winter Street today with various businesses still using it.

 

Conrad’s on Winter Street and Chandler and Company on Tremont Street each had a strong client base and had long histories dating well back into the 1800’s. Both stores grew larger and added on departments such as infant and toddler goods, a small selection of men’s apparel, beauty salons, and some children’s toys and clothing. A woman could have her complete wardrobe provided by either shop and also do a great deal of her family Christmas shopping there as well with ease.
 
The shocking closure of two of Boston’s well known stores, White’s and Slattery’s in the summer of 1957 gave Boston retailers a chance to look at some bleak facts. 

Boston was not the magnet for shoppers that is used to be, keeping up with the times was crucial and investing in suburban branches was a race that needed to be won!

The two store heads looked at the situation and decided on a course of action. Merge and grow stronger…no more competing against one another…unite and go from strength to strength. They selected Winter Street as place to retain and merge their stores.

 

The announcement of the merger came in late 1957 just as the Christmas shopping frenzy began. By January 1958, both stores were united on Winter Street with a sign above the doors proclaiming this new partnership. 

 

 

The Chandler building on the corner of West and Tremont Streets was to be sold and converted to mainly offices. . 

 

Finally converted and sold to Suffolk University.