The origins of the department store in New York date from the early 19th century and these first dry goods retailers set up shop in the oldest part of the city, in lower Manhattan. In 1823, Alexander Turney Stewart opens A.T Stewart’s on Broadway near Chambers. Within three years, Aaron Arnold launches what will become Arnold Constable & Co on Front Street and Samuel Lord and George Taylor found Lord & Taylor over on Catherine Street. At this time, they sold a variety of products, including textiles.
