We already published the winners of our Best of the Lower East Side Awards. But here’s a separate list of some of the old school stores that are still going strong, or at least holding their own.
- Altman Luggage, 135 Orchard St.. A discount retailer providing a wide selection of luggage, briefcases, backpacks and accessories since 1920.
- Army & Navy Bags, 177 East Houston St., For 40 years, a popular destination for discounted military surplus bags, jackets and other clothing items.
- A.W. Kaufman, 73 Orchard St. Since 1924, this has been the place for women to find the perfectly fitted bra.
- Belraf Fabrics, 159 Orchard St.. A discount fabric business operating for more than 70 years
- Ben Freedman, 137 Orchard St.. A “Bargain District” mainstay for 85 years, offering a wide variety of men’s clothing.
- Giselle, 143 Orchard St.. For 30 years, this large discount store has carried an extensive line of women’s clothing from high-end designer labels.
- Global International, 62 Orchard St. A 50-year-old store offering designer men’s suits and other clothing items.
- Ideal Hosiery, 339 Grand St. A destination for discount hosiery and socks since 1950.
- Joe’s Fabrics, 102 Orchard St.. A 20-year old discount fabric store operating in a second floor space at Orchard and Delancey streets.
- M Schames & Son, 90 Delancey St., A well-stocked paint store that relocated to Delancey Street after selling its longtime building on Essex Street, which it had occupied since 1927.
- Mendel Goldberg Fabrics, 72 Hester St., Established in 1890, Mendel Goldberg offers exquisite European fabrics.
- New Era Factory Outlet, 63 Orchard St.,. A 30-year-old store selling formal wear and men’s suits.
- Nick & Son Clothing, 161 Orchard St., A discount leather merchant and men’s store operating from Orchard Street for more than 50 years.
- Orchard Corset, 157 Orchard St. A renowned family-owned business established in 1968 offering corsets, girdles and bras.
- Rothstein’s Hardware, 106 Ridge St. After 60 years, the longtime Clinton Street hardware store moved around the block earlier this year due to a redevelopment project.
- Zarin Fabrics, 69 Orchard St. One of the city’s largest and most respected sources of luxurious discount fabrics since 1936.
