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.
You keep your store if you own the building. Else…
there is also harris levy – formerly on grand st. now around the corner on forsyth st. lovely stuff – been shopping there for decades.