Associated Dry Goods Corp. - Specimen Stock Certificate

Specimen Stock printed by Security-Columbian Banknote Company. Incorporated in 1916.

Associated Dry Goods Corporation (ADG), a prominent chain of department stores, merged with May Department Stores in 1986. Founded in 1916 as an association of independent stores called American Dry Goods, headquartered in New York City, the company’s journey began when Henry Siegel, the visionary behind department store Siegel, Cooper & Co. in Chicago, secured financing from Goldman Sachs for a store in New York City in the early 20th century. Despite initial setbacks, Siegel’s efforts laid the foundation for the ADG chain.

The company’s growth was catalyzed by a series of acquisitions throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. In 1970, ADG established a new department store in St. Petersburg, Florida, named Robinson’s of Florida. However, it was ADG’s upscale New York City-based Lord & Taylor division that truly captured the public’s attention. With over 84 locations across the country, Lord & Taylor became ADG’s largest and most profitable division, contributing significantly to the company’s success.

In 1986, ADG merged with May Department Stores, solidifying its position as a leading player in the retail industry. The combined entity continued to expand and thrive, offering a wide range of products and services to its customers.