5 More Places That Existed Then That Are Better Now

3. Stein Mart


Original Greenville, MS Stein Mart store in 1964. http://andspeakingofwhich.blogspot.com/2012/03/stein-mart.html

Stein Mart was founded by Sam Stein, a Russian immigrant, who opened his first store in 1908.  Originally a Greenville, MS-based company, the store's focus on discount clothing came after Stein’s son, Jake, took over in 1932. In 1977, Jake's son, Jay, took over operations and began to pursue a plan of expansion. This plan included relocating the company's headquarters from Mississippi to Jacksonville.  

Under Jake’s leadership the company would take off, expanding from three stores in 1977 to 123 by the end of 1996. Jay Stein stepped down in 2002, but remained on in the company as a chairman. Today, the downtown Jacksonville-based company has over 260 stores in 29 states, particularly in the southeast region. In 2013, the company reported $1.26 billion in annual revenue.