I . MAGNIN

I. Magnin was a legendary San Francisco department store, founded in 1876 by Mary Ann Magnin, and named for her husband Isaac.  Originally, the couple sold baby clothing, which Mary Ann made, and Issac sold as a peddler.  The following year, they opened a store which sold the clothes, along with ladies toiletries. They soon expanded their offerings, with a selection of bridal fashions, lingerie, and trousseau items, all made from beautiful but expensive European fabrics and laces.  I. Magnin developed a reputation for selling only the highest quality goods.

In 1906, their store was leveled by the Great San Francisco Earthquake, but that did not stop the Magnins.  They continued to sell from their home until a new store could be rebuilt. In the next ten years the family began opening branch stores all over California.  The Magnin's four sons were also involved in the stores, with son Joseph eventually opening his own store, Joseph Magnin. 

The family sold their interest in the stores to Bullock's, a Los Angeles department store, in 1944.  In 1964 Bullock's became a part of Federated Department Stores.  Then in 1988, Macy's gained control of Federated.  By 1994, the last I. Magnin stores were either closed, or changed to the Macy's name.  Today, Macy's has a house line called I. Magnin.