Science, Industry and Business Library > B. Altman & Co.

SCENDING to the Second Floor, either by one of the gracefully proportioned stairways or one of the spacious elevators, the attention is instantly riveted by the broad, airy spaces, the restful color scheme, the pervasive atmosphere of refinement and dignity. It is characteristic of the Altman system, originated by Mr. Altman himself--who, as an organizer, had no superior--,that, notwithstanding the tremendous volume of business transacted in the store every day in the year, there is everywhere apparent a certain poise, which conveys to the keen observer the mental impression of a great organization kept under perfect control--a gigantic piece of well-constructed, well-cared-for machinery of which every infinitesimal part is accurately placed and keyed. This is, indeed, distinctive of the personality of the Altman store--a personality acquired through more than half a century of earnest effort, intelligent study and vital experience.

With so large an area of additional space at its disposal, the Second Floor has been entirely rearranged. New departments have been introduced; those already existing have been greatly extended and improved. Massive mahogany fixtures and display cases--the latter enhanced by the fine merchandise tastefully arranged within them--form an attractive contrast to the rich moss-green of the soft Wilton floor-covering, the whole presenting a most pleasing aspect to the gaze of the interested visitor.

On this floor are located the departments of special interest to mothers. The Infants' and Little Children's Department, which includes in its stock a large assortment of nursery furnishings as well as everything necessary for the little one's wardrobe, has been arranged in the form of a semi-enclosure, especially with a view to securing the privacy desired for selecting at leisure the dainty little garments comprising the layette. Closely adjacent are the departments for Girls' and Misses' Wearing Apparel, the latter also including gowns and outergarments for small women. These departments are now situated on the north and west sides of the store, instead of on the east and south, as formerly. An interesting feature of the Misses section is a small display room in the Paris style, the interior of which is finished in French gray. This is intended primarily for the exhibition of misses' imported model gowns and wraps.

A new department on this floor, meriting special mention because of its importance, is that devoted to Young Men's Clothing.

Here is to be found everything that is smart in apparel for the modern young man, for street, sports or dress wear. Like the Men's Furnishing Department, it is entirely isolated from the sections given over to feminine attire; and it is capably handled by men accustomed to catering to the sartorial needs and tastes of the well-dressed young man. The long-established Boys' Clothing Department, completely stocked with new assortments of garments for every day, school and dress wear, is located in the same section of the store, both being in the Madison Avenue addition, on the Thirty-fifth Street side.

Other interesting departments, which cannot be described at length for lack of space, are those reserved for Women's, Misses' and Children's French and American-made Undergarments; Knitted and Silk Underwear; Women's Blouses; Women's House Dresses and Aprons and Maids' and Nurses' Uniforms; Shawls and Sweaters; and Women's, Misses' and Children's Shoes. Here, also, is the Corset Department, showing large assortments of French corsets and brassieres of the finest makes and materials, as well as the popular American types. A special feature is made of corsets measured and fitted to the figure, and made by expert corsetieres in workrooms in the establishment.

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