Henri Bendel

Henri Bendel, Inc. (pronounced BEN-del), established in 1895, was a women's department store based in New York City which in its later history sold women's handbags, jewelry, luxury fashion accessories, home fragrances, chocolate and gifts. Its New York City store was located at 10 West 57th street. In 1985, when purchased by the Columbus, Ohio–based company Limited (Les Wexner), the new owner moved the store to 712 Fifth Avenue. Henri Bendel was the first retailer to have its own fragrance, to offer in-store makeovers, and to stage its own fashion show. The retailer is credited with developing the concession, or shop-within-a-shop merchandising concept that is in use in some department stores today. Composer Cole Porter namedrops the brand in the couplet "You're a Bendel Bonnet / a Shakespeare Sonnet" from the popular 1934 song "You're the Top", first made famous by Ethel Merman. Former White House intern Monica Lewinsky created handbags, which were sold exclusively at Henri Bendel in New York City. Owner L Brands announced plans in September 2018 to close all 23 stores, ending the brand; operations ceased in January 2019.