How Fifth Avenue Has Evolved Through the Years

For the last century, New York City’s Fifth Avenue has been home to many major flagship retail stores. The street has become synonymous with the best shopping in the city, drawing in both locals and tourists for decades. Though the street north of 34th Street was first was filled with expensive private residencies occupied by families like the Astors and the Carnegies, by 1924, Saks Fifth Avenue opened its doors and brought retail to the neighborhood. Shortly after, Bergdorf Goodman opened in 1928 on the site of the Cornelius Vanderbilt II House. Rockefeller Center was opened in the 1930’s, and over time more and more flagship stores planted their roots, including Harry Winston, Gucci, Tiffany & Co. and many more. Presently, people from all over the world come to this street to window shop, take in the great architecture and of course, make exciting purchases.