Class 2002
The Steiger Family
Many Western Mass. residents still have fond memories of chicken croquette lunches in the Steiger's Tea Room, or luxurious trips through the Hall Galleries for that special wedding or holiday gift.
The Steiger story began in Huntington, Mass. in 1869 when Albert Steiger's family emigrated there from Germany. The family, originally from Switzerland, had two generations of expertise in the textile industry, and Albert's father designed a power loom, which was patented and installed in the Huntington, Massachusetts mill where he was employed.
Within three years of moving to America, Albert's father, grandfather, uncle, and brother had died, leaving the 13-year-old boy as the head of the family. He left school and embarked on a sales career, buying goods from the textile mill where his father had worked, and selling them door to door throughout the hill towns. A merchant in Westfield was impressed with young Albert and hired him, a business relationship which grew into a warm friendship, and lasted 20 years.
During his time in Westfield, Albert carefully worked out his own course of action. In 1894, after devising a plan to enable department stores of smaller cities to give better service and earn more profit, he opened a dry-goods store in Port Chester, New York. Four years later he established another store, on High Street in Holyoke, Mass. This store developed so successfully that by 1912, Albert Steiger was the owner of five stores, and was widely regarded as New England's merchant prince. The "Steiger System" chain of stores flourished, and the company ultimately became the largest retailer in New England.
Albert Steiger's business acumen was equalled by his commitment to his employees and to the community at large. Serving on numerous boards and organizations, he also liberally supported area churches and all manner of good causes. Upon his death in 1938, he left a legacy of successful retailing and community service to successive generations of the Steiger family.
Gradually over the years, the world of retailing became dominated by chain stores that were national in scope. The end of a retailing era came in 1994 when after 100 years in business, the Steiger System was purchased by the May Department Stores.
We are proud to induct Albert Steiger and his entrepreneurial family into the Class of 2002 of the Western Massachusetts Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame.