Hudson also supplied the seed capital for the establishment, in 1909, of Roy D. Chapin's automotive venture, which Chapin named the Hudson Motor Car Company in honor of J.L. Hudson.
Hudson was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, and immigrated with his family to Hamilton, Canada when he was nine; by the age of fourteen he and members of his family were residing in Michigan. His brother William moved to Buffalo, New York in 1896, to operate a branch of the Hudson's store until his death in 1928.
While Hudson began his career in merchandising with family members and other outside partners, he founded what would provide the basis for Hudson's Department Stores in 1881 inside a shop at the Detroit Opera House. Hudson at first focused on men' and boy's wear, and succeeded through set low prices and a return policy that favored the customer. As business volume grew, Hudson added sale professionals and additional lines of goods, including women's clothing and housewares. Hudson incorporated his venture in 1891 as the J. L. Hudson Company.
Hudson's, or The J.L. Hudson Company, was a retail department store chain based in Detroit, Michigan. Hudson's flagship store, on Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit (demolished October 24, 1998), was the tallest department store in the world as of 1961, and, at one time, claimed to be the second largest department store (next to Macy's) in the United States, in terms of square footage.
History
Founded in 1881 by Joseph L. Hudson, the store thrived during the record growth of the city of Detroit and the auto industry during the first half of the 20th century. The family also founded the Hudson Motor Car Company, which eventually became part of the American Motors Corporation, and later Chrysler. Hudson operated the store until his death in 1912 when his four nephews, James, Joseph, Oscar and Richard Webber assumed control. The third generation of the family assumed control in 1961 when Joseph L. Hudson, Jr. became president of the company.
Over time, the store grew from its beginnings in the Detroit Opera House to a 25-story building with 2,124,316sqft (197,355.4m2) and occupying an entire city block. Hudson's was known for customer satisfaction and its liberal return policy and would even pick-up merchandise that customers purchased years earlier, but never used. In 1952, Hudson's total sales were $175 million; however, it issued refunds totaling $25 million. Store executives felt this was a small price to pay for customer loyalty.
Detroit 67 Oral History Project: Joseph L. Hudson, Jr. | American Black Journal Clip
Air date: 8/27/17. Businessman Joseph L. Hudson, Jr. discusses how Detroit was formed after the rebellion. Episode 4544/Segment 2.
published: 27 Aug 2017
A minute with Joseph L Hudson
Listen in as Founding Chair, Joseph L. Hudson, talks about the progress and future of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.
published: 09 Oct 2014
Joseph L Hudson Jr. Speaks at the DEC
published: 03 Dec 2015
Hudson's to make a BIG Comeback! (UNDER NEW CONSTRUCTION)
Author Michael Hauser shares his experiences about the old Hudson's Building.
The J.L. Hudson Building ("Hudson's") was a department store located at 1206 Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It was constructed beginning in 1911, with additions throughout the years, before being "completed" in 1946, and named after the company's founder, Joseph Lowthian Hudson. Hudson's first building on the site opened in 1891 but was demolished in 1923 for a new structure. It was the flagship store for the Hudson's chain. The building was demolished in a controlled demolition on October 24, 1998, with many people watching from Hart Plaza (Detroit) and Dieppe Gardens (Windsor, Ontario). It was the tallest building ever imploded.
published: 12 Sep 2019
Hudson Exhibit on Live in the D
Hudson Exhibit on Live in the D
published: 29 Nov 2022
Detroitisit: Detroit Timeline. The year is 1881 and the J.L. Hudson Department store is it
Detroit's original department store
published: 18 Jan 2018
Groundbreaking teaser shows long history of Hudson's site as next chapter begins
Bedrock broke ground today on what will be Michigan’s tallest building on the former Hudson’s site in the heart of Downtown Detroit on Woodward Ave. Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017. (Video courtesy of Bedrock Detroit)
published: 14 Dec 2017
General Motors move headquarters from Ren Cen to Hudson's site in downtown Detroit
After 28 years at the Renaissance Center along the Detroit River, GM says it will relocate its global headquarters to Hudson’s Detroit in 2025, becoming the anchor tenant at Bedrock’s development on the historic site of the former J.L. Hudson Department Store.
published: 15 Apr 2024
J. l. Hudson Building Implosion
The J. L. Hudson Building ("Hudson's") was a department store located at 1206 Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It was constructed beginning in 1911, with additions throughout the years, before being "completed" in 1946, and named after the company's founder, Joseph Lowthian Hudson. Hudson's first building on the site opened in 1891 but was demolished in 1923 for a new structure. It was the flagship store for the Hudson's chain. The building was demolished in a controlled demolition on October 24, 1998, with many people watching from Hart Plaza (Detroit) and Dieppe Gardens (Windsor, Ontario). It was the tallest building ever imploded.
published: 10 Dec 2021
The History of the J.L. Hudson Department Store Building in Downtown Detroit, Michigan
The original J.L. Hudson Department Store was built in downtown Detroit, Michigan in 1891. Needing a larger building, expansion began on the same block. The original location was demolished by 1923 but new construction had started 1911. After twelve separate expansions, the final renovation was finished in 1946 and Hudson took up the entire block. With over 2.1 million square feet and five separate basements, the structure was once the tallest department store in the world and was also once the second largest department store in the United States. Unfortunately, with Detroit declining in the 1960s and beyond, there was a lot of theft in the store and many shoppers avoided downtown due to a lack of safety. Dayton's purchased J.L. Hudson in 1969 and continued to use the building until finall...
Author Michael Hauser shares his experiences about the old Hudson's Building.
The J.L. Hudson Building ("Hudson's") was a department store located at 1206 Wood...
Author Michael Hauser shares his experiences about the old Hudson's Building.
The J.L. Hudson Building ("Hudson's") was a department store located at 1206 Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It was constructed beginning in 1911, with additions throughout the years, before being "completed" in 1946, and named after the company's founder, Joseph Lowthian Hudson. Hudson's first building on the site opened in 1891 but was demolished in 1923 for a new structure. It was the flagship store for the Hudson's chain. The building was demolished in a controlled demolition on October 24, 1998, with many people watching from Hart Plaza (Detroit) and Dieppe Gardens (Windsor, Ontario). It was the tallest building ever imploded.
Author Michael Hauser shares his experiences about the old Hudson's Building.
The J.L. Hudson Building ("Hudson's") was a department store located at 1206 Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It was constructed beginning in 1911, with additions throughout the years, before being "completed" in 1946, and named after the company's founder, Joseph Lowthian Hudson. Hudson's first building on the site opened in 1891 but was demolished in 1923 for a new structure. It was the flagship store for the Hudson's chain. The building was demolished in a controlled demolition on October 24, 1998, with many people watching from Hart Plaza (Detroit) and Dieppe Gardens (Windsor, Ontario). It was the tallest building ever imploded.
Bedrock broke ground today on what will be Michigan’s tallest building on the former Hudson’s site in the heart of Downtown Detroit on Woodward Ave. Thursday, D...
Bedrock broke ground today on what will be Michigan’s tallest building on the former Hudson’s site in the heart of Downtown Detroit on Woodward Ave. Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017. (Video courtesy of Bedrock Detroit)
Bedrock broke ground today on what will be Michigan’s tallest building on the former Hudson’s site in the heart of Downtown Detroit on Woodward Ave. Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017. (Video courtesy of Bedrock Detroit)
After 28 years at the Renaissance Center along the Detroit River, GM says it will relocate its global headquarters to Hudson’s Detroit in 2025, becoming the anc...
After 28 years at the Renaissance Center along the Detroit River, GM says it will relocate its global headquarters to Hudson’s Detroit in 2025, becoming the anchor tenant at Bedrock’s development on the historic site of the former J.L. Hudson Department Store.
After 28 years at the Renaissance Center along the Detroit River, GM says it will relocate its global headquarters to Hudson’s Detroit in 2025, becoming the anchor tenant at Bedrock’s development on the historic site of the former J.L. Hudson Department Store.
The J. L. Hudson Building ("Hudson's") was a department store located at 1206 Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It was constructed beginning in 191...
The J. L. Hudson Building ("Hudson's") was a department store located at 1206 Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It was constructed beginning in 1911, with additions throughout the years, before being "completed" in 1946, and named after the company's founder, Joseph Lowthian Hudson. Hudson's first building on the site opened in 1891 but was demolished in 1923 for a new structure. It was the flagship store for the Hudson's chain. The building was demolished in a controlled demolition on October 24, 1998, with many people watching from Hart Plaza (Detroit) and Dieppe Gardens (Windsor, Ontario). It was the tallest building ever imploded.
The J. L. Hudson Building ("Hudson's") was a department store located at 1206 Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It was constructed beginning in 1911, with additions throughout the years, before being "completed" in 1946, and named after the company's founder, Joseph Lowthian Hudson. Hudson's first building on the site opened in 1891 but was demolished in 1923 for a new structure. It was the flagship store for the Hudson's chain. The building was demolished in a controlled demolition on October 24, 1998, with many people watching from Hart Plaza (Detroit) and Dieppe Gardens (Windsor, Ontario). It was the tallest building ever imploded.
The original J.L. Hudson Department Store was built in downtown Detroit, Michigan in 1891. Needing a larger building, expansion began on the same block. The ori...
The original J.L. Hudson Department Store was built in downtown Detroit, Michigan in 1891. Needing a larger building, expansion began on the same block. The original location was demolished by 1923 but new construction had started 1911. After twelve separate expansions, the final renovation was finished in 1946 and Hudson took up the entire block. With over 2.1 million square feet and five separate basements, the structure was once the tallest department store in the world and was also once the second largest department store in the United States. Unfortunately, with Detroit declining in the 1960s and beyond, there was a lot of theft in the store and many shoppers avoided downtown due to a lack of safety. Dayton's purchased J.L. Hudson in 1969 and continued to use the building until finally closing on January 17, 1983. The final use of the J.L. Hudson Department Store in Detroit was to house operations and executive employees until they were transferred to Minneapolis, Minnesota by 1986. The building was sold and eventually demolished on October 24, 1998. #retailrewind
Please subscribe and check out more at: https://retailrewind.weebly.com/
The original J.L. Hudson Department Store was built in downtown Detroit, Michigan in 1891. Needing a larger building, expansion began on the same block. The original location was demolished by 1923 but new construction had started 1911. After twelve separate expansions, the final renovation was finished in 1946 and Hudson took up the entire block. With over 2.1 million square feet and five separate basements, the structure was once the tallest department store in the world and was also once the second largest department store in the United States. Unfortunately, with Detroit declining in the 1960s and beyond, there was a lot of theft in the store and many shoppers avoided downtown due to a lack of safety. Dayton's purchased J.L. Hudson in 1969 and continued to use the building until finally closing on January 17, 1983. The final use of the J.L. Hudson Department Store in Detroit was to house operations and executive employees until they were transferred to Minneapolis, Minnesota by 1986. The building was sold and eventually demolished on October 24, 1998. #retailrewind
Please subscribe and check out more at: https://retailrewind.weebly.com/
Author Michael Hauser shares his experiences about the old Hudson's Building.
The J.L. Hudson Building ("Hudson's") was a department store located at 1206 Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It was constructed beginning in 1911, with additions throughout the years, before being "completed" in 1946, and named after the company's founder, Joseph Lowthian Hudson. Hudson's first building on the site opened in 1891 but was demolished in 1923 for a new structure. It was the flagship store for the Hudson's chain. The building was demolished in a controlled demolition on October 24, 1998, with many people watching from Hart Plaza (Detroit) and Dieppe Gardens (Windsor, Ontario). It was the tallest building ever imploded.
Bedrock broke ground today on what will be Michigan’s tallest building on the former Hudson’s site in the heart of Downtown Detroit on Woodward Ave. Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017. (Video courtesy of Bedrock Detroit)
After 28 years at the Renaissance Center along the Detroit River, GM says it will relocate its global headquarters to Hudson’s Detroit in 2025, becoming the anchor tenant at Bedrock’s development on the historic site of the former J.L. Hudson Department Store.
The J. L. Hudson Building ("Hudson's") was a department store located at 1206 Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It was constructed beginning in 1911, with additions throughout the years, before being "completed" in 1946, and named after the company's founder, Joseph Lowthian Hudson. Hudson's first building on the site opened in 1891 but was demolished in 1923 for a new structure. It was the flagship store for the Hudson's chain. The building was demolished in a controlled demolition on October 24, 1998, with many people watching from Hart Plaza (Detroit) and Dieppe Gardens (Windsor, Ontario). It was the tallest building ever imploded.
The original J.L. Hudson Department Store was built in downtown Detroit, Michigan in 1891. Needing a larger building, expansion began on the same block. The original location was demolished by 1923 but new construction had started 1911. After twelve separate expansions, the final renovation was finished in 1946 and Hudson took up the entire block. With over 2.1 million square feet and five separate basements, the structure was once the tallest department store in the world and was also once the second largest department store in the United States. Unfortunately, with Detroit declining in the 1960s and beyond, there was a lot of theft in the store and many shoppers avoided downtown due to a lack of safety. Dayton's purchased J.L. Hudson in 1969 and continued to use the building until finally closing on January 17, 1983. The final use of the J.L. Hudson Department Store in Detroit was to house operations and executive employees until they were transferred to Minneapolis, Minnesota by 1986. The building was sold and eventually demolished on October 24, 1998. #retailrewind
Please subscribe and check out more at: https://retailrewind.weebly.com/
Hudson also supplied the seed capital for the establishment, in 1909, of Roy D. Chapin's automotive venture, which Chapin named the Hudson Motor Car Company in honor of J.L. Hudson.
Hudson was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, and immigrated with his family to Hamilton, Canada when he was nine; by the age of fourteen he and members of his family were residing in Michigan. His brother William moved to Buffalo, New York in 1896, to operate a branch of the Hudson's store until his death in 1928.
While Hudson began his career in merchandising with family members and other outside partners, he founded what would provide the basis for Hudson's Department Stores in 1881 inside a shop at the Detroit Opera House. Hudson at first focused on men' and boy's wear, and succeeded through set low prices and a return policy that favored the customer. As business volume grew, Hudson added sale professionals and additional lines of goods, including women's clothing and housewares. Hudson incorporated his venture in 1891 as the J. L. Hudson Company.