Fred Pressman (1923 – July 14, 1996) was the chairman of Barneys New York. He assumed the role after taking over from his father, Barney Pressman. Under Fred Pressman's leadership, the store changed from being a discount men's suit shop to a luxury department store showcasing designer fashion.
Early life and education Pressman was born in New York City, the son of Barbara and Barney Pressman.Barney Pressman, Retailing Legend, Is Dead at 96 New York Times, STEPHANIE STROM, August 27, 1991 His father founded Barneys, a clothing store that focused on selling name brand suits at a deep discount to the working class by purchasing inventory at auctions, bankruptcies, and in odd lots.Los Angeles Magazine: "Barneys in Rubble" by Jesse Kornbluth March 1996New York Observer: "Real Goatskin and Lotsa Gas: The Pressman Saga Unzipped", by Francine Prose March 22, 1999Orlando Sun Sentinel: "A Tale Of Wolves Swaddled In Sheep's Clothing, by L.A. Lorek , May 16, 1999 He attended Rutgers University before enlisting in the US Army. In 1946, he joined the family business where he excelled at finding quality goods that he could purchase for a discount and sell using innovative marketing.
Career In the late 1950s, Pressman became chairman of the company. He slowly transitioned it from a discount retailer, instead selling clothing from top-name designers from Europe who were relatively unknown in the United States. He also added women's clothing, housewares, cosmetics, and gifts. He was credited with introducing Giorgio Armani to the American market in 1976 as well as one of the first American retailers to sell Hubert de Givenchy and Pierre Cardin products.
In the 1970s, his two sons, Gene and Bob, joined the business. In the late 1980s, Barneys entered into a partnership with the Japanese retailer Isetan to expand the Barneys name internationally. In January 1996, Barneys filed for bankruptcy protection after a dispute with its Japanese lender.New York Post: "Pressmans Make War on Themselves Over $", by Allyson Lieberman, August 13, 1999
Personal life Pressman was married to Phyllis Pressman; they had four children: Bob Pressman, Gene Pressman, Elizabeth Pressman-Neubardt,New York Times: "Miss Pressman Becomes Bride" August 27, 1989 and Nancy Pressman-Dressler. His niece, Louise Sunshine, is the co-founder of the real estate marketing and sales company Sunshine Group.New York Times: "Louise Sunshine, Martin S. Begun" February 16, 1997The Real Deal: "Louise Sunshine" By Lauren Elkies retrieved September 27, 2015
Death and legacy Pressman died on July 14, 1996, at his home in Harrison, New York, at the age of 73, of pancreatic cancer. Services were held at the Central Synagogue in Manhattan.New York Daily News: "Barney's Elder Dies" by Lawrence Goodman, Corky Siemaszko, and Orla Healy July 15, 1996
The Fred Pressman Summer Youth Program invites high school students to intern and attend seminars in business etiquette, customer service, resume writing, and interviewing.Greta Braddock, A Summer Of Opportunity For Tomorrow’s Superstars The Window August 18, 2014
References