C.D. Peacock, originally established as The House of Peacock, is a Chicago-based retail jewelry store founded in 1837 by Elijah Peacock.[1] The company is Chicago's oldest existing retailer.[2]

C.D. Peacock
IndustryRetail
Founded1837; 187 years ago (1837)
HeadquartersChicago, Illinois, United States
ProductsJewelry
OwnerSeymour Holtzman
Websitecdpeacock.com

History

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The company survived the Great Chicago Fire, despite its location in the middle of the city, as all of its merchandise was kept in a fireproof safe.[3] In 1889, Charles Daniel Peacock assumed control of the business and changed the name to the current C.D. Peacock.[3] They issued their first retail catalog in 1893, which coincided with the World's Columbian Exposition.[1] Later, company president Walter C. Peacock became an important figure in Chicago and Illinois sporting circles.

The Peacock family sold the company to Dayton-Hudson in 1969.[2] During the 1992 American recession, the company encountered financial difficulty, entered bankruptcy and was sold to Gordon Brothers, but ultimately survived in a greatly reduced form. As of 1993, C.D. Peacock is owned by Seymour Holtzman, Chairman of Destination XL Group, with three Metro-Chicago locations.[3][4] As of 2023 C. D. Peacock still belongs to a corporation controlled by the Holtzman family.

 

The location in The Palmer House Hilton is known for its 3 openwork brass Art Nouveau "peacock doors" designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany.[5][6][7] (They are unrelated to The Peacock Room.)

References

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  1. ^ a b Benham, Alyce Hand (September 19, 2015). "Antiques & Collectibles: Peacock wedding ring needs professional appraisal". The Press of Atlantic City. Retrieved February 12, 2016.
  2. ^ a b Schmeltzer, John (November 10, 1992). "C.D. Peacock Faces Liquidation". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved February 12, 2016.
  3. ^ a b c "The History Of C.D.Peacock". cdpeacock.com. Retrieved February 12, 2016.
  4. ^ Janjigian, Robert (April 6, 2014). "'Serial entrepreneur' finds time to mind his own business(es)". Palm Beach Daily News. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
  5. ^ "C.D. Peacock", Wilsons Estate Jewelry
  6. ^ https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/worlds-most-historically-significant-doors
  7. ^ https://cdpeacock.com/pages/history