Christman’s Department Store was a Joplin institution for over eight decades, standing as a testament to the city’s growth and prosperity. Founded in 1892 by Pete Christman, the store began as a joint venture with his brother at the corner of 5th and Main Street.
A Retail Giant Emerges
Christman’s experienced phenomenal success, mirroring Joplin’s boomtown atmosphere fueled by the lead and zinc mining industry. The need for ever-increasing retail space led the Christmans to partner with the architectural firm of Alfred and August Michaelis in 1917. The result was a magnificent new building, a landmark that embodied the Chicago Style with its reinforced concrete, brick veneer walls, and innovative fireproof construction methods.
Christman’s: A Community Hub
Christman’s Department Store wasn’t just a retail space; it was a hub for the Joplin community. The store boasted 150,000 square feet of retail space, making it the largest retailer in southwest Missouri at the time. Residents flocked to Christman’s for everything from clothing and housewares to furniture and carpets. The store played a significant role in Joplin’s social scene, hosting events and becoming a fixture in the lives of Joplin residents.
End of an Era
In 1954, the Kansas City-based Macy’s firm acquired Christman’s. Despite the change in ownership, the store retained its name and its commitment to the Joplin community. However, in 1976, Macy’s closed the doors of the Joplin store, marking the end of an era for Christman’s Department Store.
A Lasting Legacy
The Christman Building, a lasting testament to the store’s legacy, still stands today at the corner of 5th and Main Street. It now houses Howsman’s Office Supply and Furniture Co., but the memory of Christman’s Department Store lives on as a reminder of Joplin’s rich retail history.
