Kaufmann's was a local
department store that originated in
Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. It was owned in the early 20th century by
Edgar J. Kaufmann, patron of '
Fallingwater'. In the
post-war years, the store became a regional chain in the
eastern United States, and was last owned by
Federated Department Stores. At the height of its existence, it had some 59 stores in 5 states. Formerly part of
May Department Stores prior to that company's acquisition by
Federated on August 30, 2005, Kaufmann's operated as part of the
Filene's organization in
Boston, Massachusetts. On February 1, 2006, the Filene's/Kaufmann's organization was dissolved and the management of its stores was assumed by
Macy's East and the new
Macy's Midwest. On September 9, 2006,
Macy's retired the Kaufmann's name as
Federated Department Stores converted the former
May Company brands to its masthead. On August 12, 2006 a sign was installed on the corner of Smithfield Street and Fifth Avenue outside the original store in
Downtown Pittsburgh reading Kaufmann Way.