Originally called “The Famous Clothing Company.” Later it was renamed “Smith’s Money-Back Store and Money-Back Smith.”  You probably knew it as Smith’s Department Store.

William Smith founded the first store in Oakland in 1885 (according to the Oakland Tribune)

Unique Nickname

“Money Refunded If Goods Are Not Satisfactory.”

Oakland Tribune

Willam “Money-Back” Smith

His friends, relatives, neighbors, and patrons were so used to the policy of ‘money-back” being associated with William Smith that became his nickname.

First Store

The first store was on Broadway, between 7th and 8th Street, later moving one block to 9th Street.

Brilliant Opening 

The Famous Clothing Company proprietors held a grand opening reception on March 16, 1892, at 909 and 911 Broadway.

In 1896, Smith chose a new location at 10th and Washington, where the firm remained until 1912.

They then moved to 12th and Washington, which was enlarged and modernized several times.

Another New Location

By 1912 the store was located at 12th and Washington Streets, and it was called “Money-Back Smith.”

“Charge It” Plan

Breaking all precedents, Money-Back Smiths had for 54 years had a “cash only” policy offered a liberal 90-day charge plan. The plan had no downpayment, no interest, and no carrying charge.

More than 10,000 Eastbay residents opened accounts in the first six months. 

“Charge it!”

They made the term “Charge it” a common word in the vocabulary. Smith declared September 27, 1940

55th Anniversary 

“Founded back in 1886 – literally the horse and buggy days of the city, the store has grown with Oakland.”

Oakland Tribune September 27, 1940

“We Couldn’t possibly cut a birthday cake large enough for all the of our customers, and so were cutting prices instead.”

Expansion

In 1941 the store embarked on a program of remodeling and expansion that doubled its size. Two additional floors were added, which gave them three floors for selling merchandise.

In 1945, the store acquired 30,000 Sq.Ft. of additional space in the Blake Building on Washington Street.

First Western Bank Building

In 1955 the old Henshaw Building at 14th and Broadway, built-in 1891, was demolished. The Henshaw building housed the MacDonough Theatre, one of Oakland’s first legitimate showhouses.

The First Western Bank Building was completed in 1958.

Location : 1330 Broadway Oakland CA

Smith’s Clothiers

Smith’s opened 24 stores throughout Northern California and Nevada.  

In 1988 after 102 years in business, closed its doors.

More Info:

There is some confusion as to when the store was located where. I tried my best.

• Brilliant Opening – Oakland Tribune March 18, 1892
• Famous Clothing Company – Oakland Tribune May 27, 1892
• An Unique Nickname – Oakland Tribune March 2, 1909
• Money-Back Smith Tells – Oakland Tribune September 3, 1911
• Annual Discount Sale – Oakland Tribune December 27, 1907
• New ‘Charge It” Plan Popular – Oakland Tribune September 27, 1940
• Price Cuts Are Gifts to Public – Oakland Tribune September 27, 1940
• Money-Back Smith’s Expansion – Oakland Tribune October 1, 1941
• Founder Dies – Oakland Tribune December 29, 1942
• Smith Store to Expand – Oakland Tribune November 18, 1945
• Smiths Leases Space at 14th & Broadway – Pg 1. – Oakland Tribune June 28, 1955
• Smiths Leases Space at 14th & Broadway – Pg 2 – Oakland Tribune June 28, 1955
• Wreckers Scrap Henshaw Building – Oakland Tribune January 5, 1956
• New Oakland Skyscraper – Oakland Tribune July 24, 1957
• Ribbon Cutting New Oakland Store – Oakland Tribune May 23, 1958
• New Skyscraper To Be Dedicated – Oakland Tribune September 25, 1958
• Smith’s Clothiers to Close in June – The Press Democrat – March 26, 1988

The End