The information on this page has been reproduced from the book New Jersey: Life, Industries and Resources of a Great State published in 1928 by the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce. It is included on this site because of its historical interest to those who grew up in Kearny, New Jersey

There are 10 complete floors, two partial floors, a basement store, and two sub-basements, comprising in all a floor-area of 670,000 square feet. There are 120 departments offering every feature found in the best equipped merchandising establishments. The pleasing restaurant on the seventh floor is unsurpassed by those of the latest modern hotels. An auditorium, where local organizations meet, ample rest-rooms, and a distinctive personal service on the part of employees, are preeminent attractions contributing to that comfort and ease of the shopping public which make it something of a community center as well as a place in which merchandise is sold.

The architecture of the store interior is Spanish in general design. The lighting features and furnishings enhance the beauty and harmony of the building interior. The 18 elevators are massed lengthwise of the store in a way that is both unique and convenient. Apparatus for cooling the air of the store in summer supplies refreshing relief to shoppers in the very hot weather.

Under its several names the Kresge Store has a history of nearly half a century. It was started in a small way by Fox & Plaut back in 1870, when the horse cars rolled along Broad Street. The first store was located on the north bank of the old Morris Canal. Later it became L. S. Plaut & Company and continued under this name until purchased by Mr. Kresge in July, 1923.