Veteran Marcus passes

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 1/28/2002 12:00:00 AM

DALLAS —

Stanley Marcus, the former president and chairman of Neiman Marcus died last week at the age of 96.

Marcus joined the retailer, founded by his father Herbert Marcus and his aunt and uncle Carrie and Al Neiman, in the 1920s. When he retired in 1975 as chairman emeritus, Marcus had led the retailer to international prominence. In 1938, he created the Neiman Marcus Award for Distinguished Service in the Field of Fashion, and in 1957, he introduced Fortnight, an annual celebration of different countries' cultures and design contributions. In 1960, inspired by journalists looking for holiday stories, Marcus and his brother Edward created His & Hers gifts as a centerpiece of the renowned Christmas Book .

According to ceo and president Burton Tansky, "Although Mr. Marcus was not active with the company since 1975, his standards, values and vision had created the great company that we are today. We will miss his friendship and counsel; however, his legacy endures."

Allen Questrom, the former president and ceo of Neiman Marcus, and who is now chairman and ceo of JCPenney, commented, "Stanley Marcus will be greatly missed. Every merchant I have ever known looked up to Mr. Marcus because he was such a fascinating man and had a deep understanding of the retail business. He was a consummate salesman. He never lost his focus on the top line."