In the 1890s, Nathan (d. 1920) and Elizabeth “Libby” Lifchez (1860-1922) immigrated from Russia and settled in Columbia, South Carolina with their three sons: Aaron (1884-1918), Moses (1887-1959), and Isaac (1892-1978). Around 1904, Nathan opened N. Lifchez at 1320-1322 Assembly Street, where he sold dry goods, furniture, and clothes. Within a few years, he also began operating Eagle Furniture Company & Dry Goods at 1320 Assembly. By 1913, he was affiliated with a stretch of storefronts from 1320-1338 Assembly Street, and in 1914, he changed N. Lifchez to N. Lifchez & Sons. After Aaron’s death in 1918 and Nathan’s passing in 1920, Moses and Isaac continued to operate the store together. In 1925, they moved the business to 927 Gervais Street, and in 1932, they closed N. Lifchez & Sons and opened Liberty Loan and Luggage Shop at 1414 Main Street.
Main Image: Advertisement for N. Lifchez & Sons. Reprinted from The Columbia Record, May 24, 1930.
Above Image: Advertisement for Topkins Athletic Underwear as sold at N. Lifchez & Sons. Reprinted from The State, April 21, 1925.