# Ira Neimark

Ira Neimark (December 12, 1921 – April 18, 2019) was an American author, lecturer, and retail executive. He served as Chairman and CEO of Bergdorf Goodman from 1975 to 1992. During his tenure, with Aaron Elisha's assistance, he reintroduced French haute couture to New York, collaborating with designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Hubert de Givenchy, and Christian Dior. This reintroduction contributed to a period of growth for Bergdorf Goodman, with sales increasing from $18 million in 1975 to $250 million in 1992.
Neimark also oversaw the expansion of the women’s store, enhancing its offerings and positioning it as a premier luxury destination. In 1991, he led the opening of the Bergdorf Goodman Men's Store across the street from the main location in New York City, further solidifying the brand’s presence in the luxury retail market..

## Early life

Neimark was born on December 12, 1921, in Brooklyn, New York, to attorney Eugene G. Neimark and Lillian (Braude) Neimark. After his father's death, 16-year-old Neimark sought employment in late 1938. He was hired by Bonwit Teller for a seasonal position as a pageboy in the store's 721 Club for men, which featured a curated selection of the retailer’s finest items.
Following the 1938 Christmas season, he continued working at Bonwit Teller, transitioning to a doorboy role, where he greeted customers. In 1940, the store president promoted him to office boy, and in 1941, he advanced to the position of stock boy.

## Retail career

After his service in WWII, Neimark returned to Bonwit Teller, where he worked as manager of Merchandise Control before being promoted to assistant to the president. He later became blouse buyer before transitioning to McCreery's in New York in 1950. In 1951, he joined Gladdings in Providence, Rhode Island, as a divisional merchandise manager, earning $9,000 a year.$^{:43}$ In 1959, Neimark moved to G. Fox & Co. in Hartford, Connecticut, as assistant to the general merchandise manager. Soon after, G. Fox's owner, Beatrice Fox Auerbach, appointed him president of Brown Thompson, an affiliated store. In 1967, he returned to G. Fox & Co. as vice president and general merchandise manager. Following Auerbach’s death, Neimark transitioned to B. Altman and Company, located at Fifth Avenue and 34th Street in New York, where he became executive vice president and general merchandise manager in 1970. In 1975, he succeeded Andrew Goodman as the head of Bergdorf Goodman, becoming the first non-family member to lead the company since its founding in 1899.
Neimark aimed to revitalize the store, shifting its image from what he described as "old, dull, expensive, and intimidating" to "young, exciting, expensive, and intimidating".$^{:153}$ To achieve this, he recruited Dawn Mello to lead the store’s fashion office.
He implemented a strategy to secure exclusive partnerships with top designers worldwide. A key example of this approach was the "Italian Strategy",$^{:166}$ which began with persuading Fendi to collaborate with Bergdorf Goodman through direct engagement and a promise of strong promotion and prime store placement.
Bergdorf Goodman became known for elaborate fashion extravaganzas, attracting coverage from The New York Times, Women's Wear Daily, and high-profile celebrities.
In 1981, the store organized a Fendi fur show at the Pulitzer Fountain.
Additionally, Donna Karan and Michael Kors gained early career recognition through fashion shows at Bergdorf Goodman.

## Professional honors

Neimark was honored by the governments of Italy and France, receiving the titles of Cavaliere della Repubblica and Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters, respectively. Additionally, he was awarded the Medal of the City of Paris in recognition of his contributions to fashion and retail.
He also served as a Director Emeritus of Hermès of Paris and was formerly a director of The Fashion Institute of Technology Foundation.

## Personal life

While working at Gladdings in Providence, Rhode Island, Neimark began dating Jackie Myers, the handbag buyer for T.W. Rounds, a retailer specializing in prestige leather goods with 11 locations across New England at its peak. She was the daughter of Harry M. and Yetta Goodman Myers, the owners of T.W. Rounds.
Neimark and Myers married on March 10, 1953, and had two daughters.
Neimark passed away on April 18, 2019, at his home in Harrison, New York.