The Rise and Fall of the House of Barneys: A Family Tale of Chutzpah, Glory, and Greed

by Joshua Levine

Book Overview

It took three generations to build Barneys into the world's most fabulous clothing store--and less than a decade to tear it down. This fascinating book is at once a family saga, a cautionary business... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0688155022
• ISBN13: 9780688155025
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.5" x 9.7"

Customer Reviews

Should be read by anyone with a FAMILY business

Don't be put off by what may appear to be a look at one business and one family's way of doing business. This book actually explores far deeper subjects and questions such as : Why is it that so many successful family businesses fail when passed on to heirs? Why do so many solid companies with loyal customers, proven merchandise and a promising future just fall by the wayside? To those who don't know Barneys, it was started by Barney Pressman, a smart, ambitious man who built his business into a thriving industry, selling more suits than anyone in the world by the 1960's.But what makes the book interesting is what happened to his business when his sons came into the picture and the intrigue, scandal and greed that tore apart the company. I can't help wondering: Why don't the patriarchs (or matriarchs) of family businesses teach their children to run the companies just as well? Is it possible to mix family and business and do it well? The Barney's sage, of course, is not yet over and the store is still in existence. So the end of this story remains to be seen.

Fascinating

A very enjoyable book. You pull for the Pressmans when the snobs snub them in the beginning. You jeer at them when their position goes to their heads and they behave very, very badly. But the really interesting part of the book concerns how fashion and retailing REALLY work. They appear to be just an elaborate hoax on the consumer. This book should be read in conjunction with Teri Agin's "The End of Fashion" which shows the comsumers are getting more and more skeptical and dissects the public offerings of fashion stock (if you're fond of your money and want to keep it, don't buy). Hooray.

Why businesses don't succeed when passed to kids

A fascinating case study on the history of a well known American business. The behind the scenes look shows the evolution through 3 generations. Looking deeper, it says a lot about the values of each of the generations which explains some of the troubles in America today. Maybe we've become too soft. I can't recommend this book enough if you enjoy shopping or business books. I continue to shop occasionally at NY and Beverly Hills. You can't go into the stores without better appreciating the history of the store. BUY THIS BOOK.

Excellent story about a real-life business tragedy

Barneys may have been a local Manhattan business, but it was a legendary store. Anyone in or out of business should find it a good read. It is particularly relevant to people who are in the retail business or in a family business. But Levine writes so well, that it is an accessible read for any one. Overall, a brisk and compelling read.

A compelling tale of arrogance and ego.

The author really brings this story to life. The mixture of business success undone by human foible is brilliantly explored in this novel. Anyone who has ever shopped will enjoy this book.