How Fifth Avenue Has Evolved Through the Years [PHOTOS]

For the last century, New York City’s Fifth Avenue has been home to many major flagship retail stores. The street has become synonymous with the best shopping in the city, drawing in both locals and tourists for decades. Though the street north of 34th Street was first was filled with expensive private residencies occupied by families like the Astors and the Carnegies, by 1924, Saks Fifth Avenue opened its doors and brought retail to the neighborhood. Shortly after, Bergdorf Goodman opened in 1928 on the site of the Cornelius Vanderbilt II House. Rockefeller Center was opened in the 1930’s, and over time more and more flagship stores planted their roots, including Harry Winston, Gucci, Tiffany & Co. and many more. Presently, people from all over the world come to this street to window shop, take in the great architecture and of course, make exciting purchases.

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Cartier Fifth Ave Store

Cartier Fifth Ave Store
Cartier Fifth Ave Store

Cartier opened on Fifth Ave in 1917.

Saks Fifth Ave Fifth Ave Store

Saks Fifth Ave Fifth Ave Store
Saks Fifth Ave Fifth Ave Store

Saks Fifth Ave opened on Fifth Ave in 1924. Taken in 1948.

Bergdorf Goodman Fifth Ave Store

Bergdorf Goodman Fifth Ave Store
Bergdorf Goodman Fifth Ave Store

Bergdorf Goodman opened on Fifth Ave in 1928.

Rockefeller Center off Fifth Ave

Rockefeller Center off Fifth Ave
Rockefeller Center off Fifth Ave

Rockefeller Center opened on Fifth Ave in 1939.

Tiffany & Co. Fifth Ave Store

Tiffany & Co. Fifth Ave Store
Tiffany & Co. Fifth Ave Store

Tiffany & Co. opened on Fifth Ave in 1940.

Gucci Fifth Ave Store

Gucci Fifth Ave Store
Gucci Fifth Ave Store

Gucci opened on Fifth Ave in 1953.

Harry Winston Fifth Ave Store

Harry Winston Fifth Ave Store
Harry Winston Fifth Ave Store

Harry Winston opened on Fifth Ave in 1960.

Burberry Fifth Ave Store

Burberry Fifth Ave Store
Burberry Fifth Ave Store

Burberry opened on Fifth Ave in 1970.

Henri Bendel Fifth Ave Store

Henri Bendel Fifth Ave Store
Henri Bendel Fifth Ave Store

Henri Bendel opened on Fifth Ave in 1985, but closed in 2018.

Louis Vuitton Fifth Ave Store

Louis Vuitton Fifth Ave Store
Louis Vuitton Fifth Ave Store

Louis Vuitton opened on Fifth Ave in 2004.

Armani Fifth Ave Store

Armani Fifth Ave Store
Armani Fifth Ave Store

Armani opened on Fifth Ave in 2009.

Nike Fifth Ave Store

Nike Fifth Ave Store
Nike Fifth Ave Store

Nike Store opened on Fifth Ave in 2018.