Heacock’s Department Store

During the prewar years, Heacock’s was considered one of the modern stores in Manila and the largest of its kind in the country. It was air-conditioned and was even equipped with an electric door which automatically opened via a photoelectric cell.

The history of Heacock’s  started when Mr. H.E. Heacock opened a retail store next to the Hotel Metropole by the Sta. Cruz bridge. Due to popularity, the store was moved to Echague Street, Quiapo in 1908. The following year, partners H.E. Heacock and Freer decided to sell the business to Samuel Gaches and other partners.

By 1918, the store was already in a four-story building at Escolta and soon became a one-stop shop offering office equipment, firearms, and sporting goods among others. A new building was eventually opened on the south west corner of Escolta and David streets.

Although it was heavily destroyed during WWII, the Heacock’s Department Store was reconstructed and emerged as one of the popular stores in the 50’s.


(Source: http://www.filipiknow.net/)