Herbert Fisher (c. 1922 – April 3, 1993) was an American businessman and the founder of discount retailer Jamesway.
Herbert Fisher | |
---|---|
Born | c. 1922 |
Died | April 3, 1993 (age 71) |
Nationality | American |
Known for | Founder of discount retailer Jamesway |
Spouse | Florence Temkin |
Children | 3 |
Biography
Fisher was born to a Jewish family in New York City and raised in Borough Park, Brooklyn.[1] He is a graduate of Townsend Harris High School and attended City College for two years[1] before serving in the Army Air Force during World War II.[2] After the war, he worked as a merchandise packer at $12 a week.[2] In 1960, he opened the first Jamesway stores in Jamestown, New York hence the name Jamesway.[1] Jamesway was a discount retailer which focused on high volumes at low prices. In 1967, he took the company public.[3] He grew the business to 108 stores and 5,000 employees mainly in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.[1] In 1977, he retired from his position as CEO and president but remained as chairman until his death.[1]
He served on the board of governors of the Hackensack Hospital, was national vice president of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and was elected to the Discounting Hall of Fame.[1]
Personal life
In 1950, he married Florence Temkin; they had three daughters, Meredith Fisher Gitler, Judith Fisher Furer, and Lesley Fisher Greenblatt.[1][4][5] Fisher died of colon cancer at his home in Oradell, New Jersey.[1] His wife died in 2015.[6]