HL Polier’s

Type of Store: Women’s & Men’s Clothing

Years of Operation: 1888 – 1939

Location: 132 Laurens St SW (currently Lionel Smith Ltd)

146-148 Laurens St SW (currently The Whitney & Cyndi’s Sweet Shop)

Family: Polier (Harris, Fannie, Ruth)

Harris L (HL) Polier (1848-1921) is the first known Jewish merchant in Aiken. He opened for business in 1888 and his presence attracted others in his family to join him here, including his brother MS Polier & brother-in-law BM Surasky. His store focused on women’s & men’s clothing. HL ran the store until his death in 1921 after which it was run by his wife Fannie, with help from daughter-in-law Ruth Slater Polier. The store closed in 1939.

The store was initially located on Main St (Laurens) at the corner of Curve (Hayne, The Alley) likely in the location currently occupied by Lionel Smith Ltd. I 1920, the store is believed to have moved a few doors down to the location currently occupied by The Whitney & Cyndi’s Sweet Shop.