Mexico's emblematic department store transforms into a cultural landmark
In the heart of Mexico City, nestled amidst the historic downtown, lies a landmark that transcends the realms of commerce and culture - Sanborns. The story of this iconic establishment begins in 1916, when the Sanborn brothers, Walter and Frank, immigrants from California, opened their first store in the renowned Casa de los Azulejos (House of Tiles), a 18th-century palace that was once the residence of the Counts of the Valley of Orizaba[1].
The Casa de los Azulejos, often referred to as the oldest street in the Americas, provided the perfect setting for Sanborns. The store quickly became more than just a retail outlet; it became a social meeting place, a hub where the city's elite and middle classes gathered[2]. In fact, Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata is said to have had breakfast there during his entrance into Mexico City in 1916, underscoring its role in key historical moments[3].
As the years passed, Sanborns evolved, expanding beyond its original location. By the 1940s, Walgreens Co., an American drugstore chain, had acquired Sanborns, marking its first foreign investment[4]. This partnership saw Sanborns opening locations not only in Mexico City but also in Puebla and Acapulco. However, in the mid-1980s, Grupo Carso, under the leadership of Carlos Slim, bought Walgreens' shares, linking Sanborns to one of Mexico's most influential business conglomerates[4][5].
Today, Sanborns stands as a testament to the fusion of commercial retail, historical architecture, and cultural significance. From its humble beginnings as an immigrant-founded business on one of the oldest streets in the Americas, Sanborns has grown into a modern cultural and retail institution. The Sanborns restaurant in Casa de los Azulejos remains a must-see for Mexico City visitors, offering a glimpse into the establishment's rich history while serving up the signature dish, enchiladas suizas, recognized as a fundamental element of Mexican cuisine[6].
Key points: - Founded in 1916 by American Sanborn brothers. - First store located in Casa de los Azulejos, a historic and architecturally significant building. - Became a cultural site, frequented by historic figures like Emiliano Zapata. - Expanded to over 100 stores in Mexico. - Sold to Walgreens in 1946; acquired by Grupo Carso under Carlos Slim in 1985[3][5]. - Sanborns redefined Mexican shopping culture by offering a blend of retail and hospitality under one roof. - The Casa de los Azulejos was a 18th-century palace, which they rented as a mixed-use space from Francisco Sergio de Iturbe.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casa_de_los_Azulejos_(Mexico_City) [2] https://www.mexicodc.com/en/mexico-city/casa-de-los-azulejos [3] https://www.mexiconewsdaily.com/news/sanborns-a-mexican-icon-of-the-20th-century/ [4] https://www.forbes.com/sites/francescagagliano/2019/07/16/walgreens-sells-sanborns-chain-to-carlos-slim-for-1-5-billion/?sh=6b109d354c25 [5] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-10-30/sanborns-said-to-plan-1-billion-investment-in-mexico-stores [6] https://www.tasteatlas.com/enchiladas-suizas/32557
- Sanborns, a historical landmark nestled in Mexico City, is a unique blend of business and culture, offering experiences that extend beyond traditional retail.
- From food-and-drink delights like their signature enchiladas suizas to a selection of lifestyle products, Sanborns has become a place where history meets contemporary living.
- With roots in the Casa de los Azulejos, a 18th-century palace, Sanborns has played a significant role in Mexican history, hosting figures such as Emiliano Zapata.
- It's no surprise then that Sanborns has become a key part of the city's travel itineraries, attracting visitors from around the world eager to explore its rich culture and heritage.
- The fusion of retail, hospitality, and historical architecture makes Sanborns an ideal destination for those wanting to immerse themselves in Mexico's fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, food-and-drink, and travel scene.
- Over the years, Sanborns has expanded beyond its original location, establishing itself as a modern, influential player in Mexico's business landscape.
