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At this time their manufacturing operation was discontinued, and full attention was devoted to the retail side of the business. Over the years, Sigmund’s wife, Carolyn, their son Robert and their daughter Susan, all joined together in the family business. Expansion was inevitable, and in 1983, a second store was opened on Indy’s north side. In 2001 the downtown operation was moved to the Fishers/Castleton area, which is on the far northeast side of Indy. Their second store also moved and is currently located at 86th Street and Keystone Avenue. Today the torch has been passed yet again. While Sig is still heavily involved in the business, his son Robert is leading the way. Robert too has been joined by his wife Joan, and their two sons Ryan, and Ross.
Brenner Luggage Downtown Location 1970-2001
Charles’ first step was to consolidate his operation at the Russell Avenue location. After this he then began making overnight cases, which were made by covering wood framed boxes, with leather grained coated paper. He also made rubber coated canvas zipper bags, on machinery previously used to manufacture the Gladstone bag, featuring zippers made by the Hookless Fastener Company. Retailing at just $1.00, these bags met the public need and were sold through chains like Kresge’s and Hook Drugs. Shortly after World War II, metal covered suitcases and footlockers gained popularity. Sensing once again the change in the wind, Charles changed his operation, and began producing these items and marketed them, mainly through army surplus stores. With the War’s end came one more important change to Brenner Luggage, Sigmund Brenner. Charles’ son had returned home from the Army and the War in 1946, and joined the company full-time. In 1951 a fire at the Russell Avenue location forced the company to relocate. It resumed manufacturing at 218 S. Meridian Street. This was also the location of the first Brenner Luggage retail store. Sigmund continued to manufacture luggage until 1970, when another fire forced a move to 111 S. Meridian Street.
Charles Brenner 1892-1962
Our Story begins with Charles Brenner. As a young man Charles worked in luggage factories from St. Louis to Cincinnati, as well as the Indianapolis Saddlery. It was here that Charles gathered the skills and experience that he would apply to his company’s first products. These products were fiberboard suitcases and traveling bags, which were hand nailed and clinched to metal frames. So in 1914, Charles opened his own business and began to manufacture these products at 711 Russell Avenue, in Downtown Indianapolis. In the late 1920’s Charles acquired a second building at 401 S. Illinois Street, also downtown. It was at this location that he made his then popular Gladstone Bag. Manufactured from brown or black leather, the Gladstone achieved nationwide recognition and sales. Not too long after this came the Great Depression, and with it came a demand for inexpensive luggage.
Our Story
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