Cincinnati’s oldest business

Established 1819
Over 200 Years of experience

• 1819

  Bromwell’s first act began when Jacob Bromwell, a veteran and former Baltimore resident, founded the store in 1819 after emigrating to Cincinnati. It originally sold supplies to settlers who, just like him, came to the area in the early 1800s. Achieving success in that endeavor, the business grew to manufacture metal goods for the home, such as flour sifters and tin cups.

  Decades later, the manufacturing arm of Bromwell’s grew so large, the operation encompassed an entire city block. Understanding people needed fire to heat homes and cook food, they also began making and selling items related to the hearth.

• 1923

  The business of fireplaces proved lucrative. So lucrative, in fact, that Bromwell’s split its home goods and hearth-centric divisions in 1923. The Grewes—only the second family to own the business since the original Bromwells—purchased the fireplace division and opened a store in Cincinnati. The housewares division left for Indiana.

  That began Bromwell’s second act.

  For the next eight decades, the Gerwes and their fireplace store continued writing the story of Bromwell’s in Downtown Cincinnati. By the mid-2000s, though, Gary Gerwe decided he was ready to sell the brand. While Bromwell’s recognition was strong, the business had grown tired. He found a prospective buyer and prepared to move on.

  That’s when Bromwell’s third act began.

• 2005

  Jeffrey McClorey moved back to Cincinnati after living in South America for several years. Seeing an upward shift in the economy, he began buying property, including the building Gerwe’s store occupied. He planned to be Bromwell’s landlord.

  But Gerwe’s buyer backed out. Instead of selling, he resolved to close the shop. Bromwell’s, it seemed, was finally coming to an end.

  McClorey, understanding the importance of the Bromwell’s brand, couldn’t let that happen. He purchased the business and hired Gerwe to help him run it. For the third time in 186 years, Bromwell’s belonged to a new family.

• 2020

  After reaching the 200-year milestone and successfully reenergizing the brand, McClorey and crew are planning their next steps. Bromwell’s has something major  coming soon.

  The third floor of the building will feature a new concept: Bromwell’s Attic. It’ll sell estate-style, one-off products—things you won’t find anywhere else. These items will be available to “those in the know” and to the public on select days. While Bromwell’s proper doesn’t feature an online store, Bromwell’s Attic will have an internet presence.