jay thorpe inc. was founded in 1920 by charles j. oppenheim, jr. in new york, united states. the company was a specialty retailer that offered custom-made goods as well as french imports. jay thorpe inc. was known for its high-quality products and was considered one of the best stores on 57th street, on an equal footing with henri bendel. the company offered custom-made clothing from french and in-house designers. jay thorpe inc. was a family business, with oppenheim's family firmly rooted in retail. the company was in operation until at least the 1960s.