Ruby’s Department Stores was started by Elliot (“Eli”) Helfand in Richfield Springs (NY). It was named after Eli’s father, Reuben (“Ruby”) Helfand, who had the Pearl’s store in Brushton (NY). Ruby’s had three stores in Richfield Springs. The original store, a ladies store run by his wife, Florence, and, for a short time, a furniture store. When the furniture store closed, the original store continued to sell mattresses.