John Wanamaker (Firm)

Wanamaker's legendary department stores were oalaces of consumption that turned shopping into an event for ordinary people. Born in Philadelphia in 1838, John Wanamaker pioneered the concept of the department store. In 1861 Wanamaker and his brother-in-law, Nathan Brown, opened Oak Hall, a men's clothing store. In 1876, intending to open a central market like London's Royal Exchange or Paris' Les Halles, he converted an abandoned Pennysylvania Railroad depot into a multipurpose clothing and specialties store called Wanamaker's. Catering to an upscale market, he promised all-wool clothing and quality goods with a money-back-guarantee. In 1874, he printed the first-ever, copyrighted store advertisement. When people discovered that its promises were true, business boomed. The concept of truth in advertising earned him the public's trust, which he never lost. John Wanamaker - Who made America? http://www.pbs.org (Retrieved February 10, 2009)

From the description of Wanamaker letter, 1893. (University of Georgia). WorldCat record id: 317879111

John Wanamaker (1838-1922) was a well-known merchant, entrepreneur, and lifelong resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was active in the city's religious, political, and philanthropic areas, founded several Presbyterian churches and Sunday schools, and served as Postmaster General under President Benjamin Harrison from 1889 to 1893. He opened his first Philadelphia clothing store, Oak Hall, with partner Nathan Brown in 1861, and founded John Wanamaker and Co. several years later in 1869. In 1876, they opened "A New Kind of Store" known as the Grand Depot at 13th and Market Streets. This store later became the flagship store, which eventually branched out into central and southeastern Pennsylvania. Satellite stores were also established in New Jersey, Delaware, and New York City. Wanamaker was at the forefront in many areas in retailing including merchandising, employee relations and advertising. His sons Thomas B. Wanamaker and L. Rodman Wanamaker were also active in the business. Thomas ran John Wanamaker and Co. in Philadelphia and Rodman took over the New York store operations in 1906.

From the description of John Wanamaker collection, 1827-1987. (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). WorldCat record id: 297182605

Department store; Philadelphia, Pa.

Founded 1861. Opened an art gallery in 1881. The art gallery is now defunct.

From the description of John Wanamaker department store art gallery records, [ca. 1908]-1941. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122404468

Dept. store art gallery; New York, N.Y.

Department store; New York.

Founded 1861 in Philadelphia.

From the description of John Wanamaker, New York exhibition catalogs, 1916-1934. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122456426