Strawbridge & Clothier

Department store; opened 1868 in Philadelphia, Pa.

From the description of Strawbridge & Clothier collection, 1959-1996. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 70978891

Strawbridge & Clothier was a major department store chain in the Greater Philadelphia area focused on a middle-class clientele. The firm was founded as a partnership by Justus C. Strawbridge and Isaac H. Clothier on July 1, 1868, and incorporated on February 14, 1922. The firm was operated on Quaker principles of simplicity and community service, control remaining with the founding families, especially the Strawbridges, for four generaltions. It was the last locally-controlled, family-owned department store chain in the Philadelphia area. Despite an early and innovative move into suburban branches beginning in 1930 and the development of the popular Clover line of discount stores and "Clover Day" sales, the firm eventually succumbed to changing patterns in retailing and sold its stores to the May Department Store Company of St. Louis, which had previously bought the Wanamaker chain, on July 15, 1996.

From the description of Records, 1793-1996. (Hagley Museum & Library). WorldCat record id: 122370794