Great American Business Leaders of the 20th Century
John Wanamaker
John Wanamaker and Company
1875–1922
1875–1922
John Wanamaker and Company
1875–1922
1875–1922
Wanamaker thought his “new kind of store,” which was a consolidation of many different kinds of shops into one, was the future of shopping. Not only did his department stores become very successful, they were also part of a merchandising revolution that steered people away from the general store. Wanamaker stores were the first to have a restaurant, electricity, an elevator, and a discount “downstairs” store. Wanamaker was also the first merchant to take out full-page newspaper ads that were written from the consumer’s point of view rather than the merchant’s.
Personal
- Born-Died: 1838–1922
- Birthplace: Pennsylvania
- Race: White
- Gender: Male
- Father: Owner, Small Business