It never fails…during the holiday season I always end up getting stuck in line at one of the many department stores. If you are like me, you wonder where these big corporations came from. If you are like me, you wonder where they came up with such spiffy names for these awesomely crowded department stores?
Ok, so many of you are not like me, but I figured I’d share this information with you anyways.
It is hard to believe it, but the top department stores in the United States have names that are actually family names. It is also hard to believe that most of these stores have been around for over a hundred years. Just for fun I’ve decided to provide you some history, photos, and origins of the names of some of my favorites.
J.C. Penney – Founded by James Cash Penney in 1902. Penney was born on September 16, 1875 in Hamilton Missouri, and died at the age of 95 on February 12th, 1971 in New York.
Macy’s – Founded by Rowland Hussey Macy in 1858. Macy was born 0n August 30, 1822 in Massachusetts, and died at the age of 54 on March 29, 1877 in Paris.…in the big metropolis of Cincinnati Ohio. What is weird as when I think of Macy’s, I think of the big parades in New York City…not Cincinnati.
Nordstrom – Founded by Johan W Nordström in 1901. Nordstrom was an immigrant from Northern Sweden…yes, Sweden of all places! He arrived in the United states at the age of 16, seeking to strike it rich.
Nordstrom also carries a great line of under eye dark circle remedy products from Mario Badescu. (how do you think I stay so awesome looking?)
Sears (Sears, Roebuck and Company) – Founded by Richard Warren Sears and Alvah Roebuck in 1996. Sears was born in Stewartville, Minnesota in 1863. Roebuck was born in 1864 in the town of Lafayette Indiana.
Lord and Taylor – Founded by Samuel Lord and George Washington Taylor in 1826! Yeah! long time ago. In fact, this place was the first major store on Fifth Avenue in NYC. It was also the first to present Christmas window displays. Ok, so this isn’t a picture of either Samuel Lord or George Taylor (I can’t find photos of these guys)…but man, look at the hair!
Great Last Minute Christmas Gifts
- Mario Badescu skincare products make great stocking stuffers! To check them out, just CLICK HERE!
- Agility 5-piece starter set (w/Tire Jump)
- Free Window Replacement Estimates