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When did chain stores begin?

Chain stores are two or more retail stores run by the same company, bearing the same name, and selling the same kinds of merchandise. They originated in 1859 when businessmen George F. Gilman (1830?–1901) and George Huntington Hartford (1833–1917) founded the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (better known as A & P) grocery stores in New York City. The idea caught on quickly. In 1879 W. P. Woolworth opened its doors and J. C. Penney followed in 1902. Eventually, all kinds of stores moved to the chain store model, selling groceries, apparel, shoes, prescription drugs, books, jewelry, furniture, hardware, and music. By the end of the twentieth century, chain stores were selling about one third of all merchandise in America.

Further Information: Belsic, Laurent. Events That Shook the World of Work. [Online] Available

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