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When did department stores begin?

Department stores, which offer a wide range of merchandise in various departments, emerged in the mid-1800s. The first department store, Bon Marché, was opened in Paris, France. From the 1850s to the 1880s numerous stores sprang up in American cities: Jordan Marsh in Boston, R. H. Macy's in New York City, Wanamaker's in Philadelphia, and Marshall Field in Chicago. These early department stores were located in the downtown areas of cities to attract a large clientele. They pioneered such policies as creative advertising, returnable or exchangeable goods, ready-to-wear apparel, and fixed prices.

Further Information: Cohen, Daniel. "Grand Emporiums Peddle Their Wares in a New Market." Smithsonian. March, 1993, pp. 122–130; James, Erin Leigh. British Department Stores. [Online] Available

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