History Of Department Stores

331 Words2 Pages
Department Stores As more and more people moved to the suburbs there was a greater need for department stores. Tons of homes were being built and needed something to fill them. Eugene Ferkauf was driving through undeveloped Long Island when he came across an area of pretty farmland. This area was Westbury. Ferkauf knew it would soon be brought to life by developers and farmers. He was owner of five successful discount stores in the greater New York area. The first was opened in 1948 and its sales had exploded from the very first day. Ferkauf discovered a difference in his new costumers as opposed to prewar costumers. New costumers were young and hungry to buy, because they owned virtually nothing. With no fear of debt they differed from their parents and grandparents. Ferkauf liked dealing with the middle class more because they were smart, they knew what they wanted, they appreciated his bargains, and they rarely argued. Ferkauf had a great vision of the new suburbia: “ A sparkling, huge new store with vast parking facilities”. It had 90,000 square feet and contain and huge variety of sub-stores: An appliance store, a supermarket, a toy store, and a mens clothing store. Ferkauf wanted the store to be built fast so he push everyone, Architects, contractors, and painters. The stores was built in 90 days, so he could reach the Christmas season of 1953. Department stores today are used more as a want then a necessity, they are advertised for all ages rather then a younger crowd. America today lives off of department stores, we buy all our food and clothing instead of growing or making it. Back when they were first developed there was no competition for the stores as each town usually only had one. Now we have many stores to choose from forcing the stores to compete for their costumers. Over all department stores have played a huge part in shaping the industrial side
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