The American Department Store Transformed 1920-1960

About this book

After attaining classic stature with palaces erected in the early 20th century the American department store continued to evolve in ways that were influenced by changes in business practices shopping patterns design approaches and urban structure. This masterful and innovative history of a celebrated building type focuses on many of the nations greatest retail companiesMarshall Fields Lord and Taylor Gimbels Wanamakers and Bullocks among othersand the role they played in defining Americas cities. Author Richard Longstreth traces the development and evolution of department stores from local urban institutions to suburban entities in the nations sixty largest cities showing how the stores underwent changes to adapt to dramatic economic and urban developments including the decentralization from metropolitan areas increased popularity of the automobile and challenges from retail competitors on a national level. Extensively illustrated this fascinating book offers a fundamental understanding of the transformation of Main Streets nationwide. Published in association with the Center for American Places