F.W. Woolworth Company - #4

Going old school here. Founded in 1879, Woolworth’s sold general merchandise and was called “five and dime” because everything sold for 10 cents or less (the precursor to dollar stores and Five Below). By 1929, there were 2,250 stores.

“Despite its growing to be one of the largest retail chains in the world through most of the 20th century, increased competition led to its decline beginning in the 1980s, even while its sporting goods division grew.” [Wikipedia]

The chain went out of business in July 1997, when the company decided to shift its primary focus to sporting goods (Footlocker believe it or not - so named in 2001).

Woolworth’s name survived internationally, even though it had nothing to do with the U.S. company. Woolworths was an innovator and trendsetter that created many retail practices still in use today including merchandising strategies, direct purchasing, sales and customer service practices!