Whitehall Lecture Series - "An Unlikely Titan of Commerce: John Wanamaker"

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Library of Congress

John Wanamaker

The Annual Whitehall Lecture Series presents “Unlikely Titans of Industry & Commerce: From Modest Beginnings to Phenomenal Success,” at 3:00 p.m. each Sunday from February 4th to March 10th. Experts and authors will speak about the Titans that were responsible for some of the most successful business ventures built from the ground-up. When possible, each lecture will be followed by a book signing with the author.

Remembered for his store’s extravagant holiday decorations and displays, Wanamaker built one of the largest retailing businesses in the world and helped to define the American retail shopping experience. From the freedom to browse without purchase and the institution of one price for all customers to generous return policies, he helped to implement retailing conventions that continue to define American retail to this day. Wanamaker was also a leading Christian leader, participating in the major Protestant moral reform movements from his youth until his death in 1922. But most notably, he found ways to bring his religious commitments into the life of his store.