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From Main Street To Mall: The Rise And Fall Of The American Department Store (American Business, Politics, And Society)
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Winner Of The 2016 Hagley Prize In Business History Sponsored By The Business History Conferencethe Geography Of American Retail Has Changed Dramatically Since The First Luxurious Department Stores Sprang Up In Nineteenthcentury Cities. Introducing Light, Color, And Music To Drygoods Emporia, These Palaces Of Consumption Transformed Mere Trade Into Occasions For Pleasure And Spectacle. Through The Early Twentieth Century, Department Stores Remained Centers Of Social Activity In Local Communities. But After World War Ii, Suburban Growth And The Ubiquity Of Automobiles Shifted The Seat Of Economic Prosperity To Malls And Shopping Centers. The Subsequent Rise Of Discount Bigbox Stores And Electronic Shopping Accelerated The Pace At Which Local Department Stores Were Shuttered Or Absorbed By National Chains. But As The Outpouring Of Nostalgia For Lost Downtown Stores And Historic Shopping Districts Would Indicate, These Vibrant Social Institutions Were Intimately Connected To American Political, Cultural, And Economic Identities.The First National Study Of The Department Store Industry, From Main Street To Mall Traces The Changing Economic And Political Contexts That Transformed The American Shopping Experience In The Twentieth Century. With Careful Attention To Smalltown Stores As Well As Glamorous Landmarks Such As Marshall Field'S In Chicago And Wanamaker'S In Philadelphia, Historian Vicki Howard Offers A Comprehensive Account Of The Uneven Trajectory That Brought About The Loss Of Locally Identified Department Store Firms And The Rise Of National Chains Like Macy'S And J. C. Penney. She Draws On A Wealth Of Primary Source Evidence To Demonstrate How The Decisions Of Consumers, Government Policy Makers, And Department Store Industry Leaders Culminated In Today'S Walmart World. Richly Illustrated With Archival Photographs Of The Nation'S Beloved Downtown Business Centers, From Main Street To Mall Shows That Department Stores Were More Than Just Places To Shop.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the page count of this book? A: This book has three hundred four pages. It provides a comprehensive look at the history of American department stores.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book is hardcover. The durable binding ensures longevity for readers and collectors.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Vicki Howard. She offers in-depth research and insights into the department store industry.
- Q: What is the size of this book? A: This book measures six and a half inches in length, one inch in width, and nine and a half inches in height. Its dimensions make it easy to handle and read.
- Q: What category does this book belong to? A: This book belongs to the Company Profiles category. It focuses on the historical context of department stores in America.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, this book is suitable for academic study. It is a well-researched resource with a wealth of primary source evidence.
- Q: What themes are explored in this book? A: This book explores themes of retail history, economic change, and cultural identity in America. It highlights the shift from local stores to national chains.
- Q: Does this book include illustrations? A: Yes, this book is richly illustrated with archival photographs. These images enhance the narrative by showcasing the evolution of department stores.
- Q: Is this book a good gift for history enthusiasts? A: Yes, this book makes a great gift for history enthusiasts. Its unique perspective on retail history appeals to those interested in American culture.
- Q: How does this book compare to other retail history books? A: This book is unique as it focuses specifically on department stores. Unlike others, it offers a national study of their rise and fall.
- Q: What is the main focus of the book? A: The main focus of the book is the transformation of American department stores. It details how they evolved into malls and discount stores.
- Q: Can this book be used in research papers? A: Yes, this book can be used in research papers. It provides valuable insights and evidence for discussions on retail history.
- Q: What is the significance of the Hagley Prize? A: The Hagley Prize recognizes excellence in business history. This book won the prize in twenty sixteen, showcasing its impact in the field.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for casual readers? A: Yes, this book is appropriate for casual readers. Its engaging narrative style makes complex topics accessible.
- Q: What key events does the book cover? A: The book covers key events like the rise of malls post-World War II and the decline of local department stores. It contextualizes these changes within American society.