Remember those old five-and-dime stores? This S.S. Kresge Store right here in Philadelphia is a piece of that history.
This wasn’t just any store. It was part of a huge chain started by Sebastian Spering Kresge. He began his career selling tinware. He later partnered with John G McCrory. They opened stores in Detroit and Memphis. Kresge then opened his own store. That first S.S. Kresge store was only 2000 square feet. It employed 18 people and sold 1500 items. Nothing cost more than a dime.
The S.S. Kresge Company grew rapidly. By 1912 it had 85 stores. They were worth over $10 million. World War I inflation forced price increases. Items eventually cost up to 15 cents. Later they opened “green front” stores selling items costing up to a dollar. The original stores were known as “red front” stores.
This S.S. Kresge store in Philadelphia thrived. It offered everyday items. Think housewares linens clothing school supplies and toys. Many stores even had lunch counters. Customers could easily browse items displayed on open counters. This was a major innovation. Before this merchandise was kept behind the counter.
This store reflects the company’s focus on affordability and accessibility. It was part of a retail revolution. The S.S. Kresge Company played a significant role in American retail history. Its legacy lives on through the Kresge Foundation. This foundation continues to support nonprofits and arts organizations.
The S.S. Kresge Company eventually evolved into Kmart. Kmart stores expanded across the nation. They eventually replaced the original Kresge stores. The last Kresge stores were sold in 1987. So this S.S. Kresge Store is a tangible reminder of a bygone era. It’s a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and the evolution of American retail. Look around you. Let the echoes of shoppers past fill your imagination. This building holds more than merchandise; it holds a piece of American history.