Maxims of Life and Business with Selected Prayers

Born in Philadelphia on July 11, 1838, John Wanamaker created the first department store and later became famous as a merchant for his upscale clothing stores and department stores on the East Coast. He first opened his small men’s store in his home town of Philadelphia in 1861, but was one of America’s largest merchants by the early 1900s. His innovative sales and marketing strategies attracted customers like a magnet and set his business apart as the hub of center city Philadelphia. With a philosophy that extended beyond merely running a business for personal profit, Wanamaker viewed his business as a vital means of positively impacting the prosperity of an entire city and the nation at large for the betterment of all. He was a powerful and innovative businessman who undoubtedly helped various inner cities and urban communities to thrive with great success during his day and time. He supported a 3,000-member church which ran a library, school, savings bank, and employment service. He also supported a number of other religious organizations and recruited many of his employees from them as well. He provided jobs for 15,000 people in Philadelphia and New York. He also provided opportunities for blacks and women to work in business during a time when it was common to exclude them. He was also actively involved in politics and held the position of U. S. Postmaster General while President Benjamin Harrison was in office. John Wanamaker’s other contributions included the construction of a hospital, a museum, and a temporary housing shelter for men who fell on hard times. Aside from being an extraordinary businessman, he was a great humanitarian with a passion for helping the less fortunate. Also recognized for his upstanding principles, Wanamaker stood for truth in advertising as well as Accuracy in Word and Print.” Wanamaker retail policies have been credited as key factors in the rise of department store ethics and procedures. And his devout commitment to his Christian faith along with his support of various religious and patriotic causes also made him a renowned pillar of the community.Wanamaker, John is the author of 'Maxims of Life and Business with Selected Prayers' with ISBN 9780937539804 and ISBN 0937539805.