John Wanamaker’s Life Story – father of modern advertising – Legends

John Wanamaker (July 11, 1838 – December 12, 1922) was an American merchant and religious, civic and political figure, who is considered one of the pioneers of modern advertising and marketing. He was the founder of one of the first department stores in the United States, Wanamaker’s, which was a successful enterprise and became one of the largest retail chains in the country.

Wanamaker was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and grew up in a Quaker family. He started working at a young age, first as an errand boy and then as a clerk in a dry goods store. Eventually, he became a partner in the store and opened his first department store in 1861. The store was an instant success and became one of the largest retail chains in the country.

Wanamaker was known for his innovative marketing strategies, which included offering a money-back guarantee for all purchases and making it easy for customers to return items. He was also one of the first merchants to use newspaper and magazine advertisements to promote his business, and he was an early adopter of radio advertising. He is often referred to as the “father of modern advertising.”

In addition to his successful business ventures, Wanamaker was a dedicated philanthropist and was involved in various civic and political organizations. He served as Postmaster General of the United States under President Benjamin Harrison, and he was also a member of the Republican Party. He was known for his support of the arts and education, and he was a major donor to the University of Pennsylvania and other institutions.

Wanamaker was a devout Quaker and was an active member of the Society of Friends. He was known for his support of various religious causes and was a major donor to the American Sunday School Union and the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). He was also a member of the board of directors of the American Bible Society and was a major supporter of the Society’s mission to distribute Bibles to people in need around the world.

Wanamaker died in 1922 at the age of 84. His legacy lives on through the Wanamaker family and the department stores that he founded, which continue to be successful to this day. He is remembered as one of the pioneers of modern advertising and marketing, as well as a dedicated philanthropist and civic leader.

Few interesting facts about John Wanamaker:

1. He was a Union Army officer during the American Civil War: Wanamaker served in the Union Army as a captain and was in charge of the department of special inquiries.
2. He was an early advocate for women’s rights: Wanamaker was a strong supporter of women’s rights and was known for hiring women in executive positions at his department stores. He also advocated for women’s suffrage and was a member of the National American Woman Suffrage Association.
3. He was a key figure in the creation of Independence National Historical Park: Wanamaker was instrumental in the creation of Independence National Historical Park, which includes the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia. He helped to raise funds for the preservation of these historic sites.
4. He was a collector of fine art: Wanamaker was a passionate collector of fine art and antiques and had a large collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art.
5. He was a pioneer in the use of catalogues: In addition to using newspaper and magazine advertisements, Wanamaker was one of the first merchants to use catalogues to promote his business. He produced large, elaborate catalogues that were sent to customers all over the country.
6. He was a major supporter of the YMCA: Wanamaker was a major supporter of the YMCA and was known for his contributions to the organization. He was a member of the board of directors and served as chairman for several years.

In conclusion, John Wanamaker was a remarkable entrepreneur who made significant contributions to the world of business, philanthropy, and civic life. His innovative marketing strategies and dedication to customer service revolutionized the retail industry, and his contributions to the arts, education, and religion left a lasting impact on the world. He remains an inspiration to all who seek to make a difference and leave a lasting legacy.