Charles Sumner Woolworth
Charles Sumner Woolworth | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Rodman, New York, U.S. |
| Died | January 7, 1947 (aged 90) |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Founder of C. S. Woolworth & Co; Chairman of F. W. Woolworth Company |
Charles Sumner Woolworth (August 1, 1856 – January 7, 1947), commonly known as "Sum," was an American businessman who established and operated the first-ever five-and-dime store in Utica, New York. He founded the retail chain "C. S. Woolworth & Co," specializing in 5¢ and 10¢ merchandise. His brother, Frank Winfield Woolworth, initially entered the retail sector by opening his own store and subsequently invited Sum to join him. Frank created "F. W. Woolworth & Co," which eventually consolidated with other Woolworth-related outlets to form the F. W. Woolworth Company. Following Frank’s passing, Sum assumed the role of Chairman of the F. W. Woolworth Company, serving longer than any predecessor. Early in his career, Sum collaborated with longtime associate Fred Kirby to launch a "Woolworth and Kirby" store in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. After Fred acquired Sum’s interest, the store evolved into a closely allied yet competitive affiliate with the Woolworth brothers.
By 1904, Sum and Frank Woolworth were linked to six separate retail chains. While Frank concentrated on developing the company’s administrative operations, Sum focused on customer-facing aspects of the business. He was instrumental in introducing self-service techniques, enhancing customer relations, training future managers, illuminating stores brightly, and frequently updating window displays to attract shoppers. In 1912, C. S. Woolworth & Co merged with affiliated chains to unify 596 outlets under the corporate entity "F. W. Woolworth Company." Upon Frank Winfield Woolworth’s death, Charles Sumner Woolworth reluctantly took on the position of Chairman for a quarter-century at F. W. Woolworth Company (which later became Foot Locker). Beyond his corporate responsibilities, he contributed as a philanthropist and businessman within Scranton, Pennsylvania, and other communities.
Biography
Charles Sumner Woolworth, widely known as Sum, entered the world on August 1, 1856, in Rodman, New York, born to parents John Hubbell Woolworth and Fanny McBrier. His early years were spent assisting on the family farm. When his brother Frank pursued employment as an apprentice at the Augsbury and Moore dry goods store in Watertown, New York, Sum became motivated to follow a similar path. At 21 years old, Sum joined Frank at the same establishment—then renamed Moore and Smith—as an apprentice salesman. While Frank was drawn to behind-the-scenes roles such as accounting and procurement, Sum preferred customer interaction and developing creative merchandise displays.
With financial support from his former employer William Moore, Frank launched a five-cent store in Utica, New York, on February 22, 1878. Although the initial response seemed promising, sales soon declined and the store closed by early May 1878 after Frank repaid his loan to Moore. Shortly thereafter, acting on a friend's advice, Frank traveled to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he swiftly decided to relocate. On June 21, 1879, he opened his first successful "Woolworth's Great Five Cent Store" on North Queen Street using the same signage from Utica. This concept—an entire store dedicated to low-priced goods—was revolutionary at the time. The Lancaster location marked the inaugural success of such a retail model. By day's end, Frank tallied his profits and enthusiastically invited Sum to join him. Together they launched a second outlet named "5¢ Woolworth Bros Store" in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on July 19, 1879, with Sum acting as manager. During this period, Frank experimented with ten-cent merchandise by dedicating a table for higher-priced items within both Lancaster and Harrisburg stores; these ten-cent products proved popular. However, due to a rent increase demanded by the landlord in Harrisburg prompted by the store's success, Frank and Sum closed that location and moved operations to York, Pennsylvania in March 1880. The York store operated only until June 30 of that year—a detail often overlooked or misattributed in early accounts of the Woolworth brothers’ ventures.
Undeterred by setbacks and following another tip, they agreed Sum would explore opportunities in Scranton. Impressed by what he found there—including an affordable rental space larger than necessary—Sum opted to lease it with plans to partition unused areas. This strategy became characteristic for their stores going forward, allowing expansion without relocation. On November 6, 1880, the Scranton store became the first officially designated as a "5 & 10¢" store under the banner "5¢ & 10¢ Woolworth Bro's Store." This location was highly successful and marked the beginning of what became known as the "five-and-dime" era.Template:Fix/category[clarification needed] As sales steadily increased in 1881, Frank proposed that Sum purchase his share of the Scranton store to establish an affiliated business under his own name—the first franchise-like venture within their network—called "C. S. Woolworth." The brothers shared a close bond built on mutual trust and respect; Frank encouraged this arrangement because he envisioned a network of stores owned by relatives or close associates growing under a unified concept. While Frank focused on overall corporate strategy from headquarters, Sum concentrated on customer engagement and sales operations.
Sum’s initial Scranton location at 125 Penn Avenue soon proved insufficient for growing demand; he relocated one block away to a larger site at 319 Lackawanna Avenue. As business flourished further still, he expanded again by acquiring adjacent property at 317 Lackawanna Avenue.
In partnership with longtime acquaintance Fred Kirby—who had wholesale experience from Augsbury and Moore in Watertown—they opened "Woolworth and Kirby" in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania in 1884 near Scranton. Each invested $600 into this venture which thrived until Fred bought out Sum’s interest in 1887 by mutual agreement and proceeded to expand his own chain.
Frank formally incorporated his expanding enterprise as "F. W. Woolworth & Co" in 1905; subsequently affiliates began individual incorporations following his recommendation. Although Sum initially refrained due to managing fewer stores, photographic evidence and postcards confirm that before 1911 he had incorporated as "C. S. Woolworth & Co." Over time both brothers invited relatives and trusted friends into ownership roles while restricting stock sales exclusively to family members, close associates, and employees—effectively an early form of franchising.
Sum concentrated on refining customer-facing operations while expanding more conservatively than other affiliates who pursued rapid growth under Frank’s leadership. His stores were notably profitable due to his direct involvement with clientele; he frequently engaged shoppers personally for feedback which he integrated into store design and offerings. His establishments featured polished wood floors with high gloss finishes, well-lit interiors, self-service display cases alongside mahogany counters and glass showcases; window displays were regularly refreshed to attract attention—all combined with competitive pricing for popular merchandise categories.
Sum’s hands-on management style included careful selection of store managers resulting in higher net profit per square foot compared to other affiliates whose leadership tended toward delegation and less direct oversight. Recognizing these results, Frank adopted Sum’s layout concepts company-wide which became standardized across all affiliated outlets.
Under Sum’s leadership “C. S. Woolworth” stores operated in downtown Scranton as well as locations west of Scranton including Pittston, Bradford, Carbondale, Sunbury (Pennsylvania); Auburn, Elmira, Binghamton, Gloversville and Glens Falls (New York); Haverhill (Massachusetts); plus Portland, Bangor and Augusta (Maine). Meanwhile Frank expanded aggressively reaching over 337 stores alongside partnerships such as that with cousin Seymour H. Knox.
Some partners developed their own affiliates—for example Seymour Knox collaborated with Earle Perry Charlton who started their joint venture with a store in Fall River, Massachusetts. Charlton later branched out independently.
Frank perfected centralized purchasing strategies persuading affiliates to pool resources enabling bulk buying discounts; he also acquired factories producing certain goods controlling costs directly while encouraging partners’ expansion efforts.
The popularity of Woolworth’s sparked opposition from competing retailers leading some municipalities to attempt restrictive legislation against their stores.
The business model pioneered by the Woolworth brothers remains foundational for modern retailing practices worldwide today.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]
The syndicate of Woolworth affiliates experienced rapid growth unprecedented for its era but faced intense rivalry from emerging chains often founded by former Woolworth managers.
To differentiate themselves from competitors Sum and Frank sourced products directly from European manufacturers establishing personal relationships during purchasing trips beginning circa 1890 across Great Britain and Germany.
Frank also employed tactics such as selling surplus items at cost or offering promotional products below cost to attract customers.
Earle Perry Charlton chose to avoid direct competition with the Woolworth affiliates in New England by expanding into Canada after selling nine of his twelve stores to Frank.
Charlton’s Canadian outlets included locations in Montreal (Catherine West & Lawrence Street; St Joseph's Street) and Ottawa (Sparks Street), followed by eight additional stores west of the Rocky Mountains before returning stateside with stores in California cities including one on South Broadway in Los Angeles.
He further expanded into Tacoma (Washington), Sherbrooke (Quebec), and opened a large Market Street store in San Francisco just weeks before the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
In 1912 all owners within this affiliate syndicate consolidated their combined total of 596 stores into a single incorporated entity named "F. W. Woolworth Company."
This merger raised over $30 million through stock issuance with Frank appointed President while Sum Woolworth along with Fred Kirby, Seymour Knox, Earle Charlton and William Moore became board directors. [1]
The brothers’ frequent European trips broadened their market vision; continuing their tradition of involving relatives led them in 1909 to appoint second cousin Fred Moore Woolworth head of their British subsidiary "F. W. Woolworth Co Ltd."
Fred was supported by established company men Byron Miller, Samuel Balfour and Charles Hubbard plus English associate William Lawrence Stephenson.
Despite wartime challenges starting in World War I era Britain saw rapid growth reaching forty-four stores generating profits exceeding £4 million during fiscal years 1914–1915.
Similarly by 1900 operations expanded significantly into Germany where merchandise was gathered for shipment back to New York distribution centers.
By 1914 imported European goods accounted for one-quarter of all stock sold through Woolworth outlets.
When World War I disrupted transatlantic shipping Frank directed U.S.-based factories to replicate best-selling European products ensuring continuity of supply.
Post-war demand fueled further growth including rebuilding and enlarging warehouse facilities at Sonneberg featuring its own railway station; a German subsidiary was formally launched November 2, 1926.
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Advertisement announcing reopening following expansion and remodeling of C.S. Woolworth store at 317-319 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton PA – December 8, 1900.
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Newspaper photograph depicting remodeled C.S. Woolworth store front at 317-319 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton PA – December 8, 1900.
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Newspaper image showing expanded second floor of C.S. Woolworth store at same address – December 8, 1900.
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F.W. Woolworth alongside S.S. Kresge stores on Lackawanna Avenue in downtown Scranton, often situated near each other circa late twentieth century.
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Former F.W. Woolworth building at 423-429 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton PA photographed November 25, 2011.
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Postcard depicting interior view of a typical early twentieth-century Woolworth's during Christmas season in New Albany Indiana.
Sum remained headquartered in Scranton throughout his career preferring operational focus over corporate politics that intensified after the syndicate merger in 1912 when other directors sought prominence.
He devoted himself primarily to developing management talent within his Pennsylvania stores who later disseminated company culture globally maintaining consistent standards across all locations.
Though often overlooked or minimally referenced in historical accounts about the corporation’s evolution Sum’s impact was profound influencing retail practices worldwide well beyond his lifetime.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]
Frank pursued aggressive growth strategies while maintaining a paternalistic approach towards his earliest stores both domestically—including Lancaster where he opened his first successful outlet—and abroad such as England.
In line with this philosophy he commissioned construction of a new corporate headquarters—the Woolworth Building—in New York City completed in1913 designed by architect Cass Gilbert.
Owned continuously by the company (later known as Venator Group from1998–2001 then Foot Locker Inc thereafter) for85 years until its sale to Witkoff Group in1998 this landmark stood as an architectural marvel featuring57 floors rising792 feet without ever having carried mortgage debt until recent times.
At its grand opening on April24th1913 all interior lighting plus exterior floodlights illuminated simultaneously activated remotely by President Woodrow Wilson from Washington D.C., attracting worldwide attention towards the brand’s prominence inspiring many competitors.
Whereas Frank exhibited outgoing public charisma proudly promoting their brand identity Sum preferred personalized engagement enhancing customer experiences behind-the-scenes contributing significantly between1910–1920 when their expansion appeared unstoppable.
Recent developments reported August2012 revealed that Alchemy Properties acquired upper30 floors for $68 million intending luxury residential conversion while lower28 floors remain leased office spaces under Witkoff Group ownership.[2]
Following Frank’s death in1919 Sum succeeded him as Chairman of F.W.Woolworth Company’s Board of Directors serving steadily for25 years until stepping down February9 ,1944 due to declining health aged87 while retaining honorary chairman status along with directorship membership thereafter.
Death
Charles Sumner Woolworth passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 7, 1947.
Legacy
Over the course of his life, the Woolworth chain expanded dramatically from just two outlets in Pennsylvania to more than 3,000 stores across the globe. Internationally, the company operated 768 locations in the United Kingdom and Ireland, 82 in Germany, 8 in Cuba, and 144 in Canada. The original downtown Scranton store eventually moved to 423-429 Lackawanna Avenue, featuring an additional entrance on North Washington Avenue. This location was strategically positioned to capture heavy pedestrian traffic as a convenient passage between the two streets. Customers often reminisce about the lunch counter experience—ordering a substantial hamburger, an ice cream sundae, or a milkshake (primarily ice cream mixed with flavoring and a small amount of milk)—and engaging in the playful tradition of popping a balloon to reveal the price of a banana split hidden inside. In later years, another branch was established in Scranton’s Keyser Oak Shopping Center, located in the northern part of the city. This store was notable for its extensive pet section and famously housed what was claimed to be the largest piranha in captivity, according to signage on its aquarium. Woolworth’s became well-known as a popular destination for families purchasing their first parakeet or turtle. As consumer habits shifted toward shopping centers equipped with large parking areas, Woolworth’s adapted by opening new stores within these suburban retail hubs.
In addition to his retail ventures, Charles Sumner Woolworth held influential roles in various enterprises: he served as a director of the United States Lumber Company—which had six million dollars in capital and owned timberlands and mills in Mississippi with offices based in Scranton—and was also a director of the Mississippi Central Railroad, which operated one hundred and sixty miles of track between Hattiesburg and Natchez, Mississippi. Furthermore, he held directorships at the Scranton Trust Company and was vice president of the People's National Bank of Scranton, along with positions on other local business boards. In 1916, Woolworth contributed financially to establish the Women's Domestic Institute (WDI), which officially opened its new building on September 29, 1921, at 1000 Wyoming Avenue in Scranton. The WDI formed part of International Correspondence Schools (ICS), both subsidiaries of the International Textbook Company (ITC), an organization co-founded by Woolworth himself. All three entities were headquartered in Scranton. Today, the WDI building serves as home to Scranton Preparatory School, a Jesuit-run private coeducational high school.
On March 1, 1933, amidst anti-Jewish business boycotts orchestrated by Nazi Germany, Nazi forces gathered outside the Berlin Woolworth store singing propaganda songs supporting these actions. The Nazis mistakenly assumed that the Woolworth brothers were Jewish; however, they were actually Methodists. Interestingly, there is evidence suggesting that Adolf Hitler held Woolworth’s stores in some regard since they were among the few enterprises he chose not to nationalize. By 1932, with rising nationalism and anti-American sentiment under the National Socialist Party, Woolworth’s board expressed concern over their thriving German subsidiary. The company maintained a substantial workforce at its large warehouse and shipping center located in Sonneberg, Germany. New German regulations restricted profits from leaving the country, effectively transforming "F. W. Woolworth CO GMBH" into an independent entity within Germany. This resulted in a $2 million loss for Woolworth’s parent company; nevertheless, executives remained hopeful that conditions would improve. During World War II, rather than being destroyed by Hitler’s regime directly, sixty-six out of eighty-two German stores were damaged or demolished due to Allied bombing campaigns conducted by US, UK, and Canadian air forces. After hostilities ceased, the German subsidiary rebounded remarkably quickly. While North American and British branches faced difficulties post-war, German stores rebuilt rapidly and prospered.
The UK division of Woolworth was sold off in 1982 to quickly generate cash needed to service debt incurred from aggressive expansion deals involving Woolco real estate during the 1960s. In North America, Venator Group shuttered all remaining US and Canadian Woolworth and Woolco outlets on July 17, 1997. Meanwhile, Woolworth GMBH in Germany changed ownership but continued operations successfully for another ten years before filing for bankruptcy in 2009. The following year saw Tingelmann Group acquire 162 stores from Woolworth GMBH and expand their number beyond 200 by late 2011; plans were announced to add an additional 300 locations.
Politically, Sum was a dedicated Republican. His namesake was Charles Sumner—a prominent Massachusetts senator renowned for leading antislavery efforts as part of the Radical Republicans during the American Civil War—who advocated for controlling former Confederates to secure equal rights for freed slaves.
References
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- 1856 births
- 1947 deaths
- American businesspeople in retailing
- American retail chief executives
- Businesspeople from Pennsylvania
- New York (state) Republicans
- Pennsylvania Republicans
- Woolworth family