Wanamaker, John (1838–1922)

US retailer who developed the modern department store. He established his own firm, John Wanamaker and Company, 1869. Renting an abandoned railroad depot 1876, he merchandised goods in distinct departments; he publicized his stores through extensive advertising.

Born in Philadelphia, USA, Wanamaker worked as a delivery boy and store clerk, founding the dry-goods firm of Brown and Wanamaker with his brother-in-law 1861.

A staunch Republican, Wanamaker served as postmaster general in the Benjamin Harrison administration 1889–93.