Updated February 16, 2012
While it might be assumed that the U.S. retail chains that have been in business the longest are the U.S. retail chains that know the retailing business the best, a look at a complete chronological listing for the U.S. retail industry reveals that some legacy retail giants may be struggling under the weight of their own history.
This is a complete list of the largest U.S. retail chains and the years they were founded. This list is arranged by according to the dates when the retail chains were founded.
U.S. Retail Companies Founded in the 1850’s
1858 - Macy's
1859 - The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company
U.S. Retail Companies Founded in the 1860’s
1866 - Sherwin-Williams
U.S. Retail Companies Founded in the 1870’s
1872 - Roundy's Supermarkets
1873 - Barnes & Noble
1878 - Foot Locker
U.S. Retail Companies Founded in the 1880’s
1881 - Target
1883 - The Kroger Company
U.S. Retail Companies Founded in the 1890’s
1892 - Abercrombie & Fitch
1893 - Sears Holdings
1898 - Bon-Ton Stores
1899 - Kmart
Click for Retail Companies and Chains Founded in the 20th Century >>
