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Department store Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Department Stores: History, Innovation, and Modern Challenges

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Department Stores: History, Innovation, and Modern Challenges Study Guide

Origins and Early Innovations (18th-19th Century)

Modern department stores first emerged in major cities like London, Paris, and New York City during the mid-19th century, significantly altering shopping habits.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source states that modern department stores emerged in major cities during the mid-19th century, reshaping shopping habits and redefining service and luxury.

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Harding, Howell & Co., established in 1796 in London, is reliably dated as the first department store and was described in Ackermann's Repository.

Answer: True

Explanation: Harding, Howell & Co., which opened in 1796 on Pall Mall, London, is reliably dated as the first department store and was described in detail in Ackermann's Repository in 1809.

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Harding, Howell & Co. primarily catered to the needs of working-class men, providing a space for them to conduct business transactions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Harding, Howell & Co. primarily focused on the needs of fashionable, newly affluent middle-class women, providing a safe and decorous environment for them to browse and shop away from home and from the company of men.

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Lewis's of Liverpool is credited with opening the world's first Christmas grotto in 1879.

Answer: True

Explanation: Lewis's of Liverpool is credited with opening the world's first Christmas grotto, 'Christmas Fairyland,' in 1879.

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The 'magasins de nouveautés' were Parisian department stores that first appeared in the 1840s with the advent of railroads.

Answer: False

Explanation: The first Parisian 'magasin de nouveautés,' the Tapis Rouge, was created in 1784. While they evolved in the 1840s with railroads, they did not first appear then.

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Au Bon Marché provided dormitories on its upper floors exclusively for its male employees.

Answer: False

Explanation: Au Bon Marché provided dormitories on its upper floors for its unmarried female employees, not exclusively for male employees.

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Arnold Constable established the first American department store in 1825 in Philadelphia.

Answer: False

Explanation: Arnold Constable founded the first American department store in 1825 in New York City, not Philadelphia.

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Alexander Turney Stewart's 'Marble Palace' introduced a policy of selling for credit and allowing haggling over prices.

Answer: False

Explanation: Alexander Turney Stewart's 'Marble Palace' introduced a policy of selling for cash, not credit, and a one-price policy, eliminating haggling.

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Marshall Field & Company was known for pioneering the first bridal registry and offering a personal shopper service without charge.

Answer: True

Explanation: Marshall Field & Company pioneered the first European buying office, introduced the first bridal registry, and offered the concept of a personal shopper without charge.

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John Wanamaker's Philadelphia store was notable for introducing fixed prices, electrical illumination, and the telephone in the late 19th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: John Wanamaker's Philadelphia store introduced fixed prices, electrical illumination in 1878, and the telephone in 1879.

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In which century did modern department stores primarily emerge in major cities like London, Paris, and New York City?

Answer: Mid-19th century

Explanation: Modern department stores primarily emerged in major cities like London, Paris, and New York City during the mid-19th century.

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Which English establishment is reliably dated as the first department store, opening in 1796?

Answer: Harding, Howell & Co. on Pall Mall

Explanation: Harding, Howell & Co., which opened in 1796 on Pall Mall, London, is reliably dated as the first department store.

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According to Ackermann's Repository in 1809, which of the following was *not* one of the four departments at Harding, Howell & Co.?

Answer: Books and stationery

Explanation: Ackermann's Repository listed furs and fans; haberdashery, silks, muslins, lace, and gloves; jewelry, ornamental ormolu articles, and French clocks; and millinery and dresses as the four departments at Harding, Howell & Co.

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What societal change primarily influenced the emergence of Harding, Howell & Co. and its focus on middle-class women?

Answer: The Industrial Revolution

Explanation: The emergence of Harding, Howell & Co. and its focus on middle-class women was nurtured and shaped by the Industrial Revolution.

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Kendals in Manchester was known for its emphasis on quality and style, earning what nickname?

Answer: 'The Harrods of the North'

Explanation: Kendals in Manchester was known for its emphasis on quality and style, earning the nickname 'the Harrods of the North.'

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Which department store is credited with opening the world's first Christmas grotto in 1879?

Answer: Lewis's of Liverpool

Explanation: Lewis's of Liverpool is credited with opening the world's first Christmas grotto, 'Christmas Fairyland,' in 1879.

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What did Oscar Wilde famously write about Liberty & Co. in London in 1889?

Answer: 'Liberty's is the chosen resort of the artistic shopper.'

Explanation: In 1889, Oscar Wilde famously wrote that 'Liberty's is the chosen resort of the artistic shopper.'

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When was the first Parisian 'magasin de nouveautés,' the Tapis Rouge, created?

Answer: 1784

Explanation: The first Parisian 'magasin de nouveautés,' the Tapis Rouge, was created in 1784.

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Which of the following was a marketing innovation introduced by Au Bon Marché in Paris?

Answer: Providing dormitories for unmarried female employees

Explanation: Au Bon Marché's marketing innovations included providing dormitories on the upper floors for its unmarried female employees.

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Which novel by Émile Zola symbolizes the department store as a new technology?

Answer: Au Bonheur des Dames

Explanation: Émile Zola's novel *Au Bonheur des Dames* (1882–83) is set in a typical department store, making it a symbol of the new technology.

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Who founded the first American department store in 1825 in New York City?

Answer: Arnold Constable

Explanation: Arnold Constable founded the first American department store in 1825 in New York City.

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What was a key innovation introduced by Alexander Turney Stewart with his 'Marble Palace' in 1846?

Answer: A policy of 'free entrance' to all customers

Explanation: Alexander Turney Stewart's 'Marble Palace' introduced a policy of 'free entrance' to all customers, among other innovations.

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When was Macy's founded as a dry goods store?

Answer: 1858

Explanation: Macy's was founded in 1858 by Rowland Hussey Macy as a dry goods store.

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Which department store pioneered the first European buying office in Manchester, England, and introduced the first bridal registry?

Answer: Marshall Field & Company

Explanation: Marshall Field & Company pioneered the first European buying office in Manchester, England, and introduced the first bridal registry.

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What was a famous Christmas tradition at Marshall Field's downtown store?

Answer: Animated window displays and visiting the Walnut Room with its Christmas tree.

Explanation: Marshall Field's downtown store was famous for its annual Christmas traditions, including animated window displays and visiting the Walnut Room with its Christmas tree.

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What innovation did John Wanamaker introduce in his Philadelphia department store in 1878?

Answer: Electrical illumination

Explanation: John Wanamaker introduced electrical illumination in his Philadelphia department store in 1878.

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Global Expansion and Operational Evolution (Early 20th Century)

Selfridges in London discouraged 'just looking' and focused solely on selling goods as a necessity.

Answer: False

Explanation: Selfridges revolutionized shopping by promoting it as a pleasure rather than a necessity and encouraged 'just looking' with dramatic window displays.

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Selfridges hosted the first public demonstration of television by John Logie Baird in 1925.

Answer: True

Explanation: Selfridges hosted the first public demonstration of television by John Logie Baird in 1925.

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Mitsukoshi, Japan's first modern-style department store, originated from a kimono store established in 1673.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mitsukoshi, founded in 1904 as Japan's first modern-style department store, originated from a kimono store called Echigoya established in 1673.

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Matsuzakaya in Ginza introduced the policy of allowing street shoes to be worn indoors in 1910.

Answer: False

Explanation: Matsuzakaya in Ginza introduced the policy of allowing street shoes to be worn indoors in 1924, not 1910.

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The International Association of Department Stores was established in London in 1928 to promote American management theories in Europe.

Answer: False

Explanation: The International Association of Department Stores was established in Paris in 1928 to provide a dedicated discussion space for the retail format and discuss management theories, particularly as American management theories spread in Europe.

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Karstadt Hermannplatz in Berlin was the first department store in Europe to feature direct access from a subway station.

Answer: True

Explanation: Karstadt Hermannplatz in Berlin, opened in 1929, was the first department store in Europe with direct access from a subway station.

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How did Selfridges in London encourage customers to stay longer in the store?

Answer: By providing elegant restaurants, a library, and a Silence Room.

Explanation: Selfridges encouraged customers to stay longer by offering amenities such as elegant restaurants, a library, reading and writing rooms, and a Silence Room.

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Which significant public demonstration did Selfridges host in 1909?

Answer: Louis Blériot's monoplane

Explanation: Selfridges hosted a significant public demonstration of Louis Blériot's monoplane in 1909.

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Which Japanese department store, founded in 1904, originated from a kimono store established in 1673?

Answer: Mitsukoshi

Explanation: Mitsukoshi, founded in 1904, originated from a kimono store called Echigoya established in 1673.

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What innovative policy did Matsuzakaya in Ginza introduce in 1924?

Answer: Allowing street shoes to be worn indoors

Explanation: In 1924, Matsuzakaya in Ginza introduced the innovative policy of allowing street shoes to be worn indoors.

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What was the primary contribution of Japanese railway companies to the development of department stores from the 1920s?

Answer: They began building department stores directly linked to their lines' termini.

Explanation: From the 1920s, Japanese railway operators began building department stores directly linked to their lines' termini, integrating retail with transportation hubs.

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Where was the International Association of Department Stores established in 1928?

Answer: Paris

Explanation: The International Association of Department Stores was established in Paris in 1928.

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What was a unique feature of Karstadt Hermannplatz in Berlin when it opened in 1929?

Answer: It was the first in Europe with direct access from a subway station.

Explanation: Karstadt Hermannplatz in Berlin was the first department store in Europe to feature direct access from a subway station when it opened in 1929.

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What was the purpose of the International Association of Department Stores, established in Paris in 1928?

Answer: To provide a dedicated discussion space for the retail format and discuss management theories.

Explanation: The International Association of Department Stores was established in Paris in 1928 to provide a dedicated discussion space for the retail format and discuss management theories, particularly American ones.

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Suburban Growth and Modern Retail Dynamics (Mid-20th Century - Present)

Since the 1980s, department stores have faced increasing competition primarily from discount retailers and later from the growth of e-commerce.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source indicates that since the 1980s, department stores have faced increasing competition from discount retailers and, in the 2000s, from the rapid growth of e-commerce.

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The first suburban department store was I. Magnin in Hollywood, Los Angeles, which opened in 1923.

Answer: True

Explanation: I. Magnin in Hollywood, Los Angeles, which opened in 1923, was the first suburban department store, excluding hotel or resort stores.

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The Strawbridge and Clothier store in Philadelphia was the first department store branch to anchor a suburban shopping center in 1930.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Strawbridge and Clothier store at Suburban Square in Philadelphia was the first department store branch to anchor a suburban shopping center, opening in 1930.

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The U.S. Baby Boom led to a decline in suburban department store expansion as consumers preferred urban shopping.

Answer: False

Explanation: The U.S. Baby Boom led to the development of suburban neighborhoods and shopping malls, prompting department stores to expand into suburban areas to cater to the growing market.

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The 'retail apocalypse' refers to the widespread closing of brick-and-mortar retail stores, a trend that began around 2010.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'retail apocalypse' describes the widespread closing of brick-and-mortar retail stores, a trend that analysts began referring to around 2010.

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The COVID-19 pandemic primarily boosted demand for business apparel due to increased in-person meetings.

Answer: False

Explanation: The COVID-19 pandemic stimulated e-commerce further due to a shift to working from home, which reduced demand for business apparel.

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'Click-and-collect' services allow customers to order online and pick up in-store, and many department stores created dedicated areas for these services.

Answer: True

Explanation: Click-and-collect services allow customers to order online and pick up in-store, and many department stores created larger, distinctly signed, designated areas for these services.

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, most U.S. retailers, including department stores, began offering curbside pickup services.

Answer: True

Explanation: With the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, most U.S. retailers, including department stores, began offering a dedicated curbside pickup service as an option on their websites.

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The 'store-within-a-store' concept involves department stores leasing space to external luxury brands who manage their own sales and staff.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'store-within-a-store' concept involves department stores implementing smaller, often luxury brand boutiques, which typically hire their own employees and manage their own selling space and transactions.

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What was the primary new source of competition for department stores that emerged in the 2000s?

Answer: Rapid growth of e-commerce businesses

Explanation: Since the 2000s, department stores have faced increasing competition from the rapid growth of e-commerce businesses.

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Which department store was the first suburban department store, opening in Hollywood, Los Angeles, in 1923?

Answer: I. Magnin

Explanation: I. Magnin in Hollywood, Los Angeles, which opened in 1923, was the first suburban department store.

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Which of the following was *not* a primary cause of the 'retail apocalypse' in the U.S. by 2017, according to the source?

Answer: Shifts in consumer spending towards material goods

Explanation: The source states that shifts in consumer spending towards *experiences* rather than material goods was a cause, making 'shifts in consumer spending towards material goods' the incorrect option.

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How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact demand for business apparel?

Answer: It reduced demand due to a shift to working from home.

Explanation: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a shift to working from home, which reduced demand for business apparel.

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What is the definition of 'click-and-collect' services in department stores?

Answer: A service where customers order online and pick up their purchases in-store.

Explanation: 'Click-and-collect' services allow customers to order online and pick up their purchases in-store.

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The U.S. Baby Boom influenced department store expansion into suburban areas by:

Answer: Leading to the development of suburban neighborhoods and shopping malls.

Explanation: The U.S. Baby Boom led to the development of suburban neighborhoods and commercial developments, including shopping malls, which department stores then joined.

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By 2017, over 12,000 U.S. stores closed due to factors including rising rents, bankruptcies, and a significant shift to what?

Answer: E-commerce, dominated by Amazon.com and Walmart.

Explanation: By 2017, over 12,000 U.S. stores closed due to various factors, including a significant shift to e-commerce, dominated by Amazon.com and Walmart.

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What adaptation did most U.S. retailers, including department stores, implement with the onset of COVID-19 in 2020?

Answer: A dedicated curbside pickup service.

Explanation: With the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, most U.S. retailers, including department stores, began offering a dedicated curbside pickup service.

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What is a key characteristic of the 'store-within-a-store' concept?

Answer: The boutiques typically hire their own employees and manage their own selling space.

Explanation: A key characteristic of the 'store-within-a-store' concept is that the boutiques typically hire their own employees, merchandise their own selling space, and process transactions at their own cash registers.

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Defining Features and Notable Establishments

Discount department stores typically process customer purchases at individual sales counters located within each specific department.

Answer: False

Explanation: Discount department stores generally complete purchases near the front of the store, whereas high-end traditional department stores use individual sales counters within each department.

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Hypermarkets and variety stores are generally considered true department stores due to their wide range of product offerings.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hypermarkets and variety stores are sometimes mistakenly referred to as department stores, but they are not generally considered true department stores.

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Debenhams, established in 1778, is recognized as the longest-trading defunct British retailer, closing in 2021.

Answer: True

Explanation: Debenhams, established in 1778 and closed in 2021, is recognized as the longest-trading defunct British retailer.

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David Jones, an Australian department store, is the longest continuously operating department franchise in the world, founded in 1838.

Answer: True

Explanation: David Jones, founded in Sydney in 1838, is recognized as the longest continuously operating department franchise in the world.

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Macy's Herald Square in New York City is recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest department store in the world.

Answer: False

Explanation: Shinsegae Centum City in Busan, South Korea, is recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest department store in the world. Macy's Herald Square is the largest in the Americas.

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Anthony Hordern & Sons in Sydney was once considered the largest department store in the world.

Answer: True

Explanation: Anthony Hordern & Sons in Sydney, Australia, was once considered the largest department store in the world with a sales area of 210,437 square meters.

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Gimbels Center City in Philadelphia was considered the largest department store in the world upon its 1927 addition, with 50 acres of space.

Answer: True

Explanation: Upon the opening of its 12-story addition in 1927, Gimbels Center City in Philadelphia, with 50 acres of space, was considered the largest department store in the world at that time.

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Hudson's Downtown Detroit was the tallest department store in the world, reaching 410 feet with 25 floors.

Answer: True

Explanation: Hudson's Downtown Detroit, at 410 feet high with 25 floors, was the tallest department store in the world at the time of its operation.

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Marshall Field's State Street store in Chicago was considered the largest department store in the world in 1912.

Answer: True

Explanation: Marshall Field's State Street store in Chicago, with a sales area of 185,806 square meters in 1912, was considered the largest department store in the world at that time.

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Hankyu Umeda in Osaka is Japan's largest department store complex and was the first to be directly linked to a railway station.

Answer: True

Explanation: Hankyu Umeda in Osaka is the largest department store complex in Japan and holds the distinction of being Japan's first railway station department store.

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Le Bon Marché in Paris is the largest department store in Europe, with Harrods being a close second.

Answer: True

Explanation: Le Bon Marché in Paris is the largest department store in Europe, with Harrods in London also noted as one of the largest.

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What is the fundamental characteristic that defines a department store?

Answer: It is a retail establishment with a wide variety of consumer goods organized into distinct departments under one roof.

Explanation: A department store is fundamentally defined as a retail establishment offering a wide variety of consumer goods, organized into distinct departments under one roof, each specializing in a particular product category.

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Which of the following product categories is *not* typically found in modern department stores according to the source?

Answer: Industrial machinery

Explanation: The source lists a wide range of consumer goods typically found in department stores, but industrial machinery is not among them.

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How do high-end traditional department stores typically handle customer checkout compared to discount department stores?

Answer: High-end stores use individual sales counters within each department, while discount stores complete purchases near the front.

Explanation: High-end traditional department stores typically have individual sales counters within each department, whereas discount department stores generally process purchases near the front of the store.

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What is a 'junior department store' primarily known for specializing in during the second part of the 20th century?

Answer: Cosmetics, wearing apparel, and accessories with limited home goods.

Explanation: A 'junior department store' specialized in cosmetics, wearing apparel, and accessories, with a limited selection of home goods, primarily during the second part of the 20th century.

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Which British retailer, established in 1778 and closed in 2021, is recognized as the longest-trading defunct department store chain?

Answer: Debenhams

Explanation: Debenhams, established in 1778 and closed in 2021, is recognized as the longest-trading defunct British retailer.

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What was the largest suburban department store in the world in 1952?

Answer: May Company California in Lakewood Center

Explanation: In 1952, May Company California in Lakewood Center near Los Angeles was considered the largest suburban department store in the world.

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Which department store is recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest in the world?

Answer: Shinsegae Centum City

Explanation: Shinsegae Centum City in Busan, South Korea, is recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest department store in the world.

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What is the sales area of Macy's Herald Square, the largest department store in the Americas?

Answer: 232,258 square meters

Explanation: Macy's Herald Square in New York City, the largest department store in the Americas, has a sales area of 232,258 square meters.

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Which department store was considered the largest in the world upon its 1927 addition, boasting 50 acres of space?

Answer: Gimbels Center City in Philadelphia

Explanation: Gimbels Center City in Philadelphia was considered the largest department store in the world upon its 1927 addition, with 50 acres of space.

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What was the height of Hudson's Downtown Detroit, the tallest department store in the world at the time of its operation?

Answer: 410 feet

Explanation: Hudson's Downtown Detroit was 410 feet high, making it the tallest department store in the world at the time of its operation.

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In what year was Marshall Field's State Street store in Chicago considered the largest department store in the world?

Answer: 1912

Explanation: Marshall Field's State Street store in Chicago was considered the largest department store in the world in 1912.

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Which department store complex is the largest in Japan and also holds the distinction of being Japan's first railway station department store?

Answer: Hankyu Umeda

Explanation: Hankyu Umeda in Osaka is the largest department store complex in Japan and was also Japan's first railway station department store.

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Which Australian department store, opened in 1838, is the longest continuously operating department franchise in the world?

Answer: David Jones

Explanation: David Jones, opened in Sydney in 1838, is the longest continuously operating department franchise in the world.

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Which department store was once considered the largest in the world, operating in Sydney, Australia, from 1823 to 1973?

Answer: Anthony Hordern & Sons

Explanation: Anthony Hordern & Sons in Sydney, Australia, which operated from 1823 to 1973, was once considered the largest department store in the world.

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What was notable about Gimbels Center City in Philadelphia upon its 1927 addition?

Answer: It was considered the largest department store in the world at that time.

Explanation: Upon its 1927 addition, Gimbels Center City in Philadelphia was considered the largest department store in the world at that time.

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Which department store was the tallest in the world at the time of its operation, reaching 410 feet with 25 floors?

Answer: Hudson's Downtown Detroit

Explanation: Hudson's Downtown Detroit was the tallest department store in the world at the time of its operation, reaching 410 feet with 25 floors.

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Which department store is the largest in Europe?

Answer: Le Bon Marché in Paris

Explanation: Le Bon Marché in Paris, France, with a sales area of 102,360 square meters, is the largest department store in Europe.

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