![]() William Stephenson, an Englishman, suggested that ships bound for New York should be re-routed via Hull where the goods could follow the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway to the Liverpool docks for onward transfer across the Atlantic. The Buyer hatched a plan to increase efficiency. Naturally the British stores chose the same German manufacturers for their decorations. Woolworth's changed that overnight, bringing the price down from two to five shillings (10-25p) to just one old penny each (the equivalent of ½p at the time, or about 35p today. We sell to all, but Woolworth was the first.I am the oldest Woolworth supplier."īy the time Frank went international with a store in Liverpool, England, the decorations were such an important part of the offer that they featured in the advertisement for the store's opening on 5 November 1909.Īlthough fancy decorations for the Christmas tree were already fashionable in Edwardian high society, they were too expensive for ordinary people. I have 255 people working to fill Woolworth orders. To-day, at the corner of Haegert and Jasper Streets I have a big factory. At first we imported tinsel from Germany. I have sold them at least $25,000,000 worth of Christmas tree ornaments, in one year $800,000 worth. " Mr Woolworth had at that time only a few stores. It is estimated that total sales between 18 exceeded a staggering five hundred million individual baubles! In 1939, at the age of 81 Mr Wilmsem recalled his first meeting with Frank in the early 1880s, saying: To push home the advantage Frank Woolworth placed most of his orders with a single supplier, the main importer in New York City, who was a gentleman by the name of Mr Wilmsem. Shoppers loved his silver baubles, which were individually blown by craftsmen in an area that is now part of Russia. The next year he doubled the order, and sold out again. Much to his surprise, the decorations sold out in under a day, at an overall profit of $4.32 (3¢ a piece). In the end he bought one case of 144 decorations, insisting on sale or return terms. Woolworth responded that Americans would not waste money on them because they didn't 'do' anything. The salesman wanted to sell German glass ornaments for people to decorate their homes at Christmas. 28 year-old Frank had earnt a reputation as a canny buyer who drove a hard bargain and could spot a good product. The Great 5¢ Store had been trading for a year. One day in Autumn 1880 a travelling salesman called at Frank Woolworth's store in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. It is a tradition which still continues in Germany, Mexico and the Caribbean.Ĭhristmas Decorations for seven generations This page explores the history of the Decorations over the chain's 130 years as a bricks-and-mortar store. When peace was restored, those new US and UK suppliers responded with regular new designs which kept the range fresh, securing Woolworth's dominant market share. But Frank had built such a deep knowledge of how the items were made that he was able to show local factories how to step in. When war broke out the supply was interrupted. ![]() Families made the sparkling trinkets all year round at home, taking batches to a Woolworth's warehouse and receiving cash payment right away. Many of the early items were lovingly hand-made by artisan craftsmen in Germany and modern-day Russia. The stores had made a luxury affordable for everyone. By 1909, when the brand leapt the Atlantic, British shoppers loved them. He had stumbled on a range which would come to define his 5 & 10¢ stores.Īs the chain expanded millions of baubles were sold. In successive years he doubled the quantity each time, and still didn't have enough. These inspiring Christmas tree decor ideas will refresh your holiday look this year and bring new cheer into your home.In 1880 Frank Woolworth reluctantly agreed to buy a box of 144 cheap Christmas Decorations. Whether you're celebrating the holidays on the coast, in a cabin, or right at home, let the decorations around the room and outside the window inspire you to create a picture-perfect, unique Christmas tree display. Bring out the garland, wreath, and Christmas trinkets, and create a festive space with your Christmas tree as the star of your decorations. No matter how big or small or how it is decorated, the tree should always reflect the personality of you and your family. Fill it from top to bottom with colorful lights and ornaments, wrap in ribbon, or display a beautiful tabletop tree. The first rule is to pick the best tree for your space, whether that be shorter and wider or taller and slimmer, and then the decorating fun begins. A beautifully decorated tree will evoke memories of the holidays for years to come. ![]() Christmas trees are the centerpiece of the home and the holiday season.
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