Founded in 1879 by Frank Winfield Woolworth, the company’s first stores in Utica, New York, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania sold general merchandise and were called “five-and-dime’s” because everything sold for 10 cents or less. The chain grew quickly, and by 1905, Woolworth invited rival retailer chains (two were owned by his relatives!) to merge with him. By 1929, there were 2,250 stores. The company purchased other chains over the years, including Footlocker, though Woolworth variety stores closed in 1997.
