Steubenville Ohio McCrorey's Big 5 & 10 at 320 Market St. 1907 Real Photo Postcard
J.G. McCrorey's, founded by John Graham McCrorey in 1899 in St. Marys, Pennsylvania, was a prominent variety store chain of the early 20th century. These "five and dime" stores, like the one depicted, adhered to strict pricing policies, famously offering "Nothing Over 10¢," making a wide array of everyday goods and novelties accessible to a broad consumer base during an era of expanding consumer culture.
The emergence of such stores fundamentally reshaped retail in America, democratizing access to manufactured goods and establishing the concept of the chain store. They were instrumental in the development of urban commercial districts, providing a centralized and affordable shopping experience that anticipated the growth of department stores and modern mass merchandising.
The emergence of such stores fundamentally reshaped retail in America, democratizing access to manufactured goods and establishing the concept of the chain store. They were instrumental in the development of urban commercial districts, providing a centralized and affordable shopping experience that anticipated the growth of department stores and modern mass merchandising.
