Minneapolis is celebrating her semi-centennial , marking the passing of the hamlet of half a century ago to the commercial center of 1917. During the strenuous pioneer years there were few firms that withstood the financial gales , yet there is one that stands out prominently because of the stamina of its leaders; an institution that was founded in 1867, the year Minneapolis became a city. That firm is John W. Thomas & Company, the largest and most exclusive dealer in high-class dry goods and women’s garments in the metropolis.
Fifty years is a far cry. During those fifty years, Minneapolis has grown from a village of a few thousand people to a metropolis boasting more than 380,000 ..
Strides made by John W. Thomas & Company have been equally remarkable.
In 1867 the store was established as G. W. Hale & Company, and a little establishment was opened between what is now Nicollet and First Avenue. The stock was housed in a small frame building that was little more than a shack. In 1872 the business had grown to such proportions that it was moved to a brick building at Third and Nicollet. Then in 1871, it was consolidated with the concern headed by Jefferson W. Thomas at 250 Nicollet. Sound business methods closely followed by the founders brought added patronage and in 1884 the quarters were again outgrown and the store was moved to the then-new Sidle block at Fifth and Nicollet. The demand for a 100 percent metropolitan dry goods store, carrying exclusive styles and surrounded with an air of elegance and luxury, and selling at satisfactory prices imbued heads of the company with the desire to expand and to meet this call of womankind. Hence, in 1908, the modern five-story structure at Eighth and Nicollet was completed and when the stock was moved the store immediately became recognized as the leader in its line in Minneapolis. Through these successive changes in location and personnel of heads, the institution was known first as G. W. Hale & Co., then Hale, Thomas & Company, and later J. W. Thomas & Company- the present-day synonym for satisfaction in dry goods.
But what have been the reasons for this continued success of the company?
By anticipating the demands of patrons for up-to-date apparel by sending representatives abroad and to the marts of trade of this continent to select articles that particularly appeal to the people of
the Northwest, and by conscientiously following out precepts laid down in pioneer years, this progressive institution has not only maintained the Thomas standard but has kept in advance of the mercantile procession. That’s the reason purchasers enjoy shopping at the Thomas store on Nicollet.
Step into this maze of feminine loveliness! The shopper is at once impressed with the culture and refinement that permeates every department of the spacious store. Courteous salespeople radiate the Thomas spirit of kindliness and cooperation. The drudgery has been taken out of the day’s shopping trip by Thomas methods because of the special training and instruction given to the men and women who attend to the wants of patrons. They know their business. They have devoted years to the perfecting of their professions under the tutelage of Thomas specialists whose sole study has been the convenience and comfort as well as the satisfaction of the purchaser.
Whether it be an evening gown, a dainty house dress, a silk waist, a dress pattern, millinery of the latest modes, furs for which Thomas buyers have scoured the country, cloaks, suits, dainty lingerie, laces, chiffons, and the thousand and one things that gladden the heart of milady , it will be found at pleasing prices in the Thomas store. The people of Minneapolis and Minnesota have come to recognize these facts. Visitors feel that they have not properly visited Minneapolis unless a portion of their shopping is done at John W. Thomas & Company – the quality shop. From the basement to the fourth floor the stock is complete. On the third floor, furniture, draperies, and rugs are shown. The second is devoted to the display of gowns, suits, waists, millinery, corsets, and lingerie, the main floor being given over to the dry goods departments, the wardrobe necessities, gloves, and other articles. You’ll enjoy trading here. You owe it to your- self to investigate the opportunities of this wonder store if you are a stranger to Thomas methods.
Following in the footsteps of his illustrious father, John W. Thomas, the president of the company, gives his personal attention to the management of the business. Associated with him are C. C. Chollar, the secretary and treasurer, and William Unsgaard, the credit manager, and a trained staff of trusted commercial lieutenants.
While celebrating fifty years of progress together, Minneapolis extends the hand of gratitude to the heads of John W. Thomas & Company. They have been instrumental in aiding in making Minneapolis the mercantile center of the great Northwest.
-Minneapolis Golden Jubilee, 1867-1917: a History of Fifty Years of Civic And Commercial Progress , 1917