"James-Cash Penney (1875-1971) was probably the best-known retail merchant in the land. He got his start in Wyoming and at the height of his career operated the largest chain dry-goods business in the nation. His principles included cashand- carry, profit sharing and stock ownership for managers, and high-quality but moderately priced goods. His stores were most often found in small communities. Penney's store was always located downtown, usually on the main street; it was managed by a man and staffed by women. Its staples were men's work - and dress clothing, women's and children's clothing and shoes, cloth sold, by the yard, sewing supplies and patterns', stockings, and underwear. In small towns the store was a meeting place for housewives, and hours were designed to attract working folks. Penney's was known as a good place for young men to begin a mercantile...