The present status and future prospects of chains of department stores,

In this speech Edward A. Filene, the department-store pioneer, argues that mass production has mandated mass distribution as well as conditions that favor the growth of chain stores and challenge the competitiveness of existing department stores. He maintains that economic conditions are such that "great chains of department stores" will inevitably be formed by the department stores themselves if they are able to adopt the chains' efficient methods. Otherwise, chain stores will outdistance the independent department stores and drive them out of business.


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