Technological innovation and the rise of the department store in the 19th century. (9th August 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tamilia, Robert D.; Reid, Susan E.
• Is Part Of: International journal of technology marketing. Volume 2:Number 2(2007)
• Page Start: 119
• Page End: 139
• Publication Date: 2007-08-09
• Subjects: technological innovation -- department stores -- diffusion -- demand stimulation -- retail history -- architecture -- technology marketing; Technology -- Marketing -- Periodicals; 338.476
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-878X

Abstract

Technology, as an agent of growth and prosperity, is most commonly associated with the production side of the economy. However, other sectors, notably retailing (i.e., part of the distribution side of the economy), have also contributed significantly to advances in technology, economic growth and the betterment of society. From an historical perspective, technology and retailing have been inextricably linked both in terms of their development and their ability to deliver unique benefits to consumers. The focus of this paper is to demonstrate how the department store, as a large-scale mass distribution institution of the 19th century, has contributed directly or indirectly to the spread of certain technological innovations and, similarly, the extent to which technological innovation in turn aided in the rise of the phenomenon of the 19th century department store.