Harry Gordon Selfridge

Selfridge in 1910

Harry Gordon Selfridge, Sr. (11 January 1858 – 8 May 1947)^[1] was an American-British business owner. He founded the London-based department store Selfridges. He was one of the most respected and wealthy retail businessmen in the United Kingdom.

Early life

Selfridge was born in Ripon, Wisconsin.^[2] Selfridge was raised in Jackson, Michigan. Selfridge's parents were Robert Oliver Selfridge and his wife Lois. They had three sons.^[3] His father fought in the American Civil War. He was a major in the Union Army.^[3] After he was discharged, he did not come back to the family.^[3]

Both of Selfridge's brothers died young. His mother taught school. From the age of 10, Harry began working. He sold newspapers to help his mother. Later he stocked shelves at a dry goods store.

Career

When he was 21, Selfridge went to Chicago. He worked for Field, Leiter and Company. This later became Marshall Field's & Co. He worked there for 25 years.^[4] Selfridge started the idea of a bargain basement in a department store. Selfridge's ideas added to the success of Marshall Field & Company. When he asked Marshall Field to let him become a partner, Field was surprised, but he agreed.^[5] Field even lent him the money needed to become a partner.

After visiting England, Selfridge decided to open his own department store in London.^[6] In 1909, his store opened on Oxford Street. It brought about many changes in shopping. It is still a big store today. In fact, Selfridges & Co. was named the Best Department Store in the World in 2010 and 2012.^[7] and 2014.

Personal life

In 1890, Selfridge married Rose Buckingham. Her family was wealthy and influential. Rose was a property developer when she married. She died of the Spanish flu in 1918. Harry never married again, even though he had several girlfriends.