Many such businesses have sunk into oblivion in the past century. They were started by hungry go-getters; their well-oiled machinery was handed to much-less hungry people who made poor choices in the face of heavier competition.
The story of Sears vs. Ward ("By the end of the 1930s, Montgomery Ward had become the country's largest retailer") is full of insights. (I was surprised to learn today that 'Wards' is still an online retailer. https://www.wards.com/ )
Got this hilarious text when accessing it from Tunisia :
Montgomery Ward
Montgomery Ward is based in the State of Wisconsin in the United States of America and operates solely in the United States. We do not market, sell, or deliver products outside the United States. This Website is for use only by persons located in the United States.
Montgomery Ward makes no claims that the Website or any of its content is accessible or appropriate outside of the United States. Access to the Website may not be legal by certain persons or in certain countries.
If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-888-777-6333.
The story of Sears vs. Ward ("By the end of the 1930s, Montgomery Ward had become the country's largest retailer") is full of insights. (I was surprised to learn today that 'Wards' is still an online retailer. https://www.wards.com/ )