S. H. Kress & Co.

The S. H. Kress & Co. was founded by Samuel H. Kress (1863-1955) when he opened a variety store in Memphis, Tennessee in 1896. The business prospered and developed into a chain, first spreading throughout the South and then across the nation. When Kress died in 1955, S. H. Kress & Co. owned 262 stores in 29 states and the territory of Hawaii with an annual gross income of $167.9 million.

The five-and-ten-cent store's retail strategy had its origins with Frank W. Woolworth in 1879. These stores offered a variety of merchandise under one roof. As the name suggests, early prices were five and ten cents. Kress was able to sell merchandise at this price until 1901 when he added items for a quarter. Although prices increased over the years, a red sign reading "5-10 and 25 Cent Store" remained a Kress trademark for years to come. Other signage associated with most stores was the name KRESS written in a golden tone with the upper parts of the letters aligned and the bottom portion compressed into an arched shape.

In 1963, Genesco, Inc. purchased the company and began to close unprofitable stores elsewhere in the nation. The S. H. Kress & Co. ceased business in 1980.