Bealls | From Humble Beginnings to a Nationwide Presence – How This Family Business Thrived for Over a Century
Introduction to Bealls
Bealls is a family-owned department store chain with over 500 locations across the United States. The company was founded in 1915 by Robert M. Beall, Sr., and has been passed down through four generations of the Beall family. Today, Bealls operates stores under three banners: Bealls Department Stores, Bealls Outlet Stores, and Bunulu.
Bealls offers a wide variety of merchandise for men, women, and children, including clothing, shoes, accessories, home decor, and more. The company is known for its affordability and friendly customer service.
Despite its size and success today, Bealls started out as a much smaller operation. Robert M. Beall Sr. opened the first store in Florida in 1915. It was a modest 5 & 10 cent store called "The Bargain Basement." In 1925, the company expanded to include a second location in Fort Myers Beach.
Early History of Bealls
Bealls is a family-owned and operated company that has been in business for over 100 years. The company was founded in 1915 by Robert M. Beall, Sr. and his wife, Mary Ann Beall. The couple started the business by selling clothes out of their car trunk to customers in rural areas of Florida.
In the early 1920s, the Bealls opened their first store in Bradenton, Florida. The store was successful, and the couple soon began opening additional stores throughout the state of Florida. By the late 1920s, there were 26 Bealls stores in operation.
The Great Depression caused many businesses to fail, but the Bealls were able to keep their stores open due to their low prices and quality merchandise. The company continued to grow throughout the 1930s and 1940s, expanding into Georgia and Alabama.
In 1955, Robert M. Beall, Jr., took over the family business after his father passed away. Under his leadership, the company experienced tremendous growth. He expanded the company's reach beyond Florida by opening stores in Texas, Arizona, and California. By the early 1980s, there were over 200 Bealls stores nationwide.
How the Business Has Adapted Over Time
When Rodman Beall Sr. founded the company in 1915, it was a tiny operation selling feed and farm supplies out of a converted icehouse in Bradenton, Florida. Over the next century, Bealls would grow into a major retailer with over 500 stores across the United States. The company has adapted to changing times and consumer tastes over the years, evolving from a rural general store to a suburban department store to a coastal resort wear destination.
In the early days, Bealls was known for its low prices and wide variety of merchandise. It was one of the first retailers to offer layaway plans and credit to customers, which helped it attract rural customers who didn't have much disposable income. As the company grew, it began adding new departments and expanding its product offerings. It eventually became known for its ladies' apparel, shoes, and home goods.
Philanthropic Efforts and Community Involvement
The Bealls have always been a family with a strong sense of community. This is evident in their philanthropic efforts and involvement in various causes over the years. The Beall Family Foundation was created in 2001 to formalize their giving, and since then they have donated millions of dollars to causes close to their hearts. These include education, healthcare, arts and culture, and many others.
The Bealls are also very involved in their local communities. They regularly host events and fundraisers at their stores, and their employees are actively involved in volunteering. This commitment to giving back has always been a core part of who they are as a company, and it’s something that sets them apart from other retailers.
Conclusion
Bealls has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1915. Through hard work, dedication to customer service, and an ever-evolving product line, they have become one of the most recognizable brands in the country with hundreds of stores nationwide. The story of Bealls is a testament to what family businesses can achieve when given the opportunity; it inspires us all to strive for success and make our dreams a reality.
