The Factory Needed the Failure to Last

A Chicago parts maker opened 2,000 shops to sell its own output, until the repeat visits stopped.

The Staff Bankrolled the Expansion

Eighty-hour weeks made sense with a share of the profits. Once the stakes were bought back, they did not.

The Subsidiary Swallowed the Parent

Ames bought nearly 400 stores in 1988, closed 74 at once, and filed for bankruptcy in April 1990.

The Slogan Worked Better Than the Firm

Before home computers, investors needed someone to phone, and a hushed TV scene chose the number.

The Ground Was Worth More Than the Racks

Own-label jeans and polos earned more per rack than the national brands hanging beside them.

The Format Outlived the Store That Built It

Rivals bought in larger volume, so the same shelf of goods cost less a few miles away.

Paint Did the Work a Discount Could Not

Where prices are still fixed by someone else, companies compete on the carpet, the cup and the uniform.

Writing and Printing Once Happened in the Same Stroke

Half the machine survived: the company now makes labels and ribbon in Cleveland.

Rent Was Due on Every Action Figure

Home video was still rare, so the small figures became the only way to watch the film again.