Michaels is North America's largest provider of arts and crafts retail. Company operates 1,252 stores across 49 states with $5.362 billion sales in 2020. Founded in 1973 by Michael J. Dupey in Dallas as arts and crafts store
Founded by Bernard Kroger in 1883 with $372 investment in Cincinnati. First grocery chain with own bakery and self-service shopping in 1916. Acquired multiple supermarket chains from 1955 to 1980s. First US grocer to test electronic scanners and formalize consumer research
Williamson-Dickie Europe founded in 1900 in Wells, UK for agricultural industry. US division established in Fort Worth, Texas in 1922 by Williamson brothers. Company produced uniforms for military during World War II
Founded in 1906 as New Balance Arch Support Company by William J. Riley. Name derived from chicken's three-pronged foot for shoe balance. Initially produced arch supports for shoe fit improvement
Founded in 1899 by Giovanni Agnelli as Italian Automobile Factory of Turin. First car was 3.5 CV, produced in 1903 with 697cc engine. By 1910 became Italy's largest automotive company. First US export in 1908, initially priced at $4,000
Marcus Samuel started selling oriental seashells in 1833. Brothers expanded business into oil exporting in 1880s. First oil tanker Murex passed through Suez Canal in 1892. Shell brand created with bright red cans in 1893. Company merged with Royal Dutch in 1907