Not only could a store owner order merchandise on Friday and receive it on Tuesday to replenish empty shelves, but by consolidating shipments, saved a considerable amount on freight, and found it easier to manage his inventory.

Stores could order salebills with their own names on them, and in many cases, with sale prices they chose for the merchandise.

Manufacturers would offer special prices to get the extra sales inherent by being included in such large promotions, which Butler Brothers would pass along to stores and consumers.

[9] Sam Walton (of Walmart fame) at the very beginning of his career has tried to become a franchisee of Federated Stores (he ended up switching to Ben Franklin instead).

[10] In the 1950s, the company built 4 complete department stores in Greater Los Angeles: Lakewood Center (1952), Downtown Alhambra, Ontario, and Van Nuys.