Choate Department Store facts for kids
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Choate Department Store
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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The Choate Department Store viewed from the north
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 51 East 3rd Street, Winona, Minnesota |
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| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1881 |
| Architect | A.E. Myhre |
| Architectural style | Romanesque Revival |
| Part of | Winona Commercial Historic District (ID98001220) |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001079 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 3, 1976 |
| Designated CP | October 1, 1998 |
The Choate Department Store is a very old and important building in Winona, Minnesota. It was built way back in 1881. This building was home to a famous store owned by Hannibal Choate.
Hannibal Choate (1835–1923) was a well-known businessman. People even called him the "merchant prince" of southeastern Minnesota. He was very important in the world of shopping and business.
In 1976, the Choate Department Store building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a special place recognized for its history. It was chosen because of its connection to Hannibal Choate and how he changed shopping.
In 1998, the store also became part of the Winona Commercial Historic District. This district is a group of important old buildings in Winona.
What Made Choate's Store Special?
Hannibal Choate was a pioneer in how stores worked. He introduced new ideas that are common today.
Fixed Prices and Displays
Before Choate, prices in stores often changed. You might have to bargain for a good deal. But Hannibal Choate started using fixed prices. This meant the price you saw was the price you paid. Everyone paid the same fair price.
He also used in-store merchandise displays. This means he arranged products nicely so you could see them easily. This made shopping more fun and helped people decide what to buy.
Wholesaling
Choate also helped other businesses. He sold his goods in large amounts to other merchants. This is called wholesaling. It helped him sell more products and made his business even bigger.
