Answer:
There are several reasons why large department stores began to prosper in the late 1800s:
- Industrialization and urbanization: The rapid industrialization and urbanization of the late 1800s led to an increase in the number of people living in cities, which provided a larger market for department stores to sell their goods.
- Increased leisure time: With the development of factories and the growth of the middle class, people had more leisure time and disposable income to spend on non-essential items. This provided an opportunity for department stores to offer a wide variety of goods and attract customers.
- Improved transportation: The development of railroads and streetcars made it easier for people to travel to and from the city, which helped to increase the reach of department stores.
- Advertising: Department stores began to use advertising and marketing techniques to attract customers and promote their products. This helped to increase awareness of the stores and their offerings.
- Credit: Department stores began to offer credit to their customers, which allowed people to purchase goods on credit and pay them off over time. This made it easier for people to make larger purchases, which helped to boost sales.