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Show ZCMI began as America's first department store By TRAVIS JACOBSEN Business Editor Daily Herald SALT LAKE CITY Like the marsupial that crawls out of the protective pouch of its mother, so is the history of America's first Zions department store Mercantile Institution, affectionately' known to most I'tahns as ZCMI. The history of ZCMI and the history of the Mormon church is hard to separate. Just as ZCMI began with the notion about religion and its place in society, so also did the Mormon church begin with the notion and belief that religion should he a part of one's eternal society. Given such a statement, it is safe to say that the history of ZCMI and the Mormon church are inextricably intertwined. ZCMI has historically been known as a trendsetter in the merchandising industry and has a long and glorious history with many firsts to its name. The business began in phases and has a history which fits nicely into four distinct developmental stages. The Organizational Stage existed between the years of 1868 and 1895. This era marked a number of firsts, one of which listed ZCMI as the only merchandiser in the West to import goods and treasures one could find only in Paris. France. Another first named ZCMI as America's first department store and later in 1870. ZCMI became incorporated, making it the first department store to become a corporation. This was a time of actual ecclesiastical control, promotion and expansion by the major religion of Salt Lake City at the time. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-da- y Saints, often called by the name of Mormons. ZCMI was the symbol and absolute center of cooperation and for the Mormon church. The second stage of ZCMI was known as the Formative Years. Highlighted by professional, commercialized services, the Formative times included the years 1895-193A few first in this era were the first motorized fleet, the first stores to use women salesclerks and the first store to use wagons for delivery. During this stage, a significantly 0. more stratified organization existed and an increased distancing from the Mormon church The began. Mormon church maintained virtual control over ZCMI's stock holdings through stock ownership by prominent members of the church rather than the actually the church owning stock and having church ownership. The third stage was marked by ZCMI meeting the world on the world's own terms. The years and included "panned 1930-196- 0 such upbeat and industry-leadin- g business ideas such as advertisim:. . . wp v ft is. ii I IT-- ,U - T 1 M r- mmm f 000 Shi. I:' Photo courtesy ot ZCMI The histories of ZCMI and the Mormon church are inter- twined back to the 1860s. It was once the symbol and marketing and promotion techniques. At the same time, the company struggled to maintain its identity as its traditional relationship with the Mormon church was redefined. It was at this time that ZCMI moved to a new and significant position alongside the central ecclesiastical organization. The stage ZCMI is currently going through is called the sears of ). The addiExpansion ( tional seven branch stores by I9S6 and many others since then has accounted for enlarged sales and a greater market ZCMI now serves. The Mormon church also increased its "actual" influence through ownership of 5 percent of the company's stock. Because more of ZCMI's history runs through the years of the 20th century than the 9th century, comparing the store today with the store of Mormon church president and prophet Brigham Young, the store's founder and original stock holder, is like comparing apples and oranges. But through it all. the company maintained live basic trade and entrepreneurial policies which lasted from I86X to the pre sent. maintained ZCMI polices regarding its organizational policy and structure, it - management theory and practice, its steady employment, its public policies toward markets, charities and the community, and it entrepreneurial practices. The enduring perception of the connection between ZCMI and its foundcrneMoi church helped to on the community plant its with roots that ran both wide and deep. e resi And as what manv absolute center of cooperation and the Mormon church. dents have called "Heavenly Father's department store." ZCMI for nomic prosperity of Utah and Utahns in general. The underlying theme was that when ZCMI did well, the state as a whole was doing well and prospered as families, individuals and businesses. has long played a central role in Utah's economy. Even before 1896. when Utah became a state. 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