Selfridge was born in Ripon, Wisconsin.[2] Selfridge was raised in Jackson, Michigan. Selfridge's parents were Robert Oliver Selfridge and his wife Lois. They had three sons.[3] His father fought in the American Civil War. He was a major in the Union Army.[3] After he was discharged, he did not come back to the family.[3]
Both of Selfridge's brothers died young. His mother taught school. From the age of 10, Harry began working. He sold newspapers to help his mother. Later he stocked shelves at a dry goods store.
Career
When he was 21, Selfridge went to Chicago. He worked for Field, Leiter and Company. This later became Marshall Field's & Co. He worked there for 25 years.[4] Selfridge started the idea of a bargain basement in a department store. Selfridge's ideas added to the success of Marshall Field & Company. When he asked Marshall Field to let him become a partner, Field was surprised, but he agreed.[5] Field even lent him the money needed to become a partner.
After visiting England, Selfridge decided to open his own department store in London.[6] In 1909, his store opened on Oxford Street. It brought about many changes in shopping. It is still a big store today. Selfridges & Co. was named the Best Department Store in the World in 2010 and 2012.[7] and 2014.
Personal life
In 1890, Selfridge married Rose Buckingham. Her family was wealthy and influential. Rose was a property developer when she married. She died of the Spanish flu in 1918. Harry never married again, even though he had several girlfriends.
