Harry Cunningham to design a discount store. Walton added that Cunningham should be remembered as one of the leading retailers of all time. Cunningham and Walton both visited, and were impressed by, the early and innovative discounter Ann & Hope in Cumberland, Rhode Island. Harry Cunningham Harry B. Cunningham (1907 in Pennsylvania – November 11, 1992 in North Palm Beach, Florida) was an American businessman and retailer who founded Kmart in 1962, along with S. S. Kresge. Cunningham had a vision to convert the retail chain into a discounter. At the time, Cunningham was sharply criticized by some, including Kresge shareholders, as
Discount store Discount store A discount store or discount shop is a retail shop which sells products at prices that are lower than the typical market price. A "full-line discount store/shop" or "mass merchandiser", such as Aldi or Lidl, may offer a wide assortment of goods with a focus on price rather than service, display or wide choice within lines. Meanwhile, a "speciality", "single line" or "category killer" discount store/shop, such as Toys "R" Us or Staples, may specialise in specific merchandise lines, relying on bulk purchase and efficient distribution to keep down costs. Discount stores/shops are not variety stores, which sell