Eaton's

Eaton's was once Canada's largest department store retailer. Founded in Toronto by Timothy Eaton, an Irish immigrant, in 1869, Eaton's first advertisement read "We propose to sell our goods for CASH ONLY – In selling goods, to have only one price." In an era where haggling for goods was commonplace, this was a revolutionary business practice.

The Santa Claus Parade

Eaton's was also well known for giving back to the community as exemplified in its sponsorship of the annual Toronto Santa Claus Parade. The first parade took place on December 2, 1905. For a number of years, Eaton?s Santa Claus Parades were also held in Winnipeg and Montreal. Macy?s in New York started its own annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924 due largely to the success of the Eaton?s parades north of the border.

Related Topics:
Santa Claus Parade - December 2 - 1924

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

By the 1950s, the Toronto parade was the largest in North America, stretching for a mile and a half and involving thousands of participants. It was broadcast live on radio and television in Canada, and even CBS television in the United States broadcast the parade for a number of years.

Related Topics:
1950s - CBS - United States

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In August 1982, Eaton?s announced that it would no longer sponsor the Santa Claus Parade, due to increasing costs. A consortium of local businesses saved the parade, which continues to be held every year, but another cherished Eaton?s institution was gone.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~