In 1929, 90 years ago, the Kresge discount department chain began opening stores in Canada. By 1979, on its 50th anniversary of being north of the U.S. border, the 64-store chain moved its head offices to Brampton.

Coming from an austere, frugal and religious upbringing, Sebastian S. Kresge was rather mild for a travelling salesperson. Touring America with tinware during the economic depression of the 1890s, he became impressed with the resiliency of discount stores. Selling only necessities, they still were turning a profit.

By 1899, Kresge was the sole owner of a store in Shelby, Mich., just outside of Detroit. And 17 years later, by 1916, he had 150 stores. Kresge's entry into Canada started with a store in Kitchener, opened in May 1929. During its first year here, Kresge opened 19 stores in Canada.

If the name “Kresge” isn't ringing any bells, their 1962 venture might: Kmart. Canada's first location of a Kmart store, in London, Ont., opened the next year. Just seven years later, in 1969, Kmart had 338 locations in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada and Australia.

In 1975, the company moved their Canadian distribution centre to the Bramalea Industrial Park at 8925 Torbram Rd. in Brampton. By 1979, the Canadian head office joined them.

Between the Kmart, Kresge and Jupiter brands, the company had 175 stores across Canada by the late 1970s. The world's last Kresge store was located in Hamilton. It didn't close until July 1994. After Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) acquired Kmart in 1998, the Torbram Road headquarters became the offices for Zellers, and more recently, HBC itself.

The author's father worked in the graphic design department of Kmart Canada. A printing proof for a Kresge flyer is available at the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives, in the Moreau family fonds.

Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives is located at 9 Wellington St. E., Brampton, and parking is available at any of the nearby parking garages; for more information, visit pama.peelregion.ca.

Throwback Thursday is provided by Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives. PAMA is a place to explore, learn and make connections about Peel Region’s culture and heritage.