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, Incorporated is a multi-billion dollar retailer, one of the oldest and largest in the nation. The company operates specialty stores, distribution centers and product service centers from coast to coast. Its primary business is specialty retailing with a focus in ....

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.... Indiana in 1926. From then until now, Wards has grown to operate almost 400 stores throughout the United States, employing approximately 58,100 people. In 1985, the company unveiled its specialty store retailing strategy, again reflecting the changing marketplace and consumer demands. Also in 1985, catalog operations were discontinued. This move allowed the company to concentrate its resources on retail stores and began the company's transformation from a traditional mass merchandiser into a contemporary group of value-driven specialty stores. The success of the specialty store strategy led to a $3.8 billion dollar leveraged buyout by senior man ....