Herbert Haft
Herbert Haft (1920 – 2004) was an American entrepreneur and businessman, best known for founding the Dart Group Corporation, a diversified retail and real estate company. He played a significant role in the retail industry, particularly in the discount retail sector.
Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]
Herbert Haft was born in 1920 in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended local schools and later pursued higher education at the University of Maryland, College Park. After completing his studies, Haft served in the United States Army during World War II.
Career[edit | edit source]
After his military service, Herbert Haft entered the business world. In 1955, he founded the Dart Drug chain, which eventually grew into the Dart Group Corporation. The company expanded its operations to include various retail formats, such as Trak Auto, Crown Books, and Total Beverage.
Dart Drug[edit | edit source]
Dart Drug was one of the first discount drugstore chains in the United States. Under Haft's leadership, the chain expanded rapidly, offering a wide range of products at competitive prices. This business model helped Dart Drug become a significant player in the retail industry.
Trak Auto[edit | edit source]
In the 1970s, Haft expanded his business portfolio by acquiring Trak Auto, an automotive parts and accessories retailer. Trak Auto became one of the largest auto parts retailers in the country under his guidance.
Crown Books[edit | edit source]
Herbert Haft also founded Crown Books, a discount bookstore chain, in 1977. Crown Books revolutionized the book retailing industry by offering significant discounts on bestsellers and other popular titles. This approach made books more accessible to a broader audience and challenged traditional bookstores.
Total Beverage[edit | edit source]
In the 1980s, Haft launched Total Beverage, a discount liquor store chain. Total Beverage offered a wide selection of alcoholic beverages at lower prices, further diversifying the Dart Group's retail operations.
Personal Life[edit | edit source]
Herbert Haft was married to Gloria Haft, and they had three children: Robert Haft, Ronald Haft, and Linda Haft. The family was known for their involvement in the business, with Robert and Ronald taking on significant roles within the Dart Group Corporation.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Herbert Haft's innovative approach to retailing and his ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities left a lasting impact on the industry. His ventures into discount retailing helped shape the competitive landscape and influenced future retail strategies.
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