Sylvan Goldman

Sylvan Goldman

Sylvan Goldman

Sylvan Nathan Goldman (November 15, 1898 – November 25, 1984) was an American businessman and inventor, best known for his invention of the shopping cart. His innovative contributions to the retail industry revolutionized the way people shop, making it more convenient and efficient.

Early Life

Sylvan Goldman was born in Ardmore, Oklahoma, to a family of Jewish immigrants. His parents, Michael and Hortense Goldman, were originally from Romania and had settled in the United States seeking better opportunities. Growing up in a family that ran a small grocery store, Goldman was exposed to the retail business from an early age.

Career Beginnings

Goldman began his career in the retail industry by working in his family's grocery store. He quickly learned the intricacies of the business and developed a keen interest in improving the shopping experience for customers. In the 1920s, he and his brother Alfred opened a chain of grocery stores called "Standard Food Markets" in Oklahoma City.

Invention of the Shopping Cart

In the 1930s, while managing the Humpty Dumpty supermarket chain, Goldman observed that customers often struggled with carrying heavy baskets as they shopped. This observation led him to invent the shopping cart in 1937. The original design was inspired by a folding chair, with a metal frame that could hold two wire baskets. This invention allowed customers to carry more items with ease, thereby increasing sales for the store.

Goldman's shopping cart was initially met with skepticism, as customers were reluctant to use them. To overcome this, he hired models to push the carts around the store, demonstrating their convenience. This marketing strategy proved successful, and soon the shopping cart became a staple in supermarkets across the country.

Later Innovations and Business Ventures

Following the success of the shopping cart, Goldman continued to innovate in the retail sector. He developed several other products aimed at improving the shopping experience, including the "nesting" shopping cart, which allowed carts to be stacked together to save space.

Goldman also expanded his business ventures beyond retail. He invested in real estate and other industries, becoming a prominent figure in the Oklahoma business community.

Legacy

Sylvan Goldman's contributions to the retail industry have had a lasting impact. His invention of the shopping cart transformed the way people shop, making it more convenient and efficient. Today, shopping carts are an essential part of the retail experience worldwide.

Goldman was also known for his philanthropy, supporting various charitable causes throughout his life. He passed away in 1984, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Plaque commemorating Sylvan Goldman

Related Pages

• Shopping cart
• Retail industry
• Invention
• Oklahoma City