Which major retail company began as a small five-and-dime store in 1945 and initially failed when its founder attempted to franchise the business model?

While many major retailers dominate today's market, their origins often have fascinating and unexpected beginnings. This poll explores how some of the world's most recognized retail brands began their journeys and evolved their brand stories over time. Test your knowledge of retail history and discover how these commercial empires started with humble or surprising origins before becoming household names.

This is a live public trivia poll on AIPolls.Net. Vote and see real-time results.

Walmart (Sam Walton's first store, which struggled until he abandoned franchising and developed his own discount store concept)
Sears (Richard Sears started with mail-order watches before opening physical five-and-dime locations that initially faltered)
JCPenney (James Cash Penney's initial Golden Rule stores were five-and-dimes that failed when he tried to rapidly franchise)
Kmart (Sebastian S. Kresge's initial five-and-dime concept struggled until abandoning franchising for direct ownership)