United Cigar Stores

(Wikipedia) United Cigar Stores was the largest chain of cigar stores in the United States. Though initially cigar stores, they eventually sold many other items, such as Mickey Mouse watches and shoe trees. The chain was founded in 1901. Although it was unofficially denied, the chain represented the interests of the Consolidated Tobacco Company, the tobacco trust that controlled the American Tobacco Company and others. In September 1903 a settlement was reached with the chain's competitors and all competition ended. By 1926 the chain had close to 3000 retail stores. Continued

Image: Library of Congress