This crowd on hand for the opening of one of the many unusual sales which R.W. Reed made famous is typical of the enthusiastic response to the store's merchandise promotions through the years.
Our founder, R.W. Reed, Sr., moved to Tupelo from Itawamba County in 1905 and opened a general dry goods store. A champion for progress for Tupelo and the rural communities in our area for half a century. He served as the first chairman of the hospital board, the Yocona Area Boy Scouts, served on the State College Board, and in many other civic capacities. His retail accomplishments included America's first "day and night sale", when Reed's opened one Monday morning and closed on Saturday night! His zest for life, for his family, and for his fellow man still serves as an inspiration to us today.
Bob Reed, Jr. returned to Tupelo following his education at Vanderbilt and Harvard and service in World War II to help run the family business. His taste level for quality, style, and elegance made Reed's one of Tupelo's - and Mississippi's - fashion leaders.
In addition to serving as Chairman of the Board of Community Federal Savings Bank, he chaired the United Way and the Red Cross, and was in many other civic and church (1st United Methodist) positions of responsibility. His loyalty and quick wit made him a favorite of our staff and customers for nearly 50 years.
After his education at Vanderbilt and New York University along with service in World War II, Jack Reed Sr. returned back home to Tupelo. His energy and ability helped make Reed's the leading independent store in North Mississippi, and he directed our expansions into Columbus and Starkville and the Mall at Barnes Crossing.
His extraordinary community service includes chairing the Yocona Area Council, the 1st United Methodist Church, Lift, Inc., the C.D.F., the M.E.C., C.R.E.A.T.E, and serving as the first lay chairman of the State Board of Education.
As one employee said, "Mr. Reed was the best governor Mississippi never had!" His leadership epitomizes the many good things that an independent family business can bring to a community.
The first modern grocery ad to appear in the Journal listing numerous items by price was this 1907 advertisement of R.W. Reed.
Our founder, R.W. Reed, Sr., moved to Tupelo from Itawamba County in 1905 and opened a general dry goods store. A champion for progress for Tupelo and the rural communities in our area for half a century. He served as the first chairman of the hospital board, the Yocona Area Boy Scouts, served on the State College Board, and in many other civic capacities. His retail accomplishments included America's first "day and night sale", when Reed's opened one Monday morning and closed on Saturday night! His zest for life, for his family, and for his fellow man still serves as an inspiration to us today.
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