Based Upon A Vision

In 1871 a young man heard the advice of Horace Greeley and headed west from his home in Indiana. That man was Edwin S. Burgan, the founder of Burgans. Young Burgan saw a vision as he located at Waitsburg, Wash. This was to be a great state. Many people would come here from the east. Cities would grow to great populations and there would be many things to do for earnest, energetic men. He opened a store in Latah, Wash., in the year 1890. Business was good. He increased his efforts year by year, and in 1896 moved to Pullman, where he started another establishment.

Fair dealings with his customers brought many new ones to his store. His reputation grew. In 1915, Burgan saw in Spokane a great future. With his son, Jesse W., he bought the Northwestern General Trading company, at Division and Desmet. The name of Burgan continued to draw new friends. A liberal policy of absolute satisfaction to the customers became generally known.

The business outgrew its location and it was necessary to do something bigger. Then Burgan surprised his acquaintances by announcing plans to construct a large department store building at Division and Boone. Certain advisors shook their heads. They weren't so sure about building a big store so far from the downtown district. Burgans vision was that in time the city would become congested and people would want to park all those cars without trouble. They would need room.

In 1920, the division store became a reality. It went up swiftly until it became a four-story structure, occupying a quarter block. Burgans advertised themselves to be the Complete Department Store; selling everything you use, wear or eat!

The same philosophy that made Burgans successful then is still our foundation today, to provide the customers with the finest quality products at the lowest prices and with complete satisfaction.