**C. R. Mabley**
Charles R. Mabley was a 19th-century American businessman known for founding a chain of department stores in the Midwest. His retail enterprises contributed to the growth of urban commerce during the late 1800s.
## Early Life and Career
Charles R. Mabley began his career in retail in the mid-19th century, establishing himself as a prominent merchant. His business acumen led to the creation of several successful department stores.
## Department Store Chain
Mabley’s stores were among the first to offer a wide variety of goods under one roof, catering to the growing urban population. His innovative approach helped shape modern retail practices in the United States.
## Legacy
Though the original stores no longer exist, C. R. Mabley’s contributions to retail development remain recognized in the history of American commerce.
**META_DESCRIPTION:**
Charles R. Mabley was a 19th-century American businessman who founded a chain of influential department stores in the Midwest, shaping early urban retail.