Pierce (S.S.) Company is established.

The store is located initially at the corner of Tremont Street and Court Street. Founded by Samuel Stillman Pierce, who declares, “I may not make money, but I shall make a reputation,” the company originally sells “choice teas and foreign fruits,” and eventually specialty foods and delicacies ranging from “kangaroo-tail soup, truffled lark, and reindeer tongue.” At one time, there are nine stores in Boston. The main store moves to Copley Square in 1887.* The company subsequently establishes eight stores throughout New England and its goods are sold by distributors throughout the U.S. and around the world by mail order.