Zion's Mercantile Institution, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA Zion's Co-operative Mercantile Institution or ZCMI was founded in 1868 and was one of the first department stores in the United States. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, it quickly became a household name in the community. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a significant influence in the company, retaining a majority interest in ZCMI until its eventual sale. 固opFoto