Entitled: "Washington, D.C. Christmas shopping in Woolworth's five and ten cent store." The F. W. Woolworth Company was a retail company that was one of the original pioneers, and arguably the most successful American and international five-and-dime stores, setting trends and creating the modern retail model which stores follow worldwide today. Increased competition led to its decline beginning in the 1980s. The chain went out of business in July 1997. The exchanging of gifts is one of the core aspects of the modern Christmas celebration, making it the most profitable time of year for retailers and businesses throughout the world. Sales increase dramatically as people purchase gifts, decorations, and supplies to celebrate. In the United States, it has been calculated that a quarter of all personal spending takes place during the Christmas/holiday shopping season. Photographed by John Collier, December 1941.