Discounting will miss Jamesway's Fisher - Herbert Fisher - Editorial

Discount Store News, April 19, 1993 by Tony Lisanti

Last year, the retail industry lost three of its most prominent and respected leaders--Sam Walton, John Geisse and Harry Cunningham.

Two weeks ago, retailing paid tribute to three more of its elder statesmen--Andrew Goodman, owner of Bergdorf Goodman, Elmer Nordstrom, former co-chairman of Nordstrom and Herb Fisher, founder and chairman of Jamesway Corp.

Herb was indeed a fried to many of the readers of DSN. I first met Herb only seven years ago, but it was during his tribute to Sam Walton at the International Mass Retal Association's convention three years ago in Dallas the I truly realized this man's knowledge, with, warmth, and sincerity. It was through his entertaining and insightful stories about Sam Walton that I got a glimpse of Herb Fisher, not just the chairman of Jamesway.

"I'm honored to introduce a dear friend and one of the most memorable people I've ever known," Fisher said when he introduced Sam, whom he then quoted. "For me, extra effort is a philosophical approach to life, not just the application of extra hours to the work day."

Herb, I'm sure that Sam would have said the same exact things about you. Sam would have likely said that he was also glad he never really had to compete with you. And even though you didn't like to fly with him in his twin engine plane, you possessed much of his philosophy and ethics. Herb, you also pioneered the discounting concept and helped shape the largest and most viable segment of retailing today.

Now, just like after his friend Sam's death, people will aks the same question: What impact will Herb's death have on Jamesway?

The answer is the same. On one hand, the company will likely continue on its current course for better or for worse. As at Wal-Mart, not a whole lot will change--on the surface, that is.

On the other hand, the loss of a company's founder--his personality, his influence, his savvy, his presence--will have a decided impact. He will be missed in ways that Wall Street can't quantify or explain.

God bless you Herb. We'll miss you.