PROFFITT'S

The Ellis-Proffitt Co. opened in 1919 in downtown Maryville. The name was changed to Proffitt's in 1921. The company had 11 stores in 1992. Then Proffitt's went on a buying spree. Among the chains it acquired was fabled Saks Fifth Ave., which became a Proffitt's subsidiary in 1998. Today, the company controls 356 stores, including 26 Proffitt's.

Runners-up: Dillard's, Kohl's