Montgomery Ward was an American retail company founded in 1872 by Montgomery Ward himself. It started as a mail-order business, offering a wide range of products, including clothing, household goods, and farm equipment. The company became known for its innovative catalog, which allowed customers to shop from home. In the mid-20th century, Montgomery Ward expanded into brick-and-mortar stores, becoming a popular department store chain. However, it faced increasing competition from other retailers and eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2000. The brand has since been revived in a limited capacity, primarily focusing on online sales.