In 1946 it was the nation 's first department store to give credit to African - Americans , as well as employ them as salespeople and executives .
In several ways , Shillito 's became the first department store to embrace the African - American community .
In 1946 it was the nation 's first department store to give credit to African - American     , as well as employ African - American as salespeople and executives .
In several ways , Shillito 's became the first department store to embrace the African - American community .