In the 19th Century, store doorbells were not electric. Typically made of solid brass, the bell was attached to an arm that was in turn mounted on a spring on the inside of the door. Thus, as soon as the door opened, the bell sounded, alerting the retailer to the arrival (or departure) of a customer.
This simple device was invaluable for busy storekeepers who did not have the resources to maintain a member of staff on the shop floor throughout every opening hour. Often, much of their time was spent ‘out back’ taking delivery of goods, or doing book-keeping.
The first bell that could be triggered by an electric wire connected to a bell was invented by Joseph Henry around 1831. Then in 1881, Edwin Swan of Indiana patented an electric doorbell called ‘the illuminated electric push button’. Today, smaller shops still make use of the bell system to herald the entry of a customer. The classic brass bell has been replaced by a plethora of chime choices, two-tone rings, buzzes, bleeps and more.
The doorbell continues to play a key role in a reversed retail situation, that of door-to-door selling. From the earliest days of trading when peddlers would travel from place to place selling their wares, the knock at the door – or ringing of the bell in the street – would alert the prospective customer to the arrival of goods for sale.
Contribution to Retail History
The ringing of a bell not only retains its connotation as a buying opportunity for retailers, but also as a security measure that notifies sales associates that a customer is entering or leaving the premises. Today, the plethora of high tech smartphone ping sounds alert customers about promotional opportunities, order placement and tracking, and other social media postings.