The family was noted for its thrifty ways. Obsessed with saving money, Theo (pictured) was said to recycle used pencil stubs, wear threadbare suits, and eschew any form of luxury even after he made his fortune.

However, the thrift-conscious brothers devised a simple yet successful business plan: they kept prices rock-bottom by only stocking non-perishable items and quickly removing slow-sellers from the shelves.