Matthews' rich heritage began as a retailer of health science books in St. Louis, Missouri in 1889. Over the past century, the company has diversified into three distinct affiliated companies: Matthews Medical and Scientific Books, Inc, a retail company that operates health science bookstores; Matthews Book Company, a wholesale distributor of medical information; and McCoy Health Science Supply, a distributor of medical equipment and supplies.
Our History:
1889: Matthews begins as a retailer of health science books in St. Louis, MO
1905: Medical instruments were added to the product mix
1945: Sam Marcus purchases Matthews Book Company
1950’s: Sam’s son John joins the firm and the company starts to sell books on a wholesale basis
1970: John Marcus becomes CEO
1987: Med-Book POS is introduced to the health science industry
1989: John sells 30% of the company forming an ESOP for the employees
1994: Matthews Book Company receives the St. Louis Small Business Award from St. Louis Commerce Magazine
1996: Employee ownership increases to 42%
2002: Matthews opens a second warehouse facility in New Jersey
2004: Employee ownership increases to 75% and Linda Nash is appointed CEO
2004: Matthews purchases McCoy Health Science Supply
2007: The Company hosts the first annual Matthews Retail Vendor Show
2011: Matthews acquires International Wholesales Supply
2012: Matthews acquires Landmark Distributing
2012: Matthews acquires Star Distributing
2012: Matthews Group of Companies is now 100% Employee-Owned
2013: Matthews consolidates book distribution & customer service operations to one location out of St. Louis Missouri