what department store invented rudolph the red-nosed reindeer

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer was actually created by Robert L. May in 1939 as a Christmas promotion for the Montgomery Ward department store chain. He was inspired by a song called "Burl Ives' Christmas Song" and created the character of Rudolph to be a special reindeer with a bright red nose that could guide Santa's sleigh in the fog. The story of Rudolph has since become a beloved Christmas classic and has been adapted into various forms of media over the years.