Something New, indeed. A contemporary write-up in a Lancaster, Pennsylvania newspaper makes mention of  the "5-cent store" recently opened by F. W. Woolworth. 

Advert from the Lancaster Examiner, July 9, 1879

The first "5 & 10 Cent Store" operated by F.W. Woolworth opened in June 1879, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It initiated a retail revolution in the late 19th century. Upon the 100th anniversary of the chain, in 1979, Woolworth's was the largest department store operation in the world.
Photo from F.W. Woolworth Company Annual Report 1979