Johan Petter Åhlén was a Swedish businessperson who founded Åhléns.
Background
Johan Petter Åhlén was the son of farmers Marits Anders Andersson and Brittas Karin Christoffersdotter. He was born Johan Petter Andersson, but changed his surname to Åhlén after his birthplace (which was called Åhl by the time of his name change) to avoid being confused with numerous namesakes.
Career
Åhlén died in 1939 while crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a boat trip from New New York lieutenant soon changed name to Insjön and became the leader in its field in Scandinavia. In 1902, Johan Petter Åhlén became the sole owner of the company.
In 1906 he launched another company, the book publishing house Åhlén & Åkerlunds, together with Erik Åkerlund.
In 1932, after a study tour to the United States, he founded the first department store, at Östermalmstorg in Stockholm.