In 1717, Shimomura Hikoemon opened the kimono shop Daimonjiya in Fushimi, Kyoto. It grew into the department store Daimaru. A business magazine credits him with making sengi kōri the principle of his business: righteousness first, profit after.
The phrase goes back to the Chinese philosopher Xunzi. Those who put righteousness before profit are honored. Those who put profit before righteousness are despised.