Stores We Loved That No Longer Exist!

[@joemomma1968]

Thanks!

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're welcome. Thank you for watching and I appreciate the super chat!

[@rickwilson466]

As a child. The Sears and Roebuck Christmas Wish catalog was the only thing my mom needed to keep me quiet for hours!

[@rickwilson466]

@Terri Mansfield It was indeed.

[@sj8205]

Same!

[@rick5793]

Plus Montgomery. Wards

[@tarahess5666]

Oh how I would flip the pages and use the models as my own paper dolls. Then I would star the most important things and circle the items I could deal with. Awesome memories

[@rickwilson466]

@@rick5793 for sure. And I think JCPenney maybe.

[@48mastadon]

Probably too small for you to mention with only 200 stores, was Tower Records. It was a big hit for me when they closed as we had two great stores in the California Bay Area.

[@gooniesgirl1979]

Elton John used to come shop at the one that was here in Atlanta. I think he was my dad’s favorite singer.

[@Lizablue0608]

Tower Records and Tapes was where I’d go to get tickets for concerts. :) It was just down the street from where I went to high school in Carmichael Ca. Nostalgia just hit hard.

[@BigHushAffiliate]

Blockbuster music was another one

[@scottmcwave9479]

Across the street from Sports Arena in San Diego

[@leesashriber5097]

Definitely remember them!! 😀

[@kotjmf1968]

K Mart and Sears were great store chains. Sears was an absolutly fantastic store that had anything that you could possibly want. It is really sad that they are all gone.

[@INKOSK4114]

Kmart still has an online store. I actually worked there in Iowa till they were closing down. Miss it.

[@roybradley5532]

I had 16 foot fiberglass v-hull Sear Boat the an Evinrude/Sears 3 cylinder outboard motor.. And in a lot of towns there are still a large number of homes that were sears kit homes. You can still see the part numbers on the floor joists and roof rafters. They sold everything.

[@robertdawson4502]

I recall going into Sears and hardly seeing anyone there. I told one of the cashers that unless something is done Sears would be no more. Of course, she said it would never happen. Within a year Sears filed for bankruptcy and started to close all the stores including the one she was working at.

[@muzarayahyeshuahyasharal1361]

I always got my school clothes from Sears

[@roybradley5532]

I always got my school closes from my older brother. I didn't get new clothes until I got a paper route and bought my own.😁

[@Jon-iv6gh]

I worked in some of these stores while in High School and College. It never occurred to me back then that these retail outlets will eventually go bust. I feel nostalgic but sad because I know time is flying by.

[@ramencurry6672]

Back then, there were telephone booths snd people bought vinyl records or cassettes. People were skinnier too

[@ramencurry6672]

I still have a cooking pot from Sears from the 1970s or 80s. The handles wore out and broke but I still use the pot in the kitchen a few times a week. Still going strong

[@maryellenshock]

My first job was at Woolworth in the late 70's.

[@ExMachina70]

It's crazy that we've been chasing tech all our lives but looking back I wish I could live back into those days when we appreciated what we had but had the excitement of what was to come.

[@Scott__C]

K Mart is a tragedy. The guy who bought Kmart and Sears then bled them dry is the worst. K Mart had good products at good prices. I also miss places like Woolworth's where you could shop and also get lunch.

[@KimberlyLetsGo]

It was his front for money laundering.

[@margui6224]

There is a K-mart where I live.

[@squeallymaniac]

@@margui6224 wow, there's only 3 kmarts remaining in the continental US

[@loydkline]

Kmart 🍿 popcorn; layaway

[@elle5031]

Sears and Kmart still has online shopping including appliances...

[@girlgamergear3260]

My mom still laments the end of the Montgomery Ward catalog. She loved to shop that way.

[@nodanceswithwolves8425]

True story. When the Furby craze was going on...my niece wanted one for Christmas. Went everywhere...couldn't find one. Went to "Monkey Wards" in our local mall ..found tons of them! Bought them all and sold them by the side of the road ..for a profit! Great memories!

[@DrDoom-uu3cj]

Don't forget the SEARS Christmas catalog for toys

[@nodanceswithwolves8425]

@@DrDoom-uu3cj Yes! Used 2 love going through that as a child. And the S&H green stamp one! 😆

[@naomigonzales3446]

The catalog still exist.

[@larryl392]

@@DrDoom-uu3cj ...my fav catalog to look at as a kid and dream of having all the toys....have a great day🙂

[@MilePost106]

What I really miss all the products back in the day were made here. Clothing was great quality along with the toys. Great memories.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching!

[@Xeyedjohn]

Quality is a key word here and how about so much was still made in USA.

[@GMCTIM]

I agree 100% ! Haven't never had a thing from China worth a sht ! They & we were betrayed by our government for decades & only getting worse ! 😔

[@casimirkotarba5186]

When i was 16,, I worked in a bathing suit factory weighing boxes of suits and labeling for shipping,,I remember the names of most of these stores we shipped to,,, And it was in Philly

[@raoulcruz4404]

Quality products and quality customer service. The people that worked at these stores were respectful to customers and knowledgeable about the products. Not so much today.

[@westsparks6844]

Memories of growing up. Ben Franklin, Woolworths, Gambles, Montgomery Wards, McCrory's, Sears, Kmart.

[@brianmeen2158]

Toys r us is another. The one in my area closed up 4 years ago. Sad

[@kellywall3656]

My grandparents loved driving to downtown Pittsburgh for Christmas shopping at Kaufmann’s and Gimbels. It was a magical time. And every time I smell popcorn I’m transported back to the entrance of Hill’s department store.

[@renastone1270]

My mother and father-in-law met at a Woolworth's lunch counter. She worked at the lunch counter with his mother who introduced them. Thanks, Grandma Waterhouse! ❤

[@jpalberthoward9]

They made real milk shakes, with real ice cream and they had the green Hamilton Beach milkshake machine and the big stainless steel cup. You pour that into the glass, and it rocked your world. They were about 50¢ when I was a kid. It was one of the best things you could get anywhere. Just one of millions of things that are lost forever.

[@sj8205]

Sweet❤

[@Bacopa68]

Big downtown woolworth's were amazing places. The one in Houston seemed to still thrive in the early 90's. They had a pet department. You could buy aquarium fish or hamster. I've been to a few others, but never saw hamsters. The Houston Woolworth's was connected to the downtown tunnel system, a weird underground pedestrian system, fallout shelter, with a few weird shopping mall areas.

[@jpalberthoward9]

@@Bacopa68 you used to be able to buy little beginner grade guitars there, and they were actually playable and you could learn on them. Little U.S. made Stellas, and Harmonys. Real functional instruments that would get you started if you wanted to learn and you had some determination.

[@Diana-yn2ho]

I remember eating at the Woolworth lunch counter. I enjoyed going to these now defunct stores at the time. Shame that they closed.

[@TheMysticRealms]

Tower Records, Delia's, Radio Shack, Toys r Us,, and if course Blockbuster. Those were my childhood

[@golden.lights.twinkle2329]

Hollywood Video.

[@julietteoscaralphanovember2223]

​@@SpaceInTime1885i heard that too

[@yoda908]

Toys R Us is in certain stores in North America for a possible comeback.

[@TheMysticRealms]

@@yoda908 I know! We've got one in Houston!

[@roybradley5532]

@@yoda908 That would be great. I would go buy stuff just to help with the come back.😊

[@patriciaanzelc5386]

I loved Mervyn’s. They had great clothes at reasonable prices.

[@helenamartinez3415]

JACKSON'S BYRON'S 😢

[@itstheweather5859]

I had the pleasure to shop at their flagship store back in the 1970's in San Lorenzo.... I still have a cute bracelet from there! I loved the upstairs department where they hadkitchenwares and a fabric department which housed crewel and needlepoint kits. Loved that department!

[@reggiedunlop2222]

I agree. I used to buy my Levi’s 501 there. Also used to get them at a store named Millers Outpost.

[@MrJammer90]

I miss mervyn’s too. That is where i used to buy my clothes in my early adult years. Not a fan of Walmart or Target.

[@golden.lights.twinkle2329]

I always used to buy my wife's Birthday and Christmas gifts there!

[@DougCeleste]

I LOVED Woolworth's the most with their VERY long counters to sit for a meal, especially at lunch time. The aromatic food smells inside those stores were beyond heavenly! They also had GREAT banana splits and other desserts like that along with all the items that they sold at reasonable prices. 🥰 Mervyn's was another GREAT CA. store that I remember in San Jose along with all the K-Marts and Wards stores. Sad that they are all gone now but the memories live on.

[@DougCeleste]

@@jaydee975 WOW, I did not know that! I was in Australia in 2002 and would have LOVED to go into a Woolworth's if I had seen one.

[@Triad3Force]

Another interesting point about Service Merchandise was that the store was a showroom and to shop there you'd get a clipboard with a order form pad and go around writing down the numbers of what you wanted. You'd hand your order form to the desk and then you'd wait while warehouse crew in the back retrieved your items. They'd come rolling out on a conveyor belt in the receiving area.

[@rudygracia5573]

I remember;It was kinda like we were at an Amazon warehouse,minus the delivery driver!It was fun.Best products was similar.?

[@TheMysticRealms]

So kind of like Ikea? They do this for their larger items.

[@danfiorini785]

Loved service merchandise. Actually got my wedding ring there. 28 years later and it’s still looking good.

[@rudygracia5573]

@@danfiorini785 Congrats on 28yrs!,right behind y'all with 26.Wife's wedding ring came from da pawn shop!😳.Hey,we're simple.+Married late'ish,at 33.

[@jimb032]

Thanks for mentioning that .I barely remember. I still have my dad's Sounddesign stereo we bought there. I don't use it because, well, Sounddesign, but I did get it back operational so there is that! I think my memory is from the late 80s.

[@mrsbluesky8415]

It started out as convenience to use Amazon but I really wish we still had these other stores like Woolworth, Mervyns where we could actually touch the merch before buying.

[@thehonorablejiveturkeyspoo6370]

Inconceivable these days

[@6incomefigure]

Omg loved Mervyns. They were the first credit card I opened at 18.

[@balthiersgirl2658]

Woolworths is still open in Australia and I miss it to in the UK

[@jeffshultz3883]

This was a fantastic look at the way our lives used to be. It's this time of the year of the year that I miss so many of the stores that are no more. It was actually fun to do Christmas shopping store to store and see and touch what you wanted to buy. Those days are gone and they really were the good old days. Thanks again!

[@letsmakemoney8027]

Remember the long lines when you wanted to pay for something during Christmas season

[@TheBenjammin]

Apparently youre the only one that feels that way or the stores would still be in business.

[@vanrajsindha9918]

Life was NOT complicated back then

[@rudygracia5573]

@@TheBenjammin No,The internet replaced everyone/everything.ie;No more Great Rock Stars/Rock Bands either.

[@johnpatterson4816]

Don't forget about these famous Texas Chains-Foley's;Joske"s and Sakowitz.

[@muffassa6739]

My husband worked for Montgomery Wards, they were a great company to work for. We in Michigan still miss them very much.

[@momusic3327]

Us Michiganders always add a s to the end of our stores. Wards meijers krogers 😂

[@karlar8648]

I still get the catalog from Montgomery Wards.

[@maryleemanley7740]

@@karlar8648 So do I. I also buy from their catalog.

[@Diana-yn2ho]

My mom used to shop there.

[@m42037]

Crapo Walmart put them out of business to just an online store now. People don't shop at Walmart! They also pollute bad with plastic bags from here to Asia. Kroger is halting plastic bags next year 2025

[@karlhungus5554]

00:24 - F.W. Woolworth/Woolworth's 01:08 - Marshall Field & Co./Marshall Field's 01:38 - Mervyn's 02:10 - Gimbel's/Gimbels 02:49 - Montgomery Ward & Co./Ward's 03:33 - S. S. Kresge Co./Kresge's 04:12 - Kaufmann's 04:41 - Hills 05:14 - National Record Mart 05:49 - Bonwit Teller 06:29 - Zayre 07:14 - The Hecht Co./Hecht's 07:30 - The Bon-Ton 08:06 - Fotomat 08:43 - Service Merchandise 09:15 - Circuit City 09:56 - HHGregg 10:20 - Linens 'n Things 11:01 - Sports Authority

[@Alexs23743]

Of those 19 things, I'm pretty sure only six ever existed in my area.

[@fredtracy1673]

00:24 also Woolco in Canada

[@jonlobb]

Anyone remember Caldor?

[@robira1313]

@@jonlobb - nope.

[@donalddoty5768]

W. T. Grant.

[@SlipperywhenRhett]

I miss Radio Shak. My dad worked for Tandy in the 70's and 80's, and we moved all over while dad opened and managed new stores in malls.

[@iadorenewyork1]

I still use my Radio Shack plug-in radio, which I bought in the early 90s. Still works. I used to go to Radio Shack a lot.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and sharing some memories of where your dad worked.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Radio Shack was a great store!

[@vanrajsindha9918]

I went in to radio shack about 5 years ago in Waukegan Illinois

[@MarkMyers-qf9mk]

I remember buying all sorts of diodes and circuit boards from there, I rewired my guitar with parts from them in the 70's. The employees seemed to always know what you needed.

[@hotpuppy1]

Don't forget Radio Shack on the list. One small department store chain was Bergner's that was bought up by Bon-Ton and went out of business when the parent company did. Also included in merger and later going out of business was Carson Perie Scott and Famous Barr, all higher end department stores. Venture stores (now gone) were competition for K-Mart. K-Mart bought Sears and is in the midst of running both into the ground. Lost our local Sears AND K-Mart stores.

[@vanrajsindha9918]

I bought a FM RADIO TRANSMITTER KIT in Chicago on somewhere on Milwaukee and Elston or around SIX CORNERS AND PUT TOGETHER AND IT WORKED I WAS SPEAKING🗣 IT PICKED UP THE 📶📶SIGNALS.... it was fun🤣

[@ramencurry6672]

I still have some electronic parts from Radio Shack that I still occasionally use and comes in handy

[@gabrielleeliseo6062]

Radio Shack still exists. It has an online marketplace now.

[@reggiedunlop2222]

I used to shop at Radio Shack all the time in So Cal in the 80’s

[@johnbuterbaughsr.933]

Lafayette electronic stores too

[@Sounds_of_Ambience]

It's crazy how time just passes in a blink of an eye. Some amazing stores with fond memories.

[@Xeyedjohn]

Blink of an eye is very accurate.

[@Sounds_of_Ambience]

@@Xeyedjohn It really is. I can't even fathom what happened moments ago or even days ago. Its crazy.

[@vanrajsindha9918]

I remember as if it was just yesterday

[@onlythewise1]

sad gone for ever invaded to death america is

[@kckgirl78]

Stores from my childhood, teen and young adulthood. I miss them all. 🥀❤️

[@chorlauheung4920]

Woolworth's was my favorite! There was one in my neighborhood. You were able to purchase such items as clothes, snacks, and toys (i.e. G.I. Joe). Miss having them around.

[@TrinhNguyen-sh4fj]

I miss these stores and miss malls in general. I truly hope malls and some of these stores make a comeback even if it is under a different name. Even with online shopping and the internet, it is still great and better to actually see and feel what you want to buy. You get it on the spot instead of waiting for it to get delivered. Things can get damaged and lost in the mail too. Gosh, I feel so ancient... 😢 Thanks soooo much for this nostalgic video.

[@Scott__C]

I have to say I hate the trend of outdoor shopping centers. I liked going inside the mall to shop.

[@ezrabrooks12]

ONLY ONE MALL LEFT IN MY AREA!!!!! THE GANG BANGERS SHOOT IT UP DAILY/MAINLY FRIDAY, SATURDAY NIGHTS!!!!!! ALMOST ALL OF THE ANCHOR STORES HAVE MOVED OUT!!!!! IT USED TO BE A NICE MALL UNTILL THEY BUILT A LARGE LOW INCOME/SECT 8/WELFARE HOUSING COMPLEX RIGHT BEHIND THE MALL!!!!! THE POLICE DEPT HAS ACTUALLY HAD TO PUT A FULL TIME FORCE OUT THEIR!!!!!!

[@Amen.22]

The Kmart where I live is open 24/7 and is always busy. I go there about once a week. The last big thing I purchased there was a kenmore refrigerator, about 2 months ago. They have a little Cesar’s inside.

[@erossinema8797]

Brick and Mortar store shopping has become so inconvenient nowadays, hence the failing of many malls. Also, USA had too much shopping space. We don't need umpteen gazillion stores selling the same thing.

[@claudiaschneider3077]

I miss the Malls too! Outdoor complexes are ridiculous. With Malls it doesn't matter what the weather is doing outside. Nothing like the Malls.

[@krisfrederick5001]

The last time I went to a Mall was for an ironically new vintage video game store that we used to go to in the 90's. It was like walking through a graveyard. So absolutely depressing. Going to that Mall used to be an event on Saturdays, the arcade, the food court. Kids don't even know now.

[@csquire667]

I go to malls all the time

[@marcus813]

Today's kids sure don't. I doubt they'll ever experience a mall atmosphere like what we experienced.

[@theorca3275]

I so remember all of this too. Shopping plazas and Malls weren't just places to go shopping they were also a way to get out of the house. There are some malls and plazas around where I live that are still open but barely have any stores in business.

[@Vagabond_Etranger]

As a kid in the 80's, my parents would take us 5 kids to the mall every month, maybe every 2-3 weeks. Last time I've been to any mall is many years ago, that I don't even remember anymore.

[@superjvt71]

I agree I used to love the mall. Now when I go I try food court samples and don’t shop. Online is more fun.

[@fob1xxl]

My youth !!!!!° Boy do I miss these stores. The "Woolworth" Fountain was a must everytime I went downtown with my Mom. I was 8 , or 9 and we always would have lunch there. I would be mesmerized by the toasters and coffee brewers ! I also loved my "Club Sandwich" with the chips in the middle of the plate ! I was 8 ! Nothing but the fondest memories ! 💙

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and sharing some of your memories!

[@nodanceswithwolves8425]

And cherry cokes!

[@letsmakemoney8027]

I'm still looking for Woolworths Fountain of Youth and for Woolworths to go back in Business. I miss the Good Old Days.

[@MS219E]

I brought my Fathers Ear muffs in 1961 for Christmas. I was 8 years old.

[@TrinhNguyen-sh4fj]

Me too.....😢

[@wendygore2709]

I loved ❤️ our only Woolworth's. They were a five & dime & ours even had a diner/lunch counter inside. Thanks for the memories Rhetty 👍 These videos make me happy and sad at the same time. 🤗😭

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and sharing some of your memories Wendy!

[@nodanceswithwolves8425]

Yep! When I was little my mum used 2take me downtown to Woolworths and I'd get a cherry coke!

[@jasontodd8071]

Kmart used to have a lunch counter too! I remember eating at both! 😀

[@Xenogears76]

Wow I'm near Lancaster PA, and I used to buy military surplus rifles there:) I really missed this store when it died.

[@letsmakemoney8027]

Yeah I remember that some of the Woolworths even had a pet Department I remember seeing birds in the back of the store and I think fish also not sure

[@jamesbarrett3889]

I dont know if it qualifies, but I remember going to H&S Greenstamp stores. You could get just about everything you can think of with enough stamps.

[@johnkerner8073]

S & H Green stamps were the leader. Some grocery stores, drug stores, and gas stations gave them out with every purchase. A & P gave out Plaid Stamps, Some other grocery stores might give out H&O(?) Gold Stamps and I think Kroger's back in the late 60's or thereabouts gave out Blue Stamps.

[@garydufur]

@@johnkerner8073 BE-LO's Gave stamps. My gram had me lick hundreds of them. She would give me a list and $5 and I would come home with 3 paper bags of groceries. Miss that time.

[@gloriousjohnson1807]

: Blue Chip Stamps store too!😊

[@angiehull5518]

We also had the TV Stamp Store.

[@BillClarke-cn5lf]

And good stuff too.

[@stan_meow3778]

I miss Mervyn’s and Payless Shoes. Nearly all my clothing and shoes as a kid came from those stores! I still have very vague memories of walking into Montgomery Ward’s with my mom when I was really little.

[@johnoconnor6356]

I remember Payless Shoes. Maybe it should have been spelled Pay Less Shoes, as Payless might be misinterpreted as payless, as in free shoes.

[@lukemn29]

Watching these vids reminds me there once was a thriving retail sphere before Amazon.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Yes there was. Thank you for watching!

[@Nerval-kg9sm]

Ecommerce accounts for less than 20% of retail sales in the U.S., and Amazon only accounts for half of that 16-20%. Amazon and Ecommerce generally did not destroy brick-and-mortal retail. That's just a myth propagated by the media and people who've never looked at the data.

[@Mr50403]

These stores put business out just like Amazon. It is no different.

[@VickiCampbell-1216]

Thanks, Rhetty!! I wasn't aware of how old some of these businesses were when they started. I'm really grateful that you keep these memories alive for many of us. ❤

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching Vicki!

[@PeterKKraus]

They were all 0 years old when they started.

[@VickiCampbell-1216]

@@PeterKKraus 😂You're right. Ooops! Didn't realize how I worded that, hahaha!!

[@PeterKKraus]

@@VickiCampbell-1216 👍

[@cocoaorange1]

Same Here.

[@pamelasmith6221]

This brought back memories! I’m 55 but I feel a lot older after watching this! 😂 I Loved Service Merchandise!! I don’t like shopping and they made it easy. Loved waiting for my items to come down the conveyor belt. It was one of the stores I registered at for my wedding in 1993. My husband and I still have a few things from there. 😅

[@recoveringsoul755]

I grew up where the big deal at Christmas time was the Sears holiday catalog, and the Montgomery Ward catalog. We'd pour through those catalogs for many hours, writing down what we wanted for Christmas.

[@m42037]

They still have a catalog

[@recoveringsoul755]

@@m42037 does it get sent to every home?

[@Belle90029]

Another great trip down memory lane! Thanks, Rhetty! 😊

[@samuelschick8813]

Yea, Rhetty loves making us feel old. LOL

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're welcome and thank you for watching Annabelle!

[@Knucky_Sammich]

Monkey Wards was the best! I remember they had a huge electronics section with the awesome 80's stereos. It was totally acceptable to crank the stereos up to test them out (at least for a minute or two). They even had a copy of "Brothers in Arms" on cassette in the biggest system. And the little portable TVs seemed like something from the future!

[@jclay6680]

Monkey wards always had everything ( like Sears )

[@hugoschmeisser2484]

wow I thought only my dad called it monkey wards lol

[@jclay6680]

@@hugoschmeisser2484 My dad called it as well .

[@robadams5799]

"Brothers in Arms" as in Dire Straits?

[@georgekisselbrock8937]

@@hugoschmeisser2484 Same here! My dad called it the same.

[@SavaFiend]

I worked at both Hills department store and Kmart at different times back in the day. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're welcome and thank you for watching and sharing where you worked.

[@starababa1985]

We used to go to the 5&10 at the start of every summer for a new pair of flip flops and squirt guns. The really little kids would get bubble blowing liquid with a free attached wand. Now they go to the dollar store, so at least those pleasures haven't entirely disappeared. But there's nothing like the sound of an old wooden floor underfoot, or the sight of an embossed tin ceiling overheard. Those places had atmosphere, especially at holiday time. No matter how lean your Christmas was, you could always find a little bit of sparkle to brighten your home.

[@D0ugh.B0y]

When I moved to Australia back in 2001, I was surprised to see that Woolworths were still open and a really big deal there. It blew my mind. They’re still going strong in Australia til this day.

[@cindiamartinez8384]

I went to a Woolworth store in South Africa in 2017!!! Nothing like the one I remember from my childhood but I couldn't resist!!!😢😢😢

[@suziecreamcheese211]

Aren’t they grocery stores there though?

[@3rdFloorblog]

So many iconic American companies...gone but defintely not forgotten.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching!

[@tod3msn]

Montgomery Ward was like a classy Sears. It was not super big like Walmart nor was it as loaded with appliances like Sears but it had a balance in it’s merchandising. It was a good mix of a lot of items and it was not cluttered like many stores today. You walk around Walmart and the isles are filled with displays and there is not a lot of room for the customers to walk. Look at the photo here and you can see lots of floor space for the public to walk in and a healthy mixture of items.

[@christystewart4567]

I bought a reclining chair at our local one in 1994. The chair still works great.

[@christystewart4567]

@@SunriseLAW sales failure in those areas probably meant they were newer stores that were built in the post WWII era when a number of management mistakes started a decline. Prior to the war the stores were very popular. The one near where I grew up in the 60s and 70s did really well though I’m not sure of it’s age. It anchored a small shopping mall that had the store on one end and a domed century movie theater on the other with small shops in between. That changed somewhat when a large, new modern mall was built a couple of miles from it with a Sears, Pennys and Macys as anchor stores. But lots of people still went to Wards if they didn’t want to deal with the larger mall. The one near where I eventually moved did ok for a while. It was a stand alone store. But it had competition from two malls in the area. One was a smaller mall anchored by a Mervyns (also defunct now) and a May Company store and a larger one with Sears, Pennys and I think Robinsons with anchors. Both May Company and Robinsons are gone now, they merged sometime in the 90s then got bought out by Macys. The Sears in the larger mall is now closed.

[@km6341]

Thank for this look back at retail history. You brought back both happy and melancholy memories of the stores we used to visit. In Bakersfield, we recently had an entire mall leveled to the ground and bulldozed away. It was home to a Mervyns, Foleys, Macys, Sears, a theater and many others. It’s sad that online retailers have rendered the personal and face-to-face shopping experience useless.

[@Bacopa68]

I had no idea Foley's got as far west as CA. As a Houston kid, Foley's was just the "nice place" you went to.

[@jimroscovius]

The Montgomery Wards and Sears Wish Books were awesome!! I remember circling items I wanted for Christmas. Fun times!! Had great times in Kmart with my parents. Popcorn was always a snack and the toy aisles were a dream. We had a Ben Franklin store in my hometown. We called it "The Big Dime Store" and were there a lot with our dimes.

[@m42037]

Walmart Target put everyone out of business, what bland stores they are today yuk. Walmart is a big pollution maker with their bags, I just watched a show about it.

[@elizmaybgriffintwo2772]

I remember the sign they had in their stores. Pretty To Look At. Delightful To Hold. If I Should Break It Consider It Sold. Those were the good ole days.

[@marlenepearson3936]

I remember some of these. It's amazing how many, many things are just gone. Thanks 😊 for reminding us Rhett! 💕

[@RhettyforHistory]

It really is sad to see these stores go. Thank you for watching Marlene!

[@kimo2432]

I remember buying our Hamsters from the pet department at Woolworths in the 70's I think they were like $1.99 . Also remember Fedmart and we bought our first color TV at Whitefront back in the 60s. You do great research on your videos Rhetty.

[@bravo3279]

Yes Hamsters were really big in the 70s , I had plenty, remember Habitrail ?

[@kimo2432]

@@bravo3279 Yes I do remember the Habitrail. What about that plastic ball you put the Hamster in ?

[@bravo3279]

@@kimo2432 Yes of course🙂

[@Voix_Voice]

Thank you that was great list of stores we missed. I also was waiting for stores like Gemco, Zodys.

[@floycewhite6991]

Zody's next to the wrong-headed Burbank pedestrian mall.

[@johnmatthews5321]

Zodys Fresno CA on the corner of Blackstone and Barstow

[@Awaywrdson]

Woolworth has always been my favorite, hated to see them close down, the others are OK but Woolworths was always in the neighborhood. Great family store.😊

[@donnapagano7217]

Wow all the old stores from my childhood, so amazing

[@nickimontie]

I liked going to Woolworths and Ames. I still have the Christmas tree I bought at Ames and it's still in great condition. Montgomery Wards gave me my first credit card. With that, I was able to build credit. I miss those stores!

[@chrissy4782]

I LOVED Ames!

[@conleykat]

Montgomery Ward's gave me my 1st kerosene lamp around 1968 when I was five when I fainted in their store. It was little and green.

[@chiaralistica]

My first cards were dept store cards too. That was the way to build credit back in the 80s. Store card, major card, then a car loan. All of that prepared you for your first home and mortgage.

[@ms.krueger2660]

My first CC came from Sears. I really miss all these old stores.

[@nadiabrook7871]

We had Woolworths in the UK too!! Sadly, it too has closed!! I do have many happy memories of shopping there, though!! Thanks for the memories, Rhetty!! 💖💚👍

[@nadiabrook7871]

@Liv Wow!! That's ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!! I'm SOOOOOO glad!!

[@jamescarp]

I remember Montgomery Wards so well! My mom used to take us kids there to buy our school cloths and as I got older, I loved to go there for an array of other things! always such a pleasant experience!

[@MattGleason1]

Grew up near the Hill’s store in Elmira NY. Still remember the fantastic toy dept and the smell of popcorn throughout the store.

[@deborahdesanto2313]

I enjoyed this video so much, a lot of these stores I grew up with and I'm sad there no longer in business, thank you for making this video! ☹

[@michellespivey7395]

Thank you for the trip down memory lane. I have fond memories of Montgomery Ward. It was my favorite store and catalog too.

[@cagermanboy]

I really appreciate your research and passion for the history of American businesses. Please keep doing what you are doing, it's a lesson to the youth of today and certainly a memory buster for us older folks!

[@karenholladay2612]

I have great memories of Woolworths. First in my city it was a small shop with a long counter with stools. Then they moved across the street into a larger building. A cafeteria, ( I always got an egg salad sandwich for some reason). A bakery which my older sister worked in making doughnuts. I stole a black wooden pinky ring from there. I was like 12. Many, many 45's mostly David Cassidy lol. (paid for). Saved up my allowance forever to buy a Magnus chord organ. Loved their hoagies.

[@katrish786]

I loved the hoagies at Woolworths!

[@ediththrift1209]

Loved Woolsworth when I was young. They had the best goldfish selection. And Gimbals in Pittsburg. Mom and I would shop in the morning, then have lunch in their little restaurant before we went home. That was many decades ago.

[@shandajames5444]

I loved going to Woolworth's as a child and Mervyn's was great, and also K-Mart!!! I miss those stores.

[@jeffreyhancock8831]

What a wonderful video! I do remember many of the stores you mentioned, and even a few not mentioned. Stores like Acme Grocery Markets, JJ McCrory's, The S&H GreenStamp store .....so many more come to mind .....sigh, but there gone now. At least I have the memories .....

[@3rdFloorblog]

Ah, the annual Service Mechandise with all the toys and gadgets for kids was something we loved forward to devoting hours flipping thru the pages...then, on the to Star's catalog....the nostalgia abounds.

[@RhettyforHistory]

I really miss those catalogs. Those were always fun to look thru.

[@ericteneyck8691]

I had never heard of some of these. but I do remember many of them. In my teens and early 20s I worked at Kmart, Montgomery Wards as well as Walden Books, but I swear, their later problems were not my fault! Great trip to the past, thanks Rhetty.

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're welcome and thank you for watching and sharing some of your memories!

[@paulsmith295]

Dose anyone remember the stors called coronets

[@ericteneyck8691]

@@paulsmith295 Not me.

[@paulsmith295]

@@ericteneyck8691 ok

[@beckymigdal3140]

I miss Walden Books. They allowed people to get a Greek book every Birthday!

[@gregphillips2071]

I can't believe you did not mention W.T Grant stores. At one time they were the largest retailer with 1,400 stores, behind Sears.

[@TheWabbit]

We had one in Southeast Michigan, a little town named Ypsilanti. I was 13 or 14 when they closed. Another local store was Arlans ( sp?) That one was closed when I was 11 ( 1972 ).

[@doylebrockman8225]

?

[@boomer3150]

Yes! I also recall these stores: Hegewisch Records, Yellow Front, Gately's Peoples Store, Shopper's World, Ben Franklin, Venture, Musicraft, Robert Hall, Pacific Stereo. In the Chicagoland area, there were two more stores similar to Service Merchandise: McDade and I forget the other...

[@johnmadow5331]

I was old enough to shop at these stores including W.T, Grant way back in 70's. I brought my 1st portable typewriter from Grants for $39.00 and learn how to type in 1972. At that time all merchandise sold at the US outlets are generally Americans made that keep the buying power to Americans!

[@gregphillips2071]

@@johnmadow5331 I was an assistant manager and left the company shortly before they went bankrupt in, I believe, 1972. They would give anybody credit to boost the book numbers and it caught up with them. Luckily, that’s where I met my wife of 52 years!

[@ScottRandolph-dd7dr]

Retro shopping Greetings from coastal Mississippi. Very well researched. Thanks for the memories. Shopped at alot of these stores ❤😂🎉

[@johnvoorhees7881]

I remember Tower Records, Sam Goody, Clover, Strawbridge and Clothier, Kiddie City and a few more from my childhood in Pennsylvania. Cheers, Rhetty!

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and sharing some more stores for us to remember.

[@MarkMyers-qf9mk]

I remember warehouse records in the late 70's, great place to buy used records and used jeans.

[@shaniriley8242]

And John Wanamakers.From Philly myself

[@jimb032]

You missed Hess's! How can you forget Hess's in Pennsylvania?! :(. I'm from your area. Fun fact I still have a Sony ps-f5 "flamingo" that was purchased there in it's OG box.

[@samanthab1923]

I love the old Strawbridge store in Jenkintown.

[@raptureready3015]

In 2017 they closed the Kmart in Milford, Ohio and a little piece of me died. I'm 48 but I remember shopping there when I was just a little girl and people coming up to me and my Mom. They would ask me where I got all of my hair. I would always reply, "Kmart!" Oh, those were the days! Thank you Rhetty for another great one!

[@ynot0714]

I'm near there also! What a shame! We grew up with shopping Kmart in the Cincy area in the 60's and 70's.

[@raptureready3015]

@@ynot0714 I mean that's where we got EVERYTHING! Now, there's a Walmart right over the way in it's place. It's sad to see it.

[@Tracylyn42]

I worked at KMart and they paid 4.00 an hour and paid in cash every Friday. You went to a window in the back of the store and they passed out your pay stub and an envelope with cash. Never realized how weird that was.. lol. My store was in Marion Ohio I also loved Hills

[@raptureready3015]

@@Tracylyn42 my Mom worked at the Milford one when I was a kid. She's gone. I would love to know how they paid her! This is great lol

[@ynot0714]

@@raptureready3015 For 1 winter back in "85, I use to work at Furrow's across the street. Don't know where the time as gone! Lol

[@leesashriber5097]

I love taking these trips down memory lane. Brings back many wonderful memories. Thank you ❣️😊

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're welcome and thank you for watching Leesa!

[@jennifer_m.8613]

My mom used to work at Gimbel's. Loved shopping in the Kaufmann's flagship store in Pittsburgh. Mom bought her wedding dress there in 1984. Loved Hill's. Popcorn and slushies! Circuit City and HH Greg were both in the same shopping center when I was a kid. The Bon Ton replaced my local Kaufmann's for a few years in the early 2000s (Macy's bought out the other anchor store at the mall a few years earlier). Sears, K-Mart, Wicks n Sticks, Limited Too, Field and Stream, Roomful Express, Lazarus, Joseph Hornes Co, Eckerd Drug

[@feeberizer]

In the Seattle area, many of the Fotomats got turned into drive-thru coffee shops that created an easy way to get your morning latte. Brilliant!

[@hawkingjim]

First department store I remember going into was Montgomery wards as a kid. I just remember being so amazed at all the stuff.

[@ndstar4267]

Back in the 70’s and early 80’s we lived just one small block from a Mervyn’s with a Best department store right next to it. With my mom always taking us to Mervyn’s almost once every 2 weeks to go shopping there.She was heart broken when they closed down.

[@sandraruiz3834]

that's interesting the Mervyn's was right across the street from Best in Sacramento lol was that were you lived?

[@felipepubillones2768]

The service merchandise near my childhood home is now a supermarket. I still remember it closing. HHGregg was probably the shortest lived store i saw ball home.

[@joem5643]

Service Merchandise the store where you would pay for something and then pick it up at the conveyor belt.

[@lolawave2159]

Anyone else remember Murphy’s Mart? It was similar to K-mart or Hills, all of which always had a snack bar inside the store where you could purchase hot dogs, soft pretzels, popcorn and cherry or coke slushies to munch while you shopped.

[@johnoconnor6356]

You forgot to mention Bradlee's. What is so sad about stores closing for good, or any company going out of business is the people working in those places being layed off, and having to find other work. I sincerely hope that they will not be out of work too long. The way that malls are closing today, it is every bit as sad for all those people losing their jobs, and having to struggle to find other work.

[@thomasmoje5926]

Our local 'Bon-Ton' store was the 'go to' store for better quality clothing, footwear, and even bedding and living room furniture like recliners and sofas. Two other retailer chains we had in our area (I don' know if they were regional to the Northeast or not) were 'Century' and 'Brand Names'. Like Sears, they published yearly catalogs (although much smaller than Sears or Montgomery Ward) and their catalogs were eagerly awaited every year. Miss the variety of 'brick and mortar' retail outlets that used to be common. And the malls..going to the mall was a social outing as much as for shopping. There was something for everybody: the wife with the variety of clothing and accessory shops, the kids with the toy stores, and me with book stores, hobby shops, and electronics stores. And the food courts. Miss those old 'mall days'.

[@travelingwithmikeandpam9074]

I remember most of these stores. I kind of miss them! Thanks for the memories Rhetty!

[@Nan-59]

Me, too! 🥲

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're welcome and thank you for watching my friend!

[@mikmik9034]

We sometimes got the Sears & Roebuck (3" thick) catalog. My sister in the next state had the Montgomery Ward Catalog (also about 3" thick) which was the reason I liked to visit.

[@chelebear1823]

Mik Mik I have the 1st thick Sears & Roebuck catalog that was published!👍😁

[@jefffox2010]

JC Penney had a thick catalog as well miss the Friday evening trips to town.

[@Hatchet-wy3vn]

When I was a kid (late 60's, early 70's) the local Woolworth's had a lunch bar where you could sit and order food. I miss that place and I miss those days....

[@northernbettygirl]

When I was in high school, my Dad bought me my formal dresses from Marianne's and my dress shoes next door at Baker's in the mall. I still have a couple of them!

[@girlgamergear3260]

Aww...I miss Hills and Ames! We just replaced the huge lighted wreaths at our church that still had Ames stickers on the boxes!

[@RhettyforHistory]

Oh how interesting that the wreath had those stickers still on it. Thank you for watching and sharing your memories!

[@brandonh9557]

I worked at an Ames store for a couple years after high school.. The Ames where I live now was originally a Hills. It's been 20 years since Ames went under and the signs are still there. One in the parking lot by the road and the one on the store itself.

[@Fools_Requiem]

Missing a store called Best. They were catalog showrooms, and their stores were massive.

[@MrDiksum]

Best Products Company. A catalog store.

[@Bill-y1j]

I used to visit the Best store in Torrance, CA when I was a kid...always liked that place.

[@nadiazahroon6573]

My mom worked as a Xmas gift wrapper way back in the 50’s. Hope all is good with u Rhetty and your family.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Hello Nadia. All is good here and I hope you are doing well too. Those wrappers used to be a big thing and now you can hardly see them. I've always thought it was a great service to have. Thank you for watching and sharing a little about your mom.

[@letsmakemoney8027]

Yeah remember when the stores had a gift wrapping service you would bring your gifts after you were done shopping and you could get them wrapped. You'll never see this that again what better times

[@chiaralistica]

I worked as a seasonal employee a couple of times. I always wanted to be in the gift wrap dept, I love wrapping gifts.

[@laraoneal7284]

@@RhettyforHistory ty Rhetty for these vids. It’s so nice to know that I’m not the only one missing these stores. I actually cried when Broadway store closed right near me. I loved their jewelry and furniture department so much and I would go there even if it was just to look. I went at least twice a week. I get full of nostalgia for these stores. I shop sometimes just to escape from my cares and problems. It just had always been fun for me and like an adventure when I felt so alone. I feel bad for some of the employees at stores that are still open bc I know they will probably be closed down the road. Sad time we are living in right now for so many reasons. Ty so much for caring and addressing this. It is an important topic I believe. God bless you.

[@letsmakemoney8027]

@Carina Rosales what a shame A&S and fortunoffs also had gift-wrapping departments

[@michaelwilliams6814]

Before there was Home Depot, I used to go with my dad to Handyman and Builder's Emporium as a kid in southern California. We also would go to Thrifty's to test the TV tubes in the tester machine. Great memories.

[@johngilles9371]

San Diego area here, sounds familiar!

[@thehapagirl92]

What is Handyman and Builder’s Emporium? You must be an old person like my boomer mom. We were both born and raised in OC but by the time I was born in 1992 those stores you mention didn’t exist. She’s old (born in 1956) so maybe back in her childhood days those stores were still around

[@kimberlyhoughtaling2902]

I forgot all about Builders Emporium! Wow

[@robertacomeau6504]

Kindness bringing good memories back, born and raised in Stamford Connecticut shopped many of these stores. Watching from the Catskill Mountains upstate New York - USA🌹

[@earleneworrell]

Hey Robert I'm going to take you back do you remember the restaurant called greasy spoon down the street from King's department store.

[@earleneworrell]

Hey Robert I'm going to take you do you remember the restaurant called greasy spoon down the street from King's department store.

[@earleneworrell]

Hey Robert I'm going to take you you remember the restaurant called greasy spoon down the street from King's department store.

[@earleneworrell]

Hey Robert I'm going to take you you remember the restaurant called greasy spoon down the street from King's department store.

[@michaelhaywood8262]

We also had Woolworths herein GB. It suddenly closed down completely in Dec 2008. it was very sudden. If you had been there in October or November, no one would have had the slightest clue that anything was wrong.Most major towns had a branch. I have memories of Saturday visits to Woolworth's with my parents.

[@johnkerner8073]

In the late 70's or early 80's they started opening WOOLCOs in some suburbs and smaller cities to compete with Kresge's new K-MARTS.

[@drusmith3480]

I loved Woolworths. I remember my Grandma and I would go to Woolworths after Easter to get the discount Easter candy. Lol 🐰🍫

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and sharing some of your memories Dru!

[@GuitarAnthony]

Others I miss from Long Island, NY. Great Eastern, Modell's (when it was a department store versus today's sports equipment seller), Pergament (again previously a department store before became a home improvement store), Mays, Woolco (owned by Woolworth's), Times Square Stores (aka TSS) & Play World toy stores.

[@susanfaulkner2304]

Oooh yes, I hadn't thought of Great Eastern in forever. It was so in New Jersey.

[@andyhowat4624]

The way the world is today, I love these videos.

[@mhr5586]

Otasco, TG&Y were a huge treat for my sister and I when we got to drive to town from our rural community. We used S&H green stamps to get prizes. Oh the days…

[@sweetkitty3249]

I liked how quick & easy it was to use Fotomat. But I also remember thinking how lonely it must be to work in that little booth.

[@chiaralistica]

I worked in a drive thru lane at a bank. It was a little building with one station, so by myself all day. Lucky I had a lot of customers to talk to.

[@Xeyedjohn]

I had forgot all about Fotomat until this video, now I can't get the little hut out of my mind.

[@dedwin8930]

My wife got robbed at gun point in a Foto Mat as an employee!!

[@kevinburnett5475]

Thanks Rhetty! I think many of the Mervyn's stores in California turned into Kohl's. Another chain that went away is Tower Records.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and sharing another store we need to remember. That Tower Records is a big one.

[@laceybarbee5553]

I miss Mervyns too. That place was my childhood!

[@jimmyarmijo2252]

Yeah, I guess FYE replaced it...

[@georgemaster9979]

Tower Records, Virgin Megastores and The Warehouse were my go to for music.Sad they're all gone😞 Another one gone since 1981(New Jersey) and 1982(Pennsylvania)was Two Guys.Reminded me of Walmart today.

[@paanne1013]

My Father-in-law shopped at Two Guys all the time! So many good stores are gone now and all we have left are the Big Box stores that I hate.

[@sandraruiz3834]

yes same for me with Tower and The Warehouse!

[@MrFree2BeMe1]

WoolWorth's will always be my Favorite besides Lionel Playworld, i remember my Mother taking me their to get most of my Action Figures Motu etc... and i got the Nes when it first came out, brings tears to my eyes when i even pass around the area's they were located at.

[@myflyisopen.8732]

I loved Modell's discount stores. The place was like TWO CALDOR stores!!! It even had an escalator! SOOO many bargains, fairly priced clothes, and cheap toys! It became a Burlington Coat Factory and closed down.

[@douglasiles2024]

Being from Virginia, I remember shopping at places like Zayre, Woolworth, Ames, and Montgomery Ward. But we also had stores not mentioned here like Roses, Bradlee's, and Ben Franklin. Great memories.

[@garfield2439]

Omg I loved Kmart and Zayres!!!

[@monique2499]

Yes I remember my mom taking me to Wards and Circuit City. I remember Ames and Bradley’s too. 80s baby.

[@Mr50403]

Ben Franklin is still open in Macon Missouri.

[@robindear5043]

Rose's and Ross are still open and doing very well.

[@bryanspindle4455]

I live in Hampton. We still have Rose's. I used to like Murphy's as a kid in the 60s too.

[@keita4040]

I remember some of these stores back home in Virginia. My grandparents loved these places ❤ By the time I was born most were phasing out. I remember going to places like, Zayre, Ames, Circuit City, Woolworth…oh so many. Thank you for making these videos 👏🏾💯👍🏾❤️

[@judyfabion8849]

I grew up in Chicago and loved Marshall Field and Carson Piere Scott. At Christmas, the windows had great displays, the bathrooms were marble, and they had escalators.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and sharing some of your memories!

[@vanrajsindha9918]

I lived in in uptown by Broadway and buena street in the 70'S we always went shopping at GOLDBLATTS and Montgomery Ward by Wilson and CTA L STATION

[@ZRaden]

Forgot Consumers and Woolco. Used to love getting the Consumers catalogue in the mail and seeing all the new cool stuff.

[@JohnTashjian-f4n]

I remember some of these stores. Two book stores that no longer exist are Crown Books and Walenbooks, as well

[@rafanifischer3152]

I have a family member who worked at Woolworths for many years. She had employee discounts and her house had all kinds of merchandise. Stacks of towels, toilet paper, and everything that Woolworths sold. Her house was like a mini-Woolworths.