This Store is a 90s Time Capsule! | Retail Archaeology

[@DR4WZ]

That flooring in cosmetics is not faux marble, it is marble. Dillard's owns it's own marble quarry and every store originally built by Dillard's uses that marble.

[@americafirst9144]

Cool.

[@Thatsright-tr2ks]

Awwww😊

[@windycitykitty]

Was just going to post "it's REAL marble!" Did not know about the quarry, very interesting, thanks for sharing.

[@Heybabetv]

Wow that’s incredible!

[@gstevens6948]

Very cool…

[@jst7714]

One MAJOR difference between Dillard’s and most every other retailer is that the Dillard family still runs and owns the company. Each store can expect an annual inspection from a founding family member. It’s their name on the building and they have vested interest in it. And yeah, that’s real marble in the store.

[@melanisethares267]

I love shopping at Dillard's. Beautiful merchandise!

[@FuImaDragon]

@@melanisethares267 same

[@Esirre]

yeah Dillards is still nice. Still have one in the mall near here and the quality of the store in general stands out

[@shadymercury]

our regional equivalent to Dillard's here in MI was #Hudson's, owned by J.L. Hudson. Shopping at Hudson's was a truly special experience, & I'm from a generation that came AFTER the "Downtown Store" (the flagship store). For generations, shopping at Hudson's , whether it was the downtown store, or one of the suburban branches, was like a status symbol among Detroiters. Sadly, Hudson's no longer exists, & Macy's just can't compare. The closest thing we have to Dillard's now is Von Maur

[@jst7714]

@@shadymercury Hudson’s was a great store, I know you’re telling the truth as both sides of my family are from Michigan. The owner also provided a lot of capital to an upstart auto maker, which in turn named the company after him - Hudson.

[@pilotgeorge2000]

I went to a vocational high school at an airport as a kid. One day, the Dillards executives flew in to evaluate one of their stores. When they taxi'd by, they saw all of us students standing out on the ramp and waving (as we usually do). They brought the plane around, parked it next to us and stopped to visit the school. They spent quite a while talking to us, learning about the school, and showing us their corporate jet before they went on their way. They were some of the kindest folks I've ever met. To this day, dillards is the only department store I shop at, and I wish them continued success.

[@silverxstar01]

This entire store is just pure CLASS. This early 90s aesthetic provides an air of sophistication that today’s minimalist white hellscapes can only aspire to. Those mirrored jewelry cases were the real standout to me!

[@jolene3863]

If the 90s vibe bothers anyone, so be it. I LOVE the degree of attentive customer service in Dillards and come home happy with my purchases and feeling like the bit of retail therapy was worth it. Too many other stores only leave me feeling depressed. The decor is classic and classy. I am going to keep shopping there

[@BoratWanksta]

The 1990s vibe is a PLUS, to me. I hope this Dillard's store always keeps this 90s look!

[@colleenh5509]

Retired from Dillard’s and very proud to say that. It’s an incredible family operated business. They all take pride in their stores. Thank you for the video and your comments.

[@ericacruz8261]

😂😂that place gave me trauma

[@BettyBug611]

worst company LOL

[@catheyok]

As a former store manager with Dillard’s, the policy was to have a defined Christmas Shop set up by the end of September. There was to be no back stock or very little. Dillard’s has always carried really high quality Christmas decor and many items are extremely collectible. You want a full 8 weeks selling at regular price before you start seeing sales or markdowns. So…count the weeks until Black Friday…it’s eight weeks. And then, you may begin to see a few sales or markdowns on Christmas merchandise. But if you waited, the most desirable collectibles will be very picked over. Plus, interior decorators who want a certain color or style theme have to get lots of their items well ahead of the decorating season. Most people have their decorations up just before Thanksgiving or the weekend after. And I promise, Dillard’s isn’t setting up their Christmas shops earlier every year. They have a method and it works.

[@ZDson3112]

Huh, that's an interesting insight, thanks.

[@rareblues78daddy]

Or, you can buy the cheaper knock-off online. "Collectable Christmas Decor" No... just, no. Useless garbage.

[@InugamiTheHound]

I wish clothing companies would stock less XXL and above because all the good sizes are bought up and rest get on clearance rack and can't find nothing good. We need more stock of small, medium and large sizes and in colors and patterns we like.

[@hardlyb]

That's interesting. Thanks. And as a family who puts up our tree on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, we're pretty much done buying decorations before Thanksgiving. When our kids were little, and we lived in CA, we used to take them to Disneyland sometime in December, and we'd let them buy some decorations at the Christmas shop off New Orleans Square, and then they'd put those on the tree when we came home, but that was it for getting decorations after Thanksgiving.

[@Frip36]

My uncle is named Dillard.

[@jessiodonnell4265]

I work at Dillards, and they spends a hUGE amount of money on payroll, and the employees are responsible for clienteling and getting customers in the door. They also offer a credit line that helps keep things cheaper for them. They're not a bad company to work for to get into higher end retail. I work in the kid's shoes department and I can ask the Dillards family questions indirectly through my higher management and get answers. The family themselves come and check out the stores and meet with employees. It's stock is also predominantly owned by employees of the company as well as you automatically get a share at 1 year of being with the company. I will say, we can get pretty busy on the weekends, and customers are usually older and want very specialized attention. Over all, they keep it very old school, but the customers really do love it.

[@historiclift27]

I am not that old and I love buying from Dillard’s. It has excellent merchandise at reasonable prices and still provides great customer service consistently. Also the look of every brach I go to including the newer ones has a timeless classic feel. Love the arched ceilings wood paneling and marble floors.

[@jstauffer4213]

Seems like Dillard’s is the southern equivalent of Boscov’s, which we have in the northeast. I love family owned department stores! We seriously need more companies like these.

[@spectroman71]

Dillard's and Von Maur do an excellent job keeping their older fixtures looking brand new. I am more impressed by the condition of the store than whether it's 100% up to date. Even when Macy's remodels, they use such cheap materials that they are scuffed and ruined within their first year. As conservative as they are, both in decor and in management, it works for Dillards and they somehow manage to allocate funding for both maintenance and recovery staff AND produce a decent balance sheet. I try to shop there whenever I am near a store location.

[@SolaireHighwind]

Yeah, even if it's not "modern", spaces look a lot better when they're well-kept.

[@davis6123]

Von Maur is an absolute retail gem. They’re proof that when you actually invest in your stores and your employees, department stores can still be successful. They opened a new location about a year ago near me and they’re doing very well.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

I'd think dust, lint, grime, dirt would be the big issues. A large retail 🛒 space like this may take 2-3 staff maybe 3-4hr to clean up, get prepared.

[@baristaTam]

I think Dillard's has just about made it around the fashion loop to where these 90s aesthetics are trendy once again. The store feels like perfect nostalgia.

[@jennifermdryer4776]

@@davis6123Von Maur is dedicated to updating a several stores at $5.5 million for each store remodel. All of the beautiful antiques will be sold off and be very contemporary. This makes me sad, and furthermore how will Von Maur financially suffer? Von Maur has extraordinary perks like free shipping and free gift wrap. Dillard’s charges $9 for either. Also, Von Maur Credit Card doesn’t charge interest or charge late fees. Plus, Von Maur has in house seamstresses on staff. These specifics makes for a more a loyal Von Maur customer. But again, with the antiques going out the door, will the piano also move out? Live music is always great! Dillard’s represent the real population. Von Maur still requires employees to dress in the “Von Morgue “attire. It’s a department store! Feature the items you sell! Dillard’s gives new employees a 50% off discount to update their Dillard’s wardrobe!!!

[@InkMink]

It’s weird seeing it so empty but it’s also oddly familiar and comforting to see an old style department store like this so well preserved. I can almost hear my mom yell at me to stay close 😂

[@jeee1074]

Exactly what I thought, Dillard's ships their old merchandise out to their clearance stores instead of letting it pile up like other department stores. Dillard's employees also speak to customers and offer free samples of makeup, perfume, and colognes. Their customer service is still a huge focus which helps sales.

[@garretthoward13]

They earn commission still from my understanding. Which is partially why they're interested, but they aren't terribly pushy: good balance.

[@kimwarner1681]

That’s smart, Macy’s now looks worse than a Kmart!

[@nomadcowatbk]

they turn the stores they're gonna close into clearance centers for a while then close them

[@cathygalea2558]

@@garretthoward13It depends certain department like ladies shoes cosmetics and men suits are commissioned other areas are sales per hr

[@terryechoes3192]

Man, I miss just window shopping.

[@daughterofsekhmet81]

I loooooove Dillards. I love that they're family owned, I love that they maintain their stores, I love their clearances, and I love that they don't pointlessly renovate their beautiful retro stores into soulless beige and steel industrial eyesores like every other store nowadays. I was so sad when I moved to Wisconsin and found out the closest Dillard's is in Illinois

[@BoratWanksta]

Dillard's was originally in talks to open at Brookfield Square in the Milwaukee area, but sadly they backed out before starting construction on a store there. :(

[@MercenaryBlackWaterz]

"Shop at Dillard's, we won't bum you out" -Dillard's new ad campaign motto.

[@emmettturner9452]

8:30 “faux marble floors” Nope. Dillard’s owns an actual marble mining operation specifically to distinguish their stores from other retailers by having real marble. :) They have all kinds of rules about what you can use to clean the floors (pretty much just water) but I always thought marble could resist even the harshest cleaners.

[@Bluto-pd2gw]

Who remembers 90s Service Merchandise😮, Lionel Toy 🦘 World, Sizzlers or Captain Crabs🦀with that catchy Radio 📻 Advertisement for the restaurant.

[@Bluto-pd2gw]

Bricks and Mortars🧱 are disappearing😞

[@loriegabidel]

We don't have Dillard's out here, but man, this video felt like a warm hug. It was like I went back in time in the best way.

[@sarahyoung6746]

In Lincoln, Nebraska our Dillards just acquired space from the Yonkers that went out of business right next to it. So it doubled in size and they upgraded all of the features so its way more up to date. This seems unheard of in current brick and mortar retail. I’m so thankful! ☀️

[@PlutoniumSlums]

Haha, yonkers. What a weird name for a store

[@jennamarie4009]

i’m in omaha and our von maur still hasn’t been upgraded :(

[@jennamarie4009]

@@PlutoniumSlumsit was actually called younkers

[@sarahyoung6746]

Yes, thank you, I was just going to reply to that correcting myself... Guessing it was a family name? @@jennamarie4009

[@AndrewBarsky]

Sorry to hear about the whole living in Nebraska thing. :(

[@C-V-Z]

Back in HS, i had a gf with an autistic brother and their mom would sometimes drop us off at dillards because it was a 3 story store and he loved riding the escalators. Visited that same store after nearly a decade and was surprisingly impressed. I expected a dead store full of liminal spaces but was surprised at how well kept everything was. Its still a full 3 story dillards connected to a mall in texas and the bathrooms were immaculate and the store seemed well staffed. kinda glad to see the store I had my prom pants fitted at is still around and kicking. Happy to see another upload from your channel!

[@SocraticMind89]

Yep and nearly all dillards have luxurious soap in the restrooms too!

[@Voucher765]

I think you'll also like Boscovs, It's another cool store from back in the day in parts of PA like Scranton

[@RampagingChipmunk]

Dillard’s actually owns almost all of their store locations rather than leasing them. Hence why they look nice; it’s their stuff not the mall operator’s stuff so they are incentivized to take care of it.

[@Hotlog69]

With the rate that malls are closing down, that might not have been the greatest strategy.

[@sharisseg7214]

@@Hotlog69my sales associate from Dillards told me even if the mall closed down they’d still be opened because like stated in the above comment, she told me Dillards owns the properties they build their stores on.

[@Caderic]

@@Hotlog69 Real estate is almost always a good strategy. Even if the mall closes, and even the store, they have an asset to sell, other than a finicky thing like fashion.

[@Hotlog69]

@@sharisseg7214 They're struggling to draw people in now to a mall that's open. You think they would fair just as well if it was closed around them?

[@Hotlog69]

@@Caderic Something is better than nothing I suppose. Though, that something might not have any value if the surrounding area is totally vacant. That might have been a winning strategy 30 years ago but, not today.

[@lisaray7141]

I'm 40 years old and man I miss the 90s. Loved wandering around the stores with my younger sister trying to decide what we wanted to buy with our allowance, Christmas or birthday money. Good times.

[@ryanhilliard1620]

Glad to hear Dillard’s is holding their own! We have the same situation in my city. Macy’s looks HORRIFIC and horrible service! Dillards always looks well kept and pristine! Not as great as it was 20+ years ago, but far better than the competition.

[@azblueauthor8081]

It's nice to see footage of my childhood Dillard's. I recently moved to the Nashville area and the Dillard's at CoolSprings Galleria is extremely similar to Superstition Springs. It's a little smaller, the top and bottom floors or flipped, and it didn't get the late 90's remodel in Men's, but has really brought me back whenever I go in.

[@leukybear]

Wow and all that extra effort by employees on the sales floor works! Haven't been to a department store like that in years but I want to go to this one!

[@watershed44]

*This store looks amazing. Warm, inviting, organized, you can tell that Dillard's cares about their stores and their customers*. I do agree plenty of character in this location. They make you feel like you really want to be there and enjoy the shopping experience!

[@jennifercash6250]

I worked at a Dillard's in the early 2000s. I remember they made everybody wear jackets because they were a "classy" store. :) It really wasn't a bad place to work, except for the sales-per-hour (employees have to sell a certain amount to keep their hourly rate. I got pay cuts and pay raises while I was there, and that can cause friction between you and your co-workers) and the twice-a-year overnight inventory (I don't know why they didn't hire an outside company to do that. Hopefully they do now). We didn't have a ton of traffic except for the big clearance event days once or twice a year. I don't shop there a lot anymore, but I don't mind going once in a while.

[@4forevergirl4]

I know at least at my store associates still have a sales goal to meet, though idk if they get a pay cut if they don’t. However I work at the customer service so I don’t have to worry about that. :P

[@jst7714]

It is the same method of sales per hour and credit cards per month metrics. One can be canned if goals aren’t met.

[@4forevergirl4]

@@jst7714 they don’t really do that at my store.

[@jst7714]

@@4forevergirl4 I remember they fired a 20 year lady’s petite veteran because of it

[@jennifercash6250]

@@jst7714 I forgot about the credit cards! I don’t think they made us push them back then as much as they would now.

[@ckrtom2]

Nice seeing something positive in department store retail! Nice to see employees taking pride in their store! The kept up maintained 90’s theming is nice and a plus! My grandparents adored Dillard’s back in the day.

[@cathygalea2558]

That could be because they were getting ready for a corporate visit and the area he was filming isn't a high traffic area for the store

[@ToLovelyJesus]

The 90’s decor is hugely nostalgic for me. My dad likes to shop there.

[@SeanStrife]

When you mentioned that Dillard's was down from 300 to about 270-something, I get this feeling the stores that closed down were closed because the malls themselves shut down; the dead mall that I used to go to before it got shut down in 2020 RIGHT as the pandemic was underway had a Dillard's attached to it.

[@DeflatingAtheism]

Good point, although anchor stores can often outlive their host malls!

[@edsloan8535]

@@DeflatingAtheism Several anchor stores are still at the sites of demolished malls here in Kansas City. Stupid thing is they always tear down the malls and build all new retail. Such a waste. If communities passed laws making it illegal for parents to have malls babysit their kids, then they would still be around.

[@cathygalea2558]

@@DeflatingAtheism Dillard's if I am not mistaken own most of the property at the malls so while the others rent the space they only close those off because they sell the property

[@JA-vv8wy]

Dillard’s has always been where I buy my nice dresses for church, weddings, funerals, etc (I’m 38). I also get my nice leather heels and flats there. In my opinion, they are the classiest department store in my price range (I’ve never been to a Nordstrom’s). I like that they sell designer lines, such as Antonio Milani, and they are located each in their own section which means I don’t have to fish through racks of clothes to find the designers I’m looking for.

[@cannedcream]

Man, what a time capsule. Never thought I'd feel nostalgic for shopping.

[@debbienix8458]

I live in Texas and I prefer a traditional mall because of weather and the convenience of parking once to access many different stores. I don’t care for what we call open air malls or strip malls.

[@zamboozle3741]

Dillard's is literally the only department store I actually WANT to shop at, because the atmosphere is so wonderful and timeless. Others, like Macy's and JC Penney are just... awful. I only shop at those other locations if someone drags me there against my will, or if I'm in desperate, last second need of something to wear for a wedding, or a funeral, or an Easter service at church. Dillard's is beautiful, clean, and as you said, a time capsule. The ones I've been to have incredibly helpful and friendly staff as well.

[@frostanimate]

I genuinely love Dillard’s stores. Mainly for the architecture!

[@andysorensen1737]

And the fact that yeah, the stores can look dated, but they age so gracefully.

[@kpetree10]

The Dillards near me (Golden Triangle Mall, Denton, TX) looks straight 80s-90s but is always well cared for and stocked. It’s like a time warp and hits the nostalgia just right.

[@ianrodden3332]

You can absolutely see the pride taken in this store! I hope they remain for many years. Reminds me of a House of Fraser store which opened in the 80s in the UK which is now sadly closed.

[@glennscotti8891]

The Dillards in the Tucson mall is another clean store that takes you back to an era when malls were community hubs. We even passed a shoe salesman dressed in a shirt and tie. Took me right back to childhood. Love walking through there.

[@HejranBiki]

That’s my local dillards Tucson mall I like it’s very clean

[@marjoriemorris5849]

Working at Dillard’s was lovely. I worked at the Zona Rosa store in Kansas City for two years and yes they do a fine job of maintaining their stores. It’s as pleasant to work there as it is to shop there. My earliest memories of Dillard’s are when we would take trips to Memphis. Always we would go to Dillard’s. (I’m from up north where they don’t have a presence.) It’s a great company to work for and I enjoyed my time there very much! Thank you for doing this beautiful video!

[@TNJackie]

Great job with this video! As a mom of 7 I can say that no other store that I’ve found can compare to Dillards for formal attire (for women, at least). Their selection both in stores and online is huge and so great for “Mother of the bride/groom” and wedding guest dresses.

[@themegaman91965]

Brings me back to the mid 1990's-2000's. Used to go there all the time with my mother, and ironically around this time of the year we still go there, except I drive her there, and in comparison to the other stores, I can safely say they're still alive, and kicking to an extent. Will be 32 today, so definitely grew up in the 90's big time. Miss the old days...

[@Keywester]

I have always been a fan of Dillard's. I shopped their stores for the first time when I moved from New Jersey to South Florida in the middle nineties. Prior to moving to Florida, my store of choice had been Lord & Taylor. The Dillard's stores still look basically the same but, as you said, they are meticulously maintained and always immaculate. The employees seem much happier as well. When you walk in a Macy's store now, if there are any employees to be seen at all, they scatter like cockroaches if they sense that you may need assistance as this seems to be an inconvenience to them. They seem to be miserable in their jobs. Other department stores are falling apart but, Dillard's is keeping it together. Kudos to the Dillard family and their store management teams.

[@nishan5562]

Always appreciate your videos... something about them is really calming yet interesting. I don’t visit retail much these days but your videos remind me of shopping with my parents when I was a kid.

[@yukisakura9582]

Ikr

[@Kai0nTheMoon]

Looks very nice. For me, the more retro/dated, the better. Gotta love that early 90's aesthetic.

[@MerrimanDevonshire]

Dillard's reminds of old Crowley's chain in Detroit, a class of store that can be considered "from another time". Kudos to Dillard's surviving the transition to business causal.

[@dianemccord6660]

I loved Dillards back in the 80's. I bought all my dress clothes for work. Usually on the clearance rack. My perfume also. It was one of my first credit cards. Not to mention standing in line for concert tickets.

[@rebeccaellertson3403]

I went to ASU and I worked at Dillard’s in Scottsdale,, AZ. I appreciated your exposé on DILLARDS. Although, I moved back to Washington, DC in the early 90’s I constantly shop with Dillard’s online. They’re are a class act; have great presentation of Product; and as you said. they “haven’t gotten too big for their britches “ to make $. And therefore forget about quality. I thank you for your display of the old fashioned department store.

[@Kanzuko]

The carpet in the Christmas area looks JUST like the carpet my parents used to have when I was a kid. Crazy lol

[@kennixox262]

Here in Las Vegas, Macy's just opened a small format store in a new shopping center. Have not been to it yet but I think that it is 40,000 SF or less. Location is about six miles from their store at Downtown Summerlin which is what I believe is a "B" level store, meaning nearly full size but carries less than their flagship Las Vegas location at Fashion Show mall. As for Dillard's, all their stores are designed pretty much the same for all markets. You will notice the same cove lighting and color format at each place. Keeps costs down.

[@tonycorente7304]

We moved to Prescott Arizona around 3 years ago and my family loves the Dillard's here. Although it's rather small, there is still nice selection throughout. Where we had lived previously, in California, there was no Dillard's so my wife and mother in law are like kids in a candy store.

[@DustinWilson1992]

It's so strange seeing a fully stocked store. The only thing that makes it feel like a modern store is the LED lighting instead of the fluorescent dingy bulbs. Great camera work!

[@onehorseopensleigh]

Every Dillard’s in Houston is jam-packed on weekends. People are devoted to Dillard’s like they’re devoted to Nordstrom, and now that Dillard’s is beginning to carry some of the same trendy brands as Nordstrom, I’m shopping there more frequently. Why wait for online shipping when I can just drive to Dillard’s or Nordstrom?

[@jaxdaggerthegreat]

Watching this video, I was convinced I had been through this Dillards before in a SW Florida mall. In the Punta Gorda/Ft Myers area, I visited a mall that looked like I travelled back in time by 30 years. It had a Dilliards and both the store and mall were thriving.

[@ryanmunthe3217]

There is a Dillard’s in Denton, TX that is entirely way more throwback than this one. Parquet floors, wood paneling…

[@flyjum]

This is my local Dillard's as well. Ive always thought the big entrances looked awesome and grand. Very surprised how nice all of the 90s décor still looks after 30 years

[@cancel.lgbtq.6892]

I just came back from Thailand and let me tell you. The Malls over there are thriving. Thousands of people over there are shopping and eating. I was amaze how big the malls are in Thailand. The whole level is dedicated to restaurants. I'm talking about 30 - 40 restaurants. There was this mall called Terminal 21 and that mall was awesome. They decorated each floors with theme even in the bathrooms.

[@animaemusicae]

malls in Australia and Japan were thriving too when I was there. Pretty much anywhere but the US and Canada. :/

[@Code7Unltd]

@@animaemusicae Even Europe doesn't have this issue. I suspect it's geography (zoning laws are the obvious point of contest) and auto-centrism, the latter being easy to fix with better pedestrian/cyclist accomodations. The convenience of Amazon is the reason why malls are failing across North America, but the adjustments required to preserve them aren't interesting crusty politicians.

[@Wayoutgurl]

Yes. It’s been sad at the malls here for a while.

[@elizabethhoneycutt4005]

I went to my local Dillards during back to school and the store was packed. I'm glad to see they seem to be doing it right.

[@mastermindmartialarts]

I've never been to a Dillard's in my life, as my local mall has never had a Dillard's. It's great to see that not all department stores are failing miserably

[@jliscorpio]

I never lived in a Dillard's area until recently and also was a breath of fresh air to go into a department store that really seemed to know what they were doing. The one odd thing that happened to me though in my local Dillard's was a very well dressed 20-something came up to me in the men's department, I assumed he worked there and was going to ask me if I needed any help...NO he was a panhandler asking for money. That surprised me.

[@emmettturner9452]

I hope you reported it. My store has kicked out panhandlers and guerrilla marketers when we become aware of them… even if they’re just handing out free coffee coupons for a new gas station. I mean, maybe if they sought permission from management first but we hadn’t vetted them and people might think we are associated. For example, a group that trains seeing eye dogs participates with our store for training so we occasionally get groups of canine trainees in the store. Totally OK! It’s hard to tell what people are saying to our other guests so we usually don’t know they are panhandlers until they get reported.

[@nealwhaley63]

Let me guess, he ran out of gas and forgot his wallet at home.

[@pcojedi]

When I was a child in the 70s Christmas decor would not come out until around December 7. Abandoned drinks left in stores is just a sign of how uncouth people have become. With the inflation rate so high that the government refuses to admit to you are right, I bet the Holiday season will really suffer due to people struggling to even pay their bills. Loved this Dillard's video, good job.

[@JeepBoiFL]

Management and staff should be proud. Amazing store!

[@andrew6xrv]

I live in California so the only Dillards stores I’ve been to was in Las Vegas, and in their super random Stockton, CA store. Both times I was blown away at how much it felt like an upscale department store but with a product/ pricing assortment more like Macys and JCPenney. And the clearance centers definitely seem to keep the stores from being completely filled with clearance merchandise which I’m sure helps drive sales of regular priced items too. By the way, Stockton, CA is neat because it has one of just 3 Dillards ever in the state; and one of 3 Sears stores left in the state. The Macys store there is absolutely awful, and I can’t believe is kept open.

[@thefloridianman]

My cousin lives in Stockton right now

[@thefloridianman]

My local Dillards are at Jensen and Wellington

[@lisaapp839]

Macy’s is a dump everywhere.

[@traciecombs7030]

The other biggest difference between Dillard's and other anchor stores- Dillard's OWNS the property they sit on. They do not pay rent to the property management of each mall. Since they own the buildings they are maintained at a higher level. They also set their own hours & don't have to follow mall guidelines during the holiday seasons. (And they always have the best shoe department)

[@Ranthra1]

Brings back memories of going clothes shopping with my mother at May Company at Parmatown Mall which is long gone. This would have been in the late 60's to early 70's. They did have a restaurant where I would get a peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich, no crust. LOL That was a different time. Also, around the same time, I remember going to the same mall with my father on Christmas Eve to get my mom a gift. The place was just packed with shoppers. Had to hold my dad's hand to not get lost. Love your channel! ❤❤❤

[@LetzEat]

Dillard's and Younker's (a mid-west chain) were the nice stores at the mall when i was a 80s-90s kid/teenager. I was lucky enough to shop in them... Great video! Thanks for the memories!

[@almacantu4723]

I have always loved to shop Dillards! The quality of any product whether is clothes or bedding or shoes or appliances! I will continue to shop at this Dillards and hope that it is not closing ever! I’m from SE Texas!

[@__taylor__]

Funny, because this morning the Dillard family flew into my small hometown on a private jet.... Apparently they regularly travel store to store for inspections. They pretty much seem to treat them as family vacations lol

[@4forevergirl4]

Yup. They come to inspect our store at least once a month.

[@lisaapp839]

I worked for Dillard’s PT from 2013-2020 at 2 separate locations in JAX and Gainesville FL. Loved it! They take very good care of their stores, employees and customers! We were expected to greet and help in anyone in our areas or anyone who needed assistance. We straightened all our merchandise constantly and the stores were pristine. I moved home to the Twin Cities and then spent a year working at Macy’s with the expectation it would be on par with Dillard’s. Not even close. The Macy’s at Burnsville Center is a complete and utter trashy dump. Dillard’s IS OPENING a brand new store in Sioux Falls SD. I wish they would open one here.

[@BoratWanksta]

Macy's has never maintained their stores well, especially ones they inherited from May Dept. Stores in the mid 2000s when Federated and May merged, creating the large Macy's chain(and something like 10-15 nameplates changed to the Macy's name at that time, including Rich's, Burdine's, and Marshall Field's) we see today. I wish Dillard's would expand to more areas, especially into markets Bon-Ton dominated when they shuttered all their stores(i.e. Herberger's, Younker's, Carson's, etc). They seem to be very limited with how many new stores they opened. I know right now, they're planning a new store at Empire Mall in Sioux Falls, SD.

[@glendaschwartz5403]

I am from Arkansas, where Dillard's started. Dillard's strong suits are their cosmetics, shoes dept., men's clothing, and higher end, but affordable women's section.

[@DisneyMarkUK]

We love visiting from the UK and exploring your stores such as Dillards. We just can’t understand how they’re always so quiet though. We’re just home from a trip to Orlando and their huge JC Penny had 3 guests and it’s absolutely massive. Fab video, thank you.

[@User0000000000000004]

I believe America and our culture peaked in the 90s and has been backsliding ever since. A store that looks like the 90s is where I wish I lived. Damn. Now I'm crying.

[@DeflatingAtheism]

Yeah, I was wondering why looking dated is a bad thing when it’s dated from a better time.

[@foreignparticle1320]

I liked the observation you made about "character" - something that's been lacking in retail (and much interior design, generally) for years now.

[@retroguyretail1976]

im shocked they never entered the northeast market they could fill a lotta room missing by sears,lord and taylor and other chains that have closed

[@MK-of7qw]

Dillard's employees look they take pride in keeping the place tidy. Good job, guys. 😊

[@0verload]

In my opinion that store is beautiful. It has some class and character to it and looks very well maintained. If I lived in that area I'd be inclined to check it out every now and then as it seems like an inviting atmosphere that I could relax in and take my time looking for products that interest me.

[@timlarabee1710]

Dillard's is odd when it comes to department stores. They don't advertise heavily. They have a lot of things they are merely known for In their reputation (their Christmas sales, for instance). They also know when to get out, like the way they downsize their stores in troubled locations. They are very organized.

[@trvlnlight22]

I always loved doing my indoor walking at Dillards. The walkways are nice and wide and it was fun to look at all the cute merchandise while walking. Thanks for the video

[@SnackHeadCowboy]

I want to say thank you for not filming the employees. I would hate to work in retail full stop without someone filming me with out my consent. Not seeing other ppl in the video really helps with the vibe. Xx

[@shannon9993]

This. None of the justifications for why it's okay (or legal) make sense to me: if someone didn't agree, don't record them.

[@SnackHeadCowboy]

@@shannon9993 I worked in Woolworths here in the UK in the early 2000s at Easter time they made me dress up as a rabbit. I am so glad people didn’t record as much as they do on phones back then haha

[@lenblack1462]

He would be asked to leave if he did.

[@DropPCTV]

@@SnackHeadCowboy Man the Woolworths in New York have been closed for probably close to 30 years now, but I loved Woolworths and I can’t believe at least the United States. They are all out of business. I worked in a store very similar to Woolworths. It was called greens. It must’ve been very early 90s. Somebody should open Woolworths. Some of them served food with a little cafeteria, and they sold a little bit of everything usually a little toy section or sometimes a big toy section in the basement to think of it. It was almost what our CVS is except no Pharmacy. I miss Woolworths, I miss Sam goodies. That was a record store. I miss circuit city so many of those stores from back in the day I miss.

[@dreamingsilk]

I love Dillard’s! Our store here in the Salt Lake Valley is top notch and doesn’t feel dated to me. They keep it clean, and the lighting is great. Bad Lighting (too dim or poorly maintained) is always a sign of neglect in my book, and that is never an issue at our Dillard’s. Even though I shop online quite a bit, I have still can count on Dillard’s to provide a great selection and overall shopping experience when I’m looking for clothing, jewelry and home accessories.

[@debrajj2439]

I love Dillards! I moved from Florida to Minnesora, and continue to shop online

[@lisaapp839]

So did I. FL to MN (my home state). So many malls could use a Dillard’s here in the Twin Cities….

[@MrOfficialscotty]

I love walking around at Dillards. My late mother actually shopped there a lot especially during the holiday season in the early-mid 2000s. Great memories!

[@jeannewilson1655]

We were faithful shoppers at Dillard's predecessor in the New Orleans area, D. H. Holmes. It was a thing if you worked in the New Orleans CBD to say "meet me under the clock at Holmes." Holmes and Maison Blanche on Canal St. also had the best window displays. Once Dillard's took over Holmes, the uniqueness of the store disappeared. It became just another mall store. You can pretty much shoot a cannon through the Dillard's in Slidell, LA. I'm guessing they have a huge contract with Stirling hence the reason they keep the store open. It's stuck at the back of a lifestyle shopping center where you have to make an effort to go shop there.

[@jchow5966]

I love Dillards!!!! Sadly there is no Dillards in my state.

[@marvelousme5]

I really enjoyed this video. I am so happy Dillard’s is doing well!!!! I haven’t been to a Dillard’s in years but they bring back wonderful memories as I shopped at Dillard’s with my mom as a teenager. Thanks again so very much for the wonderful video!!! Take care and have a wonderful weekend!!!! 👍🏻😃

[@amymcginty6634]

JC Penney & Sears are not comparable to Dillard’s. Actually, neither is Macy’s. Any Dillard’s I’ve ever been in, & there have been many, have always been a step above those other 3 companies. The Associates are unfailingly helpful & attentive without being pushy. The choices of brands & styles have always been excellent, the stores, dressing rooms & rest rooms clean. I detest trying to get an associate’s attention when they are talking to each other & ignorng customers! I’ve found many items for myself & my home that I couldn’t find elsewhere. I love shopping & experiencing Dillard’s! I also love shopping malls & don’t understand why they’re not as popular as they were a few years ago. They’re like a town center or town square. Love to stop for coffee, lunch, dinner or a cocktail. Love to people watch & love knowing the associates in the different stores!

[@americafirst9144]

Von Mauer is most like Dillard's.

[@movadopika]

I worked at Dillards when I was in my 20's. They are frugal, which helps to keep the bottom line healthy, however, they strike a nice balance of keeping their stores very acceptable and high quality merchandise. We all took a sense of pride in keeping our areas looking nice. It was my favorite store to shop, they carry the brands I like the best and I could always find an amazing sale. Dillards is a staple of the South and I hope they continue to do well, great memories. And yes, I can also confirm that a founding family member visits the store annually for an inspection to ensure everything is in order, my understanding is very little notice is given as well.

[@billyfowler9423]

Here in the Houston area Foley's which was owned by the May's department store company was my go to spot. After they closed and their stores converted to Macy's I shopped there and also started doing more shopping at Dillard's. Both were nice stores with higher end name brands. This looks a lot like how I remember Dillard's looking back in the 90s.

[@Ropecharud]

I am sooo sick of Christmas being shoved down our throats as early as July. I actually quit a florist job, in part, because they were going to decorate in August! It was just too much.

[@Code7Unltd]

Christmas creep is the first sign of a souring economy.

[@MrWc867]

Many stores, particularly chain stores tend to get Christmas during the summer. This is due to their buyers getting in on overseas trade as early as February to get it ready and shipped in time. They have to race each other to get what they can while supplies last. When the cargo ships pull in they have little room to put it so they force it upon the stores.

[@animaemusicae]

my childhood memories at Dillards, thats now sadly demolished, had in it a restaurant called "The Garden Room". Had a large dining room with big planters and entire trees in there.. big windows alone one end. We used to go there for special occasions until that mall closed. So many good memories..

[@laraoneal7284]

TY SO MUCH. Stores like these represented fun memories for me. Very nostalgic for me. An escape for me coming from a toxic childhood environment.

[@KrissyMeow]

The Dillards in my hometown in Alabama looks very similar to this. They never really updated from the 90's and keep it fairly clean. I used to love just walking around it after I got off work from a different mall store.

[@MisterVercetti]

It's actually impressive how well-kept everything is. I went to the local JC Penney the other day and it looked like a cheap discount store - merchandise haphazardly piled up and thrown every which way, tons of items far, far away from where they should be, and just an overall atmosphere of the staff just _not caring_ how everything looked. I expect that out of a Dollar General, not a major department store.

[@littleantennas]

This was my local mall for 2 years. It was so trippy entering that Dillard's for the first time, like stepping back into the malls of my childhood.

[@jonathanlander3631]

The glass block SPA zone in cosmetics was Adrian Arpel (remember her?). They would do facials and such behind that wall. I worked on that concept back in the late 80s, early 90s and launched in Macy's Herald. Square. If it wasn't Arpel then it was a knock-off the glass block scheme.

[@mb4392]

You're correct about the Dillard's clearance centers. I live in Colorado Springs and we have one at a mall here. You can find some absolutely amazing deals. The only problem sometimes is finding the size or style you're looking for. When you can find them the prices and quality are well worth the search. We're talking under ten dollars for a $40 dress shirt kind of deals.

[@giselletorres4156]

I think of the Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick when I see 90s department store (I've been collecting some 90's-ish shades that are available in drugstores today). Both the logos for Dillard's and Revlon capture that vibe.

[@stellamcwick8455]

04:17 , They definitely have their Fiesta Ware game going on. Seriously, if you want a good set of plates that are made in the USA and will last a lifetime, go with Fiesta Ware.

[@fuelcapgaming5753]

Theres a Dillards at Oak Park Mall in Kansas that is the EXACT same as it was in the 90's. Literally, exactly. The exact same carpets still, flooring, paint, furniture, everything. You can definitely see the wear in some areas, but still. It's cool. Theres hardly any changes in there. Its honestly kind of wild, you can definitely spot from leftovers from the 90's in that mall in general and it seems like that mall is still going strong.

[@nintendork900]

This store is beautiful! So well taken care of and a good variety of products! My local Hudson's Bay is a run-down mess. Yellowed cork ceilings, water damage, stained carpets. They make you walk through the old stock room and go up a fire escape staircase because the escalator has also been broken for over a year. Despite all that, I'd say its usually much busier looking than this Dillards is. What a shame... they should be rewarded for doing things so right at Dillards!

[@JanineRupp697]

I worked in sales and the credit department for Dillard's in Metrocenter in the early 90's. It was a great place to work because associates were to take pride in the upkeep of their departments. They became Dillard's National Bank around 1990 and that expanded the pool for job promotions as well as cross training between departments.

[@Big_Tex]

My nearest Dillard’s is still hanging in there but it’s doing that thing where it’s closed off from the mall interior, which is probably not a good sign.

[@Chris-dz3rs]

Our Bay Store in Kitchener Ontario Canada is still in 1985. Before it closed our Sears store was stuck in 1975.

[@Mda878]

I love dillards it’s my favorite store, I just spent 450$ there on a roller suitcase and a polo shirt last month. They always have nice stores and good stuff