Stores We Loved That No Longer Exist!

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 พ.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 2.9K

  • @joemomma1968
    @joemomma1968 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Thanks!

    • @RhettyforHistory
      @RhettyforHistory  ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

  • @rickwilson466
    @rickwilson466 ปีที่แล้ว +275

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

    • @rickwilson466
      @rickwilson466 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @Terri Mansfield It was indeed.

    • @sj8205
      @sj8205 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Same!

    • @rick5793
      @rick5793 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Plus Montgomery. Wards

    • @tarahess5666
      @tarahess5666 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      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
      @rickwilson466 ปีที่แล้ว +8

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

  • @Scott__C
    @Scott__C ปีที่แล้ว +372

    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
      @KimberlyLetsGo ปีที่แล้ว +21

      It was his front for money laundering.

    • @margui6224
      @margui6224 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      There is a K-mart where I live.

    • @squeallymaniac
      @squeallymaniac ปีที่แล้ว +17

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

    • @loydkline
      @loydkline ปีที่แล้ว +22

      Kmart 🍿 popcorn; layaway

    • @elle5031
      @elle5031 ปีที่แล้ว +12

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

  • @48mastadon
    @48mastadon ปีที่แล้ว +713

    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
      @gooniesgirl1979 ปีที่แล้ว +22

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

    • @Lizablue0608
      @Lizablue0608 ปีที่แล้ว +36

      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
      @BigHushAffiliate ปีที่แล้ว +38

      Blockbuster music was another one

    • @scottmcwave9479
      @scottmcwave9479 ปีที่แล้ว +21

      Across the street from Sports Arena in San Diego

    • @leesashriber5097
      @leesashriber5097 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Definitely remember them!! 😀

  • @kotjmf1968
    @kotjmf1968 ปีที่แล้ว +141

    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
      @INKOSK4114 ปีที่แล้ว +10

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

    • @roybradley5532
      @roybradley5532 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      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
      @robertdawson4502 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      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
      @muzarayahyeshuahyasharal1361 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I always got my school clothes from Sears

    • @roybradley5532
      @roybradley5532 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      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.😁

  • @patriciaanzelc5386
    @patriciaanzelc5386 ปีที่แล้ว +123

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

    • @helenamartinez3415
      @helenamartinez3415 ปีที่แล้ว

      JACKSON'S BYRON'S 😢

    • @itstheweather5859
      @itstheweather5859 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      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
      @reggiedunlop2222 ปีที่แล้ว +7

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

    • @MrJammer90
      @MrJammer90 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      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
      @golden.lights.twinkle2329 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @TheMysticRealms
    @TheMysticRealms ปีที่แล้ว +91

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

    • @golden.lights.twinkle2329
      @golden.lights.twinkle2329 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Hollywood Video.

    • @julietteoscaralphanovember2223
      @julietteoscaralphanovember2223 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ​@@SpaceInTime1885i heard that too

    • @yoda908
      @yoda908 ปีที่แล้ว +5

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

    • @TheMysticRealms
      @TheMysticRealms ปีที่แล้ว +4

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

    • @roybradley5532
      @roybradley5532 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @MilePost106
    @MilePost106 ปีที่แล้ว +150

    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
      @RhettyforHistory  ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Thank you for watching!

    • @Xeyedjohn
      @Xeyedjohn ปีที่แล้ว +8

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

    • @GMCTIM
      @GMCTIM ปีที่แล้ว

      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
      @casimirkotarba5186 ปีที่แล้ว

      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
      @raoulcruz4404 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      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.

  • @renastone1270
    @renastone1270 ปีที่แล้ว +134

    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
      @jpalberthoward9 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      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
      @sj8205 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Sweet❤

    • @Bacopa68
      @Bacopa68 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      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
      @jpalberthoward9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@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
      @Diana-yn2ho 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

  • @westsparks6844
    @westsparks6844 ปีที่แล้ว +10

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

    • @brianmeen2158
      @brianmeen2158 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @Jon-iv6gh
    @Jon-iv6gh ปีที่แล้ว +93

    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
      @ramencurry6672 ปีที่แล้ว +7

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

    • @ramencurry6672
      @ramencurry6672 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      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
      @maryellenshock ปีที่แล้ว +5

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

  • @girlgamergear3260
    @girlgamergear3260 ปีที่แล้ว +156

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

    • @nodanceswithwolves8425
      @nodanceswithwolves8425 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      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
      @DrDoom-uu3cj ปีที่แล้ว +27

      Don't forget the SEARS Christmas catalog for toys

    • @nodanceswithwolves8425
      @nodanceswithwolves8425 ปีที่แล้ว +10

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

    • @naomigonzales3446
      @naomigonzales3446 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      The catalog still exist.

    • @larryl392
      @larryl392 ปีที่แล้ว +5

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

  • @Triad3Force
    @Triad3Force ปีที่แล้ว +152

    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
      @rudygracia5573 ปีที่แล้ว +10

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

    • @TheMysticRealms
      @TheMysticRealms ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

    • @danfiorini785
      @danfiorini785 ปีที่แล้ว +11

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

    • @rudygracia5573
      @rudygracia5573 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@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
      @jimb032 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      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.

  • @ExMachina70
    @ExMachina70 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    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.

  • @karlhungus5554
    @karlhungus5554 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    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
      @Alexs23743 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

    • @fredtracy1673
      @fredtracy1673 ปีที่แล้ว

      00:24 also Woolco in Canada

    • @jonlobb
      @jonlobb ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Anyone remember Caldor?

    • @robira1313
      @robira1313 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jonlobb - nope.

    • @donalddoty5768
      @donalddoty5768 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      W. T. Grant.

  • @SlipperywhenRhett
    @SlipperywhenRhett ปีที่แล้ว +44

    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
      @iadorenewyork1 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      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
      @RhettyforHistory  ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

    • @RhettyforHistory
      @RhettyforHistory  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Radio Shack was a great store!

    • @vanrajsindha9918
      @vanrajsindha9918 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

    • @MarkMyers-qf9mk
      @MarkMyers-qf9mk ปีที่แล้ว +1

      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.

  • @mrsbluesky8415
    @mrsbluesky8415 ปีที่แล้ว +54

    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.

  • @jeffshultz3883
    @jeffshultz3883 ปีที่แล้ว +132

    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
      @letsmakemoney8027 ปีที่แล้ว +9

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

    • @TheBenjammin
      @TheBenjammin ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

    • @vanrajsindha9918
      @vanrajsindha9918 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Life was NOT complicated back then

    • @rudygracia5573
      @rudygracia5573 ปีที่แล้ว +5

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

    • @johnpatterson4816
      @johnpatterson4816 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @DougCeleste
    @DougCeleste ปีที่แล้ว +37

    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.

    • @jaydee975
      @jaydee975 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Woolworth’s still exists in Australia 🇦🇺

    • @DougCeleste
      @DougCeleste 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@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.

  • @kellywall3656
    @kellywall3656 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    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.

  • @TrinhNguyen-sh4fj
    @TrinhNguyen-sh4fj ปีที่แล้ว +64

    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
      @Scott__C ปีที่แล้ว +7

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

    • @ezrabrooks12
      @ezrabrooks12 ปีที่แล้ว

      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
      @Amen.22 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      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
      @erossinema8797 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      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
      @claudiaschneider3077 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      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
    @krisfrederick5001 ปีที่แล้ว +200

    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
      @csquire667 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I go to malls all the time

    • @marcus813
      @marcus813 ปีที่แล้ว +16

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

    • @theorca3275
      @theorca3275 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      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
      @Vagabond_Etranger ปีที่แล้ว +3

      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
      @superjvt71 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      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.

  • @wendygore2709
    @wendygore2709 ปีที่แล้ว +113

    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
      @RhettyforHistory  ปีที่แล้ว +4

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

    • @nodanceswithwolves8425
      @nodanceswithwolves8425 ปีที่แล้ว +10

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

    • @jasontodd8071
      @jasontodd8071 ปีที่แล้ว +5

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

    • @Xenogears76
      @Xenogears76 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

    • @letsmakemoney8027
      @letsmakemoney8027 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      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

  • @muffassa6739
    @muffassa6739 ปีที่แล้ว +17

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

    • @momusic3327
      @momusic3327 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

    • @karlar8648
      @karlar8648 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I still get the catalog from Montgomery Wards.

    • @maryleemanley7740
      @maryleemanley7740 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @Diana-yn2ho
      @Diana-yn2ho 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      My mom used to shop there.

    • @m42037
      @m42037 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      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

  • @kckgirl78
    @kckgirl78 ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

  • @fob1xxl
    @fob1xxl ปีที่แล้ว +94

    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
      @RhettyforHistory  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you for watching and sharing some of your memories!

    • @nodanceswithwolves8425
      @nodanceswithwolves8425 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      And cherry cokes!

    • @letsmakemoney8027
      @letsmakemoney8027 ปีที่แล้ว +8

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

    • @MareRS357
      @MareRS357 ปีที่แล้ว +6

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

    • @TrinhNguyen-sh4fj
      @TrinhNguyen-sh4fj ปีที่แล้ว

      Me too.....😢

  • @hotpuppy1
    @hotpuppy1 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    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
      @vanrajsindha9918 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      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
      @ramencurry6672 ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @gabrielleeliseo6062
      @gabrielleeliseo6062 ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @reggiedunlop2222
      @reggiedunlop2222 ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @johnbuterbaughsr.933
      @johnbuterbaughsr.933 ปีที่แล้ว

      Lafayette electronic stores too

  • @Sounds_of_Ambience
    @Sounds_of_Ambience ปีที่แล้ว +44

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

    • @Xeyedjohn
      @Xeyedjohn ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Blink of an eye is very accurate.

    • @Sounds_of_Ambience
      @Sounds_of_Ambience ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

    • @vanrajsindha9918
      @vanrajsindha9918 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I remember as if it was just yesterday

    • @onlythewise1
      @onlythewise1 ปีที่แล้ว

      sad gone for ever invaded to death america is

  • @lukemn29
    @lukemn29 ปีที่แล้ว +58

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

    • @RhettyforHistory
      @RhettyforHistory  ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes there was. Thank you for watching!

    • @Nerval-kg9sm
      @Nerval-kg9sm ปีที่แล้ว

      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
      @Mr50403 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @stan_meow3778
    @stan_meow3778 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    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.

  • @jamesbarrett3889
    @jamesbarrett3889 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    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
      @johnkerner8073 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      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
      @garydufur ปีที่แล้ว

      @@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
      @gloriousjohnson1807 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      : Blue Chip Stamps store too!😊

    • @angiehull5518
      @angiehull5518 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      We also had the TV Stamp Store.

    • @BillClarke-cn5lf
      @BillClarke-cn5lf 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      And good stuff too.

  • @VickiCampbell-1216
    @VickiCampbell-1216 ปีที่แล้ว +76

    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
      @RhettyforHistory  ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Thank you for watching Vicki!

    • @PeterKKraus
      @PeterKKraus ปีที่แล้ว +1

      They were all 0 years old when they started.

    • @VickiCampbell-1216
      @VickiCampbell-1216 ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @PeterKKraus
      @PeterKKraus ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@VickiCampbell-1216 👍

    • @cocoaorange1
      @cocoaorange1 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Same Here.

  • @Belle90029
    @Belle90029 ปีที่แล้ว +58

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

    • @samuelschick8813
      @samuelschick8813 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Yea, Rhetty loves making us feel old. LOL

    • @RhettyforHistory
      @RhettyforHistory  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      You're welcome and thank you for watching Annabelle!

  • @recoveringsoul755
    @recoveringsoul755 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    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
      @m42037 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      They still have a catalog

    • @recoveringsoul755
      @recoveringsoul755 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@m42037 does it get sent to every home?

  • @starababa1985
    @starababa1985 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    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.

  • @Knucky_Sammich
    @Knucky_Sammich ปีที่แล้ว +46

    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
      @jclay6680 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Monkey wards always had everything ( like Sears )

    • @hugoschmeisser2484
      @hugoschmeisser2484 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      wow I thought only my dad called it monkey wards lol

    • @jclay6680
      @jclay6680 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@hugoschmeisser2484 My dad called it as well .

    • @robadams5799
      @robadams5799 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      "Brothers in Arms" as in Dire Straits?

    • @georgekisselbrock8937
      @georgekisselbrock8937 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @3rdFloorblog
    @3rdFloorblog ปีที่แล้ว +14

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

  • @raptureready3015
    @raptureready3015 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    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
      @ynot0714 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      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
      @raptureready3015 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@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
      @Tracylyn42 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      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
      @raptureready3015 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@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
      @ynot0714 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@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

  • @chorlauheung4920
    @chorlauheung4920 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    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.

  • @D0ugh.B0y
    @D0ugh.B0y ปีที่แล้ว +10

    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
      @cindiamartinez8384 ปีที่แล้ว

      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
      @suziecreamcheese211 ปีที่แล้ว

      Aren’t they grocery stores there though?

    • @jaydee975
      @jaydee975 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      So is Kmart! So are shopping malls!

  • @tod3msn
    @tod3msn ปีที่แล้ว +61

    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
      @christystewart4567 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

    • @christystewart4567
      @christystewart4567 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@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.

  • @nickimontie
    @nickimontie ปีที่แล้ว +33

    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
      @chrissy4782 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I LOVED Ames!

    • @conleykat
      @conleykat ปีที่แล้ว

      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
      @chiaralistica ปีที่แล้ว

      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
      @ms.krueger2660 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @pamelasmith6221
    @pamelasmith6221 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    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. 😅

  • @johnoconnor6356
    @johnoconnor6356 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    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.

  • @jennifer_m.8613
    @jennifer_m.8613 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    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

  • @SavaFiend
    @SavaFiend ปีที่แล้ว +18

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

    • @RhettyforHistory
      @RhettyforHistory  ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @kimo2432
    @kimo2432 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    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
      @bravo3279 ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

    • @kimo2432
      @kimo2432 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

    • @bravo3279
      @bravo3279 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@kimo2432 Yes of course🙂

  • @nadiabrook7871
    @nadiabrook7871 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    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!! 💖💚👍

    • @438019
      @438019 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Here in South Africa we still have many Woolworths stores, they are a major retailer all across southern Africa. They have stores in Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana and Mozambique, but their biggest retail footprint is in South Africa. I was in a Woolies just the other day. They even have a Woolies credit card, apart from their in-store cards. And have entered the financial services market too, you can borrow money from them and get a Woolies loan.
      So while Woolworths has closed down in America and in England, the brand lives on in (southern) Africa.

    • @nadiabrook7871
      @nadiabrook7871 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@438019 Wow!! That's ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!! I'm SOOOOOO glad!!

  • @elizmaybgriffintwo2772
    @elizmaybgriffintwo2772 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    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.

  • @MrFree2BeMe1
    @MrFree2BeMe1 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    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.

  • @jamescarp
    @jamescarp ปีที่แล้ว +8

    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!

  • @km6341
    @km6341 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    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
      @Bacopa68 ปีที่แล้ว

      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.

  • @gregphillips2071
    @gregphillips2071 ปีที่แล้ว +56

    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
      @TheWabbit ปีที่แล้ว +1

      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
      @doylebrockman8225 ปีที่แล้ว

      ?

    • @boomer3150
      @boomer3150 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      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
      @johnmadow5331 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      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
      @gregphillips2071 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@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!

  • @jimroscovius
    @jimroscovius ปีที่แล้ว +4

    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
      @m42037 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      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.

  • @Hatchet-wy3vn
    @Hatchet-wy3vn ปีที่แล้ว +1

    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....

  • @karenholladay2612
    @karenholladay2612 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    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
      @katrish786 ปีที่แล้ว

      I loved the hoagies at Woolworths!

    • @ediththrift1209
      @ediththrift1209 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      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.

  • @marlenepearson3936
    @marlenepearson3936 ปีที่แล้ว +31

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

    • @RhettyforHistory
      @RhettyforHistory  ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

  • @hawkingjim
    @hawkingjim ปีที่แล้ว +9

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

  • @Awaywrdson
    @Awaywrdson ปีที่แล้ว +4

    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.😊

  • @deborahdesanto2313
    @deborahdesanto2313 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    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! ☹

  • @ndstar4267
    @ndstar4267 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    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
      @sandraruiz3834 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @3rdFloorblog
    @3rdFloorblog ปีที่แล้ว +18

    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
      @RhettyforHistory  ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

  • @johnvoorhees7881
    @johnvoorhees7881 ปีที่แล้ว +33

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

    • @RhettyforHistory
      @RhettyforHistory  ปีที่แล้ว +4

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

    • @MarkMyers-qf9mk
      @MarkMyers-qf9mk ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

    • @shaniriley8242
      @shaniriley8242 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      And John Wanamakers.From Philly myself

    • @jimb032
      @jimb032 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      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
      @samanthab1923 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I love the old Strawbridge store in Jenkintown.

  • @MattGleason1
    @MattGleason1 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

  • @northernbettygirl
    @northernbettygirl 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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!

  • @drusmith3480
    @drusmith3480 ปีที่แล้ว +15

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

    • @RhettyforHistory
      @RhettyforHistory  ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @thomasmoje5926
    @thomasmoje5926 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    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'.

  • @ericteneyck8691
    @ericteneyck8691 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    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
      @RhettyforHistory  ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @paulsmith295
      @paulsmith295 ปีที่แล้ว

      Dose anyone remember the stors called coronets

    • @ericteneyck8691
      @ericteneyck8691 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@paulsmith295 Not me.

    • @paulsmith295
      @paulsmith295 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ericteneyck8691 ok

    • @beckymigdal3140
      @beckymigdal3140 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @shandajames5444
    @shandajames5444 ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

  • @andyhowat4624
    @andyhowat4624 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

  • @kevinkelley3906
    @kevinkelley3906 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    Internet shopping yes, but Walmart pretty much destroyed everything.

    • @RhettyforHistory
      @RhettyforHistory  ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Both have certainly played their parts. Thank you for watching!

    • @hippiepeace8614
      @hippiepeace8614 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I agree

    • @hippiepeace8614
      @hippiepeace8614 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      True

    • @gaffneyrailroading1982
      @gaffneyrailroading1982 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It was decided that it was a better business model to screw its customers and allow its management to insult the employees, and that it was better for store managers to get huge bonuses instead of providing the store employees with equipment that works. Also not ever stock what customers went in there for, and promote the biggest jerks into management that treat customers like they're just in the way.

  • @mikmik9034
    @mikmik9034 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    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
      @chelebear1823 ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @jefffox2010
      @jefffox2010 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @cagermanboy
    @cagermanboy ปีที่แล้ว +11

    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!

  • @donnapagano7217
    @donnapagano7217 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Wow all the old stores from my childhood, so amazing

  • @lolawave2159
    @lolawave2159 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    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.

  • @kevinburnett5475
    @kevinburnett5475 ปีที่แล้ว +57

    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
      @RhettyforHistory  ปีที่แล้ว +8

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

    • @laceybarbee5553
      @laceybarbee5553 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I miss Mervyns too. That place was my childhood!

    • @jimmyarmijo2252
      @jimmyarmijo2252 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah, I guess FYE replaced it...

  • @leesashriber5097
    @leesashriber5097 ปีที่แล้ว +9

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

    • @RhettyforHistory
      @RhettyforHistory  ปีที่แล้ว

      You're welcome and thank you for watching Leesa!

  • @dgwaters
    @dgwaters ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Proud to be an Ames Department Store employee from 1993 to 2002. Also, whenever I went to our local mall the big lighted BON TON sign was the first thing I saw. Sadly, after that store closed, they tore down that part of the mall.

    • @RhettyforHistory
      @RhettyforHistory  ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

    • @joem5643
      @joem5643 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Ames was a good store. There’s still one of its stores standing in Sea-brook New Hampshire closed of course.

    • @dgwaters
      @dgwaters ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@joem5643 The Ames I worked at is still standing empty...sort of. A tractor store took over half the building. The other half is still empty.

    • @ctfan1486
      @ctfan1486 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Murphys Mart, Gee Bees, Jamesway, Children's Palace are a few more.
      I remember when JC Penny's, Montgomery Wards and Sears all had sporting goods department that you could buy hunting and fishing equipment. Including firearms. Wow times have changed

  • @ScottRandolph-dd7dr
    @ScottRandolph-dd7dr 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

  • @rosechambers4628
    @rosechambers4628 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    These stores are missed by many❤

  • @keita4040
    @keita4040 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    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 👏🏾💯👍🏾❤️

  • @nadiazahroon6573
    @nadiazahroon6573 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    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
      @RhettyforHistory  ปีที่แล้ว +7

      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
      @letsmakemoney8027 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      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
      @chiaralistica ปีที่แล้ว

      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
      @laraoneal7284 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@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
      @letsmakemoney8027 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @michellespivey7395
    @michellespivey7395 ปีที่แล้ว +4

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

  • @ZRaden
    @ZRaden ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @xCreepyKidsx
    @xCreepyKidsx 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I miss Woolworth's, I'd go there and get lunch with my mother as a kid then look around while she shopped. They had great burgers and fries in their little built in diner. We had an Ames, Nichols, Jamesway, Fay's Drugs, and P&C Groceries in the area back then too.

  • @georgemaster9979
    @georgemaster9979 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    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
      @paanne1013 ปีที่แล้ว

      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
      @sandraruiz3834 ปีที่แล้ว

      yes same for me with Tower and The Warehouse!

  • @felipepubillones2768
    @felipepubillones2768 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    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
      @joem5643 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @Fools_Requiem
    @Fools_Requiem ปีที่แล้ว +11

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

    • @MrDiksum
      @MrDiksum ปีที่แล้ว

      Best Products Company. A catalog store.

    • @Bill-y1j
      @Bill-y1j 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @chaz134
    @chaz134 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hills was my jam. Pittsburgh Dad sells a Hills scented candle which smells exactly like a Hills lobby. The snack bar was in the lobby as you walked in and it had this smell which consisted of yellow popcorn and slushy ; nothing else smells like it

  • @JohnTashjian-f4n
    @JohnTashjian-f4n 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

  • @Voix_Voice
    @Voix_Voice ปีที่แล้ว +16

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

    • @floycewhite6991
      @floycewhite6991 ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @johnmatthews5321
      @johnmatthews5321 ปีที่แล้ว

      Zodys Fresno CA on the corner of Blackstone and Barstow

  • @kerryrobinson9947
    @kerryrobinson9947 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Sears was a great franchise.
    The catalog was huge and had everything. It was a staple in Phoenix,Az. 👌

    • @ramencurry6672
      @ramencurry6672 ปีที่แล้ว

      Interestingly, in every major city in America, Sears was a default store for many people. I’m pretty sure the kitchen pot I have is from Sears from the 1970s. The side handles are broken and worn out but it still works fine for soups and stuff.

    • @MrDiksum
      @MrDiksum ปีที่แล้ว

      Sears was not a franchise. All corporate owned.

  • @sweetkitty3249
    @sweetkitty3249 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    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
      @chiaralistica ปีที่แล้ว +1

      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
      @Xeyedjohn ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

    • @dedwin8930
      @dedwin8930 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @trinitygomez7824
    @trinitygomez7824 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Blue chip stamps was a huge thing back in the 70s I'm 62 years old. They would give out blue chip stamps when my parents shopped at King Cole.

  • @trinitygomez7824
    @trinitygomez7824 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I remember Grants, Gemco, Woolworth ,Zodys. T.G.And Y. Pic N Save. I believe it's back. I seen one in Whittier.I love the 99c only stores. Great bargains great prices. ❤❤❤

  • @oskie316
    @oskie316 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    In addition to these, I also remember Two Guys, Great Eastern, Jamesway, Spiegel Catalog, Crazy Eddie's. I'm beginning to think that every store that has always been out will eventually end up bankrupt.

    • @colleenh
      @colleenh ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes, Jamesway was another store not mentioned. We had one in central New York. Also a Caldor which was here for a very short time.

    • @karlar8648
      @karlar8648 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Garfunkel, Hecht's

  • @michaelhaywood8262
    @michaelhaywood8262 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    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
      @johnkerner8073 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      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.

  • @Eric-qx1kx
    @Eric-qx1kx ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Borders was a great store that went out of business, always liked it better than Barnes & Noble.

    • @gooniesgirl1979
      @gooniesgirl1979 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I used to buy a lot of DVDs there and they had a nice film book section.

    • @RhettyforHistory
      @RhettyforHistory  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That was a great bookstore. Thank you for watching Eric!

    • @oliverbrownlow5615
      @oliverbrownlow5615 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@RhettyforHistory You could do a whole video on once-successful bookstore chains that have now closed, though many big department stores also had substantial book departments.

    • @NormaTLeon
      @NormaTLeon ปีที่แล้ว

      There are still a few around, I have one in a town near me.

    • @garnetjohnson763
      @garnetjohnson763 ปีที่แล้ว

      I had one near me in Oklahoma City. My whole group of friends would go in there together. I miss it.

  • @davidjones535
    @davidjones535 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I'm from Youngstown Ohio and really remember Hills they sold bag of popcorn and hotdogs with softdrinks just in side of the front of the store and my mother worked for K Mart for 27 years before retirement and my father worked for Joseph Horns for over 25 year after they bought out Higbes who bought out the local store were he was working at sense getting out of the military in 1955 .

  • @geminichick61
    @geminichick61 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    …and now, sadly, you can add Bed, Bath and Beyond to this list.
    Back in the day, a department store in Philadelphia was quite popular. It was called John Wanamaker. Loved shopping there, especially at Christmas. Their light show was wonderful. Miss it still😢😢