Iconic Stores People Grew Up With That No Longer Exist
Remember when shopping used to be a full-fledged experience? Before shopping was as simple as pressing "enter" on a keyboard, people would dress in their snazziest clothes and stroll through Woolworth's, or pick up the latest fashion trends at Bonwit Teller. If you have fond memories of doing holiday shopping in Gimbels or choosing your favorite flick in Blockbuster, then grab your fanciest hat and take a stroll down memory lane with these iconic stores of the past. You'll be surprised how quickly you forgot they even existed!
1. F. W. Woolworth Company
This 1879 company founded by Frank W. Woolworth was one of the first general stores to merge with other companies. Woolworth’s closed in 1997, leaving its “five and dime” legacy in its wake.
2. Marshall Field's
This store took shopping in the Midwest to a whole new level. Its glamorous clocks, Tiffany ceiling, and bronze placards made for an unforgettable shopping experience. Though it was acquired by Macy's in 2006, it's still classy to us.
3. Mervyn's
As far as mid-price department stores go, it doesn't get more classic than Mervyn's! It was the hottest retail chain in the West until it tried to expand to the rest of the country, and the company shuttered its doors in 2008.
4. A&P
The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company had humble beginnings as a mail order business, but by 1930, it was the largest grocery chain in the U.S. Though it closed in 2016, it left behind the popular Woman's Day magazine.
