Remember when going shopping with Mom and Dad was actually exciting? Back in the ’60s, stores weren’t just places to buy things—they were destinations, experiences, and sometimes the highlight of our entire week. These weren’t your typical strip mall shops; these were grand establishments with personalities all their own, places where the journey was just as important as whatever ended up in the shopping bag.
1. Woolworth’s Five and Dime
Walking into Woolworth’s was like entering a treasure cave where everything cost practically nothing and the possibilities seemed endless. The long aisles stretched out before you, packed with everything from school supplies to candy to small toys that your allowance could actually afford. The lunch counter at the front was where you might get to sit on those spinning stools and order a cherry Coke while Mom finished her shopping. Britannica outlines a history that’s as grand as the shopping experience at this venue.
What made Woolworth’s magical was the sheer variety crammed into every square inch of space. You could find plastic army men next to sewing supplies, which were right next to goldfish swimming in little bowls. The smell of the store—a mixture of new merchandise, floor wax, and something indefinably “Woolworth’s”—is something that still takes you back the moment you remember it.
2. Sears, Roebuck and Co.
Sears wasn’t just a store; it was practically a small city under one roof, and the annual pilgrimage to pick up the Christmas catalog was like receiving a roadmap to paradise. The store had everything your family could possibly need, from appliances in the basement to toys on the top floor, and the escalators between floors felt like rides at an amusement park. You could spend an entire Saturday there and still not see everything. Smithsonian Magazine outlines the rise of Sears, and what led to it disappearing from the cultural zeitgeist.
The toy department at Sears was legendary, especially during the holiday season when they’d set up elaborate displays and demonstrations. Seeing all those toys arranged like a miniature wonderland made your Christmas list grow by about fifty items every visit. The catalog order counter was also a source of fascination—imagine being able to order anything from a book and have it delivered to your house!
3. S.S. Kresge
Before there was Kmart, there was S.S. Kresge, and walking into one of their variety stores was like stepping into organized chaos that somehow made perfect sense. The narrow aisles were packed floor to ceiling with merchandise that ranged from practical household items to completely random novelties you never knew you needed. The wooden floors creaked under your feet, and the fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, creating an atmosphere that was uniquely Kresge’s. Detroit Historical Society treasures the meaningful history of this nostalgic store.
What made Kresge special was how they managed to stock items you couldn’t find anywhere else, often at prices that seemed too good to be true. You might find a rubber chicken next to genuine leather wallets, or discover a rack of 45 RPM records beside the dish towels. The checkout counters were always busy, with cashiers who knew most of their regular customers by name and could ring up your purchases faster than you could count the change.
4. Montgomery Ward
“Monkey Ward,” as everyone called it, was Sears’ main competitor and in many ways felt more personal and friendly than its larger rival. The store had a neighborhood feel even when it was huge, with employees who seemed genuinely interested in helping you find what you needed. The catalog showroom concept was revolutionary—you could flip through thick books of merchandise and order items to be delivered to the store or your home.
What set Montgomery Ward apart was their approach to customer service and their unique mix of merchandise that often included items you couldn’t find at other stores. Their automotive department was legendary among dads, while their toy section rivaled anyone’s during the holidays. The store’s layout encouraged browsing and discovery, with surprise items tucked into unexpected corners that made every visit feel like a treasure hunt.
5. Newberry’s
J.J. Newberry’s was the variety store that felt like your grandmother’s attic had been organized and opened to the public. The store had a cozy, almost homey atmosphere that made you want to explore every nook and cranny. The lunch counter was always busy with local folks catching up on gossip over coffee and pie, while the rest of the store buzzed with the quiet activity of people finding exactly what they needed.
What made Newberry’s special was how they managed to stock everything without feeling overwhelming or impersonal. The toy section was modest but carefully curated, the fabric department had everything for Mom’s sewing projects, and the pet department usually had parakeets chirping in their cages. The store felt like part of the community in a way that larger chains never quite managed to replicate.
6. W.T. Grant
Grant’s was where practical met affordable, and the store had a reputation for carrying quality merchandise at prices that working families could manage. The wide aisles and bright lighting made shopping there feel efficient and purposeful, but there were always unexpected discoveries to be made in the seasonal sections. The store’s layout was logical and easy to navigate, making it a favorite for busy parents doing serious shopping.
What set Grant’s apart was their commitment to value without sacrificing quality, and their seasonal displays were always impressive and current. The back-to-school section in late summer was like a wonderland of fresh supplies and new possibilities. Their toy department might not have been the biggest, but it was always well-stocked with the latest popular items, and the prices were usually the best in town.
7. Ben Franklin Variety Store
Ben Franklin stores were often locally owned franchises that combined the convenience of a chain with the personal touch of a neighborhood business. These stores had a warm, welcoming atmosphere that made you feel like you were visiting friends rather than just shopping. The mix of merchandise was eclectic and practical, with everything from school supplies to small appliances sharing shelf space in perfect harmony.
What made Ben Franklin special was how each store reflected its community while maintaining the familiar Ben Franklin character. The craft section was always impressive, with supplies for every hobby imaginable, while the toy department featured both popular national brands and unique local finds. The store owners usually knew their regular customers and could recommend products based on your family’s specific needs and interests.
8. Two Guys from Harrison
Two Guys was the discount department store that felt like you were getting away with something because the prices were so low. The warehouse-style layout and no-frills approach meant you had to work a little harder to find what you wanted, but the savings were worth the effort. The store had a bustling, energetic atmosphere that made shopping there feel like participating in some kind of retail adventure.
What set Two Guys apart was their commitment to deep discounts on name-brand merchandise, making it possible for families to afford items that might be out of reach elsewhere. Their toy department during the holidays was legendary for having the same popular items as expensive stores but at prices that didn’t break the family budget. The store’s slogan, “We’re not fancy, but we’re good,” perfectly captured their approach to retail.
9. Zayre
Zayre was the discount chain that managed to feel upscale despite its bargain prices, with clean, well-organized stores that made shopping there a pleasant experience. The red and white color scheme was instantly recognizable, and the store’s layout made it easy to find what you needed without feeling overwhelmed. The clothing sections were particularly impressive, offering fashionable options at prices that made sense for growing families.
What made Zayre memorable was their ability to stock current, popular merchandise while maintaining their discount prices. The toy section was always competitive with larger stores, and their seasonal displays were creative and eye-catching. The store attracted a diverse customer base, creating a lively shopping atmosphere where you might run into neighbors, friends, or teachers from school.
10. Korvette’s
E.J. Korvette’s was the discount pioneer that proved you could offer low prices without sacrificing style or selection. The stores were bright, modern, and filled with merchandise that felt current and desirable rather than cheap or outdated. Shopping at Korvette’s felt like being let in on a secret about how to get quality goods without paying premium prices.
What set Korvette’s apart was their innovative approach to retail, including their early adoption of self-service shopping and their focus on rapid inventory turnover. The electronics department was particularly impressive, offering the latest gadgets and appliances at prices that made them accessible to middle-class families. The store’s modern design and efficient layout influenced countless other retailers and helped define what discount shopping could be.
11. Bradlees
Bradlees was the New England discount chain that felt like a neighborhood institution even when it expanded beyond its original territory. The stores had a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere that made families feel comfortable browsing and taking their time. The mix of merchandise was practical and well-chosen, with an emphasis on items that families actually needed at prices they could afford.
What made Bradlees special was their understanding of their customer base and their commitment to serving families rather than just selling merchandise. The clothing sections offered good quality at reasonable prices, while the home goods departments were filled with practical items that made life easier. The store’s seasonal displays were always tasteful and current, reflecting the changing needs of busy households throughout the year.
12. Mammoth Mart
Mammoth Mart was the discount chain that lived up to its name, offering huge stores filled with an enormous selection of merchandise at prices that seemed almost too good to believe. The warehouse-style layout and concrete floors gave the stores an industrial feel, but the sheer variety of available goods made every visit an adventure in discovery. You never knew what treasures you might find tucked away in some corner of the store.
What set Mammoth Mart apart was their willingness to stock unusual or hard-to-find items alongside everyday necessities, creating a treasure hunt atmosphere that kept customers coming back. The toy sections were particularly impressive, often featuring items you couldn’t find anywhere else in town. The store’s no-nonsense approach to retail created a unique shopping experience that was both efficient and exciting.
Those were the days when shopping was an event, not a chore, and these stores were the stages where family memories were made. Whether it was the thrill of finding the perfect toy at Woolworth’s or the satisfaction of getting a great deal at Two Guys, these retailers understood that shopping should be about more than just buying things—it should be about the experience, the discovery, and the joy of finding exactly what you didn’t know you were looking for.
