If you were around in the 60s, you might remember the shopping scene being quite different than it is today. The era was marked by a surge in consumerism, and department stores and shopping centers were popping up all over the country. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most popular stores of the time and reminisce about the good old days.
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Department Stores
Department stores were the kings of retail in the 60s. These massive shopping destinations offered everything from clothing to home goods to electronics.
One of the most popular department stores at the time was Sears. Founded in 1886, Sears had over 600 stores across the US by the end of the 60s. They were known for their wide selection of merchandise and their famous catalog, which allowed customers to order products from the comfort of their own homes.
Another major player in the department store game was J.C. Penney. Founded in 1902, J.C. Penney had over 1,000 stores by the end of the 60s, making it one of the largest retailers in the world. They were known for their affordable prices and their wide selection of clothing and home goods.
Discount Stores
While department stores were popular, discount stores were on the rise in the 60s. These stores offered lower prices than their department store counterparts and were often located in suburban areas.
One of the most well-known discount stores of the time was Kmart. Founded in 1962, Kmart quickly became a household name thanks to their low prices and wide selection of merchandise. They were known for their "Blue Light Specials," which offered even deeper discounts on select items for a limited time.
Another popular discount store was Woolworth's. Founded in 1879, Woolworth's had over 2,000 stores across the US by the end of the 60s. They were known for their low prices and wide variety of products, including clothing, home goods, and toys.
Grocery Stores
Grocery stores were another important part of the retail landscape in the 60s. While many of the stores we know today didn't exist yet, there were still plenty of options for shoppers.
One of the most popular grocery stores of the time was Safeway. Founded in 1915, Safeway had over 2,000 stores across the US by the end of the 60s. They were known for their affordable prices and wide selection of food and household items.
Another popular grocery store was A&P. Founded in 1859, A&P was one of the oldest grocery store chains in the US. They were known for their low prices and their famous coffee, which was sold under the "Eight O'Clock" brand name.
Drugstores
Drugstores were a staple of American life in the 60s. These stores offered everything from medicine to cosmetics to snacks.
One of the most popular drugstores of the time was Walgreens. Founded in 1901, Walgreens had over 1,000 stores across the US by the end of the 60s. They were known for their low prices and their wide selection of products.
Another popular drugstore chain was Rexall. Founded in 1903, Rexall had over 12,000 stores across the US by the end of the 60s. They were known for their high-quality products and their famous "One Cent Sale," which offered customers a second item for just a penny.
Convenience Stores
While convenience stores weren't as popular in the 60s as they are today, there were still plenty of options for shoppers on the go.
One popular convenience store chain was 7-Eleven. Founded in 1927, 7-Eleven had over 10,000 stores across the world by the end of the 60s. They were known for their extended hours and their wide selection of snacks and drinks.
Another popular convenience store chain was Circle K. Founded in 1951, Circle K had over 1,000 stores across the US by the end of the 60s. They were known for their low prices and their famous "Polar Pop" drink, which allowed customers to fill up a large cup with their favorite soda for a flat fee.
Conclusion
The 60s were a time of great change in the retail world. While many of the stores we know today didn't exist yet, there were still plenty of options for shoppers. Whether you were looking for clothing, groceries, or just a quick snack, there was a store for you. So next time you're out shopping, take a moment to appreciate how far we've come since the 60s.
