It’s a tale as old as time. We all have specific memories with our parents shopping at some of these stores that are closed forever. There was a time when these stores were the only ones that came to mind when it was time to spend your money. In fact, they were around for so long that it seemed as if we could always depend upon them.
However, as the economy went south, it’s safe to say that those days are over and that nothing lasts forever. Even so, we can still remember these stores fondly and will never forget all the shopping that we did in them when they were open. Take a look:
1. Ben Franklin
These used to be “variety” stores and at one time, there were 2,000 across America.
Now, only a few are open and they are basically just craft stores.
2. Sam Goody
This record store had great prices but now, people don’t buy records in places like this anymore.
3. Software Etc.
The “Etc.” was placed to remind us that we could buy more than just software in these stores, including video games!
4. S.H. Kress
These stores had beautifully designed buildings and many even had a lunch counter and a soda fountain.
5. Walden Books
This was the first bookstore chain to have a store in each of the 50 states in America.
6. KAY-BEE Toys
These were once everywhere and it was eventually bought out by Toys R Us.
7. A&P Grocery
This store sold a variety of food at reasonable prices.
8. People’s Drug Store
They called themselves “your neighborhood drug store”.
9. TG&Y
This name stood for the names of its three founders: Tomlinson, Gosselin, and Young.
10. Alpha Beta
It was named this because, in the owner’s first store, everything was organized alphabetically with apples next to avocados etc.
11. Sharper Image
This store was fun for trying out giant chairs before you bought them.
(Credits)
12. Camelot Music
Camelot Music stores were mostly found in malls! At one time, it was one of the largest music retailers in the United States, based on store count. Towards the end of the ’90s, Camelot was sold to a larger company that began liquidation.
Do you remember the days of browsing through the latest records, or 45s? I used to try and save up to purchase a 45 each week!
Do you remember these stores from the past that are closed forever?
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