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I think because I've been in retail most of my life, I'm extra-aware of the changes in the retail industry. Not only have I noticed how the physical aspect of retail has changed, but also, and more so, how customer service and the process of purchasing products has changed. 

Although I think that online shopping has its advantages; particularly if you're replenishing a product, nothing compares to shopping in a brick and mortar store where you can speak face to face with an associate. But alas, brick and mortar stores are slowly fading to black. 

Many companies now offer "virtual" shopping, which I feel was such a great thing during the pandemic because people were unable to shop in person. However, as great as it was, it still didn't replace seeing a product in person where you could touch and feel it. As advantageous as virtual shopping is, there is still a computer monitor between you, the customer service representative, and the product. Nothing can replace human to human contact. As least to me, anyway. In as much as interaction with the public can sometimes be very trying in the retail industry, I still prefer having a job in which I am surrounded by other humans. 

Today, I would like to share several Then and Now photographs of Philadelphia department stores. The vintage photos you'll see, I found online. The current photos, I took myself. I get such pleasure and enjoyment from doing comparison posts because I find it interesting to see how things (such as styles) have changed over the years. And although they may have changed, I love how you can still see glimpses of the beautiful history within its structure, as if it's saying, "I'm still here."

Please enjoy...

Lit Brothers (Market Street)


Then


Now (Ross Dress For Less)

Gimbels (Market Street)


Then


Now -- Unfortunately in 1977, Gimbles was demolished. It is currently a parking lot. 

Strawbridge & Clothier (Market Street)


Then


Now (Century 21)

Woolworth (Chestnut Street)


Then (aren't the vintage automobiles faaaaabulous?)


Now (West Elm, an art supply store, and a bowling alley)

Robinson (Market Street)

Then


Now (abandoned)

John Wanamaker (Market Street)


Then -- John Wanamaker was my personal favorite store when I was growing up because it was retail at its finest. Shopping in Wanamaker was not only about shopping, but about "the shopping experience." The customer service was impeccable, and the sales associates were all knowledgeable in the merchandise they represented. They went out of their way to assist you and took great care in their work. Wanamaker employees were proud to work for such an establishment. And as a customer, you could feel that. I clearly remember walking through the store with my mother and thinking to myself, "One day I'm going to be working in a place like this!" 

My mother's first credit card was from John Wanamaker. And back then, credit cards were a huge deal because it was rare that you got one. Nowadays, the second you turn 6-years old, you're pre-approved for an AMEX card with a $50,000. limit. 


Note: In the photo collage above I highlighted *the exterior of the store; *the Wanamaker Rocket Express monorail (which I rode) that was suspended from the ceiling in the toy department; *the Crystal Tea Room on the top floor, where my mother would take us for lunch during the Christmas holidays. I'd always order a delicious triple-decker club sandwich with an iced tea; *the first floor atrium that invokes the grandeur of the 1920's architecture. That's a 30,000 pipe organ - the largest working pipe organ in the world. 

*Much of the 1987 movie Mannequin was filmed at Wanamaker's.


Now -- Macy's. To be perfectly honest, when Macy's took over in 2006, the building quickly deteriorated. Although the exterior of the building remains beautiful, the interior is a shambles. The customer service is non-existent and the merchandise is just flung all over the floors. I avoid going inside because you can literally feel a depression that hangs heavily in the air coming from John Wanamaker himself, knowing what the store used to be, compared to what it is now. Macy's puts forth zero effort in sustaining any kind of respect for the property and its history. Macy's as a company, overall, has been going downhill for many, many years. Shopping at Macy's is like shopping in a loud and chaotic flea market. 

---------------------------------------------

Ah yes, the good ol' days of window shopping...


Thanks so much for taking this tour of Then and Now department stores.


Have a splendid week, everyone! 
💗

28 comments:

  1. Ron, what a GREAT post! I love comparison pics because like you, I really like seeing how things, such as styles/fashion/design have changed. But isn't it interesting to see how so often styles/fashion/design return? It's like after a period of time, they just resurface because people realize how classic they were. Yes, the photograph of the vintage cars is fabulous!

    What you said about Macy's is so true. We have one in a mall where I live and it's such an unpleasant experience shopping there, so I no longer go. And it's sad when you think of how Macy's was at the top of classic American department stores. I've heard of John Wanamaker, but have never shopped in one? Is it exclusively a Philadelphia store, or did they have them elsewhere?

    I love the last black and white collage of the women window shopping. They looked so well dressed and put together!

    Thank you for sharing, Ron.Fun and interesting post!

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  2. Hey there Candice!

    " But isn't it interesting to see how so often styles/fashion/design return? It's like after a period of time, they just resurface because people realize how classic they were."


    Yes!!!!!! And you can see that in not only fashion, but also hairstyles, makeup, and architecture. The photo of the cars was from the 50's, which is the decade that I was born. And I didn't appreciate the styles back then as I do now. The cars back then were so well-made and lasted forever!

    I've had a couple friends who I worked with in retail over the years, who have worked at Macy's and said it was horrible. One friend lasted only a week and then quit. LOL!

    "I love the last black and white collage of the women window shopping. They looked so well dressed and put together. Reminds me of scenes from the movie, "The Women."

    OMG, it's so ironic that you mentioned the movie, "The Women", because that's EXACTLY what I thought when I saw those black and white photos online. I found so many of them, but narrowed it down to using those four. Don't you love the way they're dressed?

    John Wanamaker was primarily a Philadelphia, PA store, however, they had one in NYC as well. Eventually the company was bought by the Lord & Taylor company, and then later on by Macy's.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great rest of your week!

    X

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  3. Seaside SimplicityWednesday, June 09, 2021

    I love this post so much Ron, it sure brings back memories. I was raised in Fort Lauderdale and have gone in search of some of the big stores I remember before everything was in malls to see what they are now, if the buildings are still standing at all. I love seeing all the awesome old cars and the way the women were dressed back then. I miss the old window displays, especially during the holidays. I remember it being a fun holiday outing just to go see them back in the day. Thanks for sharing these with us!

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  4. Ron, you're one of the best to write a post like this! You've actually experienced retail from the inside and out, and I find it fascinating how things have changed (or, in the case of Macy's, deteriorated). I have had similar impressions, but I thought I was just being a Picky Virgo, ha!


    I remember going into Kresge's (the forerunner to Kmart, I believe) with my grandma when I was a child. What a fun experience! We'd "touch and roll" everything we could get our hands on, then sit down at the lunch counter (where I always got a grilled cheese sandwich with a pickle on top!). Nobody made grilled cheese that tasty!


    Weren't these old department stores wonderful? So many things to see and do. Did you get to FAO Schwarz? I always wanted to go there!


    Fun post, my friend. Enjoy the rest of your week. xx

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  5. Well, this post was right up my alley, Ron!!! I loved it! The before and after shots are wonderful to see. Like you, some of my earliest memories are going to downtown department stores. I think you know that I grew up in Akron, which was a big city in its heyday of making tires. We had 4 major department stores: Higbee’s, Halle’s, Polsky’s, and O’Neil’s. The last one was the store I worked for right after college. By then, May Company owned them and the others were beginning to disappear and were all gone by the mid-90’s. Kaufman’s bought out May Co. and then Macy’s bought Kaufman’s and it’s been downhill since. I believe Dillard’s bought Higbee’s? Not sure, but I’m not a fan of them, either. ZERO customer service. The dressing rooms are a mess and the only area of the store that is neat and has employees interested in helping you…..cosmetics! But, I know you know that!!!

    The amazing part of this post to me is how much Wanamaker’s looks like O’Neil’s both inside and out! Although that pipe organ is a unique feature! How cool is that? Maybe I’ll have to do a similar post some day! You’re so right about the importance of in person service. It’s been a long time since I’ve had any, though a few years ago, I took Middle Child to Ann Taylor’s to get a dress for a special occasion and the salesperson was wonderful! Helped us find the perfect dress and was so nice about spending time in dressing room, getting the right sizes for my petite daughter. It was true customer service.

    Thanks for the fabulous post! XO

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  6. Hey there Martha!

    Having lived in Florida for 20 years, I recall many of the stores (Jordan Marsh, Dillards, Burdines, and Maison Blanche) that were part of its retail history. WONDEFUL stores, btw!

    "I love seeing all the awesome old cars and the way the women were dressed back then. I miss the old window displays, especially during the holidays. "

    Yes....to all of those! I remember that whenever my mother took us shopping, we had to get all dressed up (even polish our shoes) because that's the way people shopped back then. And to be honest, I miss that.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Martha! Have a grrrreat rest of your week!

    X

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  7. Hello there Debbie!

    I think that because I've been in the retail industry for literally most of my life, I have watched the changes. And many of those changes have not been for the best. What concerns me about the high degree of technology (computers, the internet, etc.) that we use, is that it's alienating us from each other as human beings. And besides that, it is causing so many people to lose their jobs because not as many people are needed.

    "I have had similar impressions, but I thought I was just being a Picky Virgo, ha!"


    HA! Don't forget, although I'm a Libra, my rising in VIRGO, so you and I are similar in that way.

    " What a fun experience! We'd "touch and roll" everything we could get our hands on, then sit down at the lunch counter (where I always got a grilled cheese sandwich with a pickle on top!). Nobody made grilled cheese that tasty!"

    OMG yes! You see, that's what I mean. Shopping used to be so different back then. It wasn't just about shopping, it was about making the whole experience....special.

    " Did you get to FAO Schwarz? I always wanted to go there!"

    Thank you SO MUCH for mentioning FAO Schwartz because I used to lived several blocks from the flagship store in Manhattan. OMG...what a TREAT it was to go there and just play around with all the toys. I remember when that store went out of business and they used the space for another APPLE store. They only have 100 Apple stores in NYC, so they needed another one. LOL!

    I'm so happy I got the chance to experience FAO Schwartz when it was still in existence.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my Virgo friend. Have a faaaaabulous rest of your week!
    X

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  8. Yes, I KNEW you would enjoy this post, being that you and I are the Queen and King of Customer Service! LOL!

    " By then, May Company owned them and the others were beginning to disappear and were all gone by the mid-90’s. Kaufman’s bought out May Co. and then Macy’s bought Kaufman’s and it’s been downhill since. I believe Dillard’s bought Higbee’s?"

    Yes! Yes! Yes! May Company bought a TON of stores that went out of business. That's how it is in retail, one company owns MANY different retailers within their own company. And I saw that a lot in the cosmetic industry. And what they do is buy all these retails and they RUIN them by making them all the same, which takes away from their individuality. I can't STAND Macy's! And I refuse to purchase anything from them. I know people who worked for them and hated the experience.

    "The dressing rooms are a mess and the only area of the store that is neat and has employees interested in helping you…..cosmetics!"


    Yup! It's the same in the Macy's here in Philly. And the only reason customers get more attention in cosmetics is because they are on COMMISSION and have HUGE sales goals. That's why I left that industry 2 1/2 years ago.

    I've heard of O’Neil’s, but have never been inside one. I do know that they are an Ohio store, much like Wanamaker being a Philadelphia store. Isn't that pipe organ amazing? And it's still there.

    "It’s been a long time since I’ve had any, though a few years ago, I took Middle Child to Ann Taylor’s to get a dress for a special occasion and the salesperson was wonderful! Helped us find the perfect dress and was so nice about spending time in dressing room, getting the right sizes for my petite daughter. It was true customer service."

    Oh, I am so happy to hear that! It gives me hope that good customer service STILL exists!

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and feelings. I so enjoyed your comment!

    Have a great rest of your week, my friend!

    X

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  9. " Nowadays, the second you turn 6-years old, you're pre-approved for an AMEX card with a $50,000. limit." Oh my god Ron, both my husband and I laughed so hard when we read that because it's so true!

    I can't tell you HOW MUCH I loved this post! And what time and effort it must have taken you to find the vintage photos and they go out and take Now photos to match. Well done!

    Being that you and I are the same age, I can so relate to how you feel about how much retail has changed. It's so sad, isn't it? And being from New York, it breaks my heart because we had some of the best retail stores in that city. I almost died when I read about the Henri Bendel store closing on 5th Avenue. That was a New York City landmark!

    I remember the Wanamaker in New York City, but the one in Philadelphia was better because of the building. And being that it was the flagship store, it had more merchandise. I remember walking through that main floor atrium and being so impressed with the size of that organ. Didn't they used to have a Christmas show there during the holidays? And didn't someone play that organ?

    And I agree with you about shopping online versus in person. I'm sorry, but there is NO comparison.

    Thank you for this wonderful trip down memory lane, Ron. Oh, how I miss those days!

    Have a great week! Hasn't this heat been horrendous?

    X

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  10. Ron, I forgot to mention in my first comment about the taxi cab in the Gimbels photograph. I miss those cabs!!!!

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  11. An incredible post. Thank you. Nothing will ever be like this again.

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  12. Hi there Rick!

    Thanks! I had a feeling you would enjoy this one because of our mutual love for retail and what it USED to be. Particularly....John Wanamaker!

    And you're right, nothing will ever be like this again!

    Hope all is well with you, my friend! Have a great rest of your week!
    X

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  13. OMG, I know...isn't that cab fantabulous? I miss them too! I miss those HUGE Checker cabs in New York City. Now, the cabs look like a regular car. BORING!

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  14. Hellooooooooooo there Elaine!

    I know, it's so true, isn't it? Back then hardly anyone had a credit card (or charge card as they used to call them). However, now they automatically give them to anyone, and at any age!

    Aw, thank you, glad you enjoyed this post. I had so much fun putting it together. I started it about two weeks ago and finally finished taking the photos over last weekend. It took time, yes, but I so enjoy doing these kinds of posts, so it was FUN. I love anything about history.

    "And being from New York, it breaks my heart because we had some of the best retail stores in that city. I almost died when I read about the Henri Bendel store closing on 5th Avenue. That was a New York City landmark!"

    Ironic you mentioned Bendel's because I was actually in NYC the month before they closed that store. It was right before Christmas. And it was sad because I knew that the next time I went back, it would no longer be there. And when I did go back, the place was completely closed down. The only thing left was the front door and the sign with their Henri Bendel logo/print above the door.

    You've been to the Wanamaker store in Philly? That's so neat!!! Wasn't it such a glorious shopping experience? Everything was so beautiful displayed, and the customer service was amazing. And yes, they still do play the organ during the Christmas holidays. They also have a light show, which is so lame. It's nothing like it was when I was a kid. Back then it was so dramatic. Now, it's kind of boring and lackluster.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor. Hope you're enjoying a super week! And yes, the heat has been BEYOND horrendous. Today I thought I was going to keel over walking back from Trader Joe's because the heat and the humidity were so intense. Thank god later in the week it cools down.

    X

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  15. Echoing what others have commented, what a wonderful post, Ron, especially the comparison shots of then and now. What a shame that Gimbels became a parking lot (like in the Judy Collins song?) As you may recall, I attended Temple University and well remember John Wanamaker, the way it was! That pipe organ was truly magnificent and I recall that there were timed performances. Do you know what became of it after Macys took over?

    I grew up in Plainfield, NJ, where there were 3 department stores, RJ Goerkes, Teppers, and Bambergers in the downtown shopping area. None of those are still there today, but I can recall going to them with my parents. It's been years since I have driven through the downtown area, so not sure what if any of those buildings remain or met the same fate as Gimbels.

    Those were the days, my friend, when stores had window displays and people stopped to look at them...all sadly gone. As you said, there is no substitute for face-to-face contact when shopping. We have become way too impersonal, sadly.

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  16. Aw...thank you, D! Happy to know that you enjoyed it. I LOVE doing Then and Now photo post. I love the investigation.

    "What a shame that Gimbels became a parking lot (like in the Judy Collins song?)"

    HA! OMG....that is so funny because you're right...I know that song you speak of. And it's a great one!

    "As you may recall, I attended Temple University and well remember John Wanamaker, the way it was! That pipe organ was truly magnificent and I recall that there were timed performances. Do you know what became of it after Macys took over?"

    Yes, I do recall that. And yes, Macy's still does timed performances, but they have gotten less and less frequent. In fact, I know the man who plays the organ because when the store was a Lord & Taylor (back in 2001) I worked there and he played the organ on the hour, every day.

    Yup...I know of some of the stores you mentioned from Jersey; particularly Bambergers. LOVED that store! Isn't it sad how so many really good quality stores have all gone away? I am SO happy that I had the opportunity to experience them before they did.

    " when stores had window displays and people stopped to look at them."

    You said it! I think the only two stores that still do that are Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City. And even so, they only really go way out on their Christmas window displays.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have an awesome rest of your week. And I hope it's cooler where you are than here. We've already had temps. into the high 90's with 85% humidity. OY VEY!

    X

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  17. Ron, these comparison photos ROCK! I love the picture of those vintage automobiles. I'll tell you something, I'm living in the wrong era because whenever I see photographs of past decades, I feel more in tuned with that time. I'm a big fan of the 40's and 50's. Love the style back then.

    "And although they may have changed, I love how you can still see glimpses of the beautiful history within its structure, as if it's saying, "I'm still here." I like how you said that because it's true. The past is always there even though it's the present. And I like that. It's a beautiful reminder!

    You cracked me up about the credit card LOL!!! They give a credit card to anyone now. Which is why there is so much credit card debt.

    GREAT post, dude! Informative and fun!

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  18. Hiya Matt!

    Aren't those automobiles the BEST?!?!? I love how well-made and strong they look. Back then cars lasted FOREVER! I feel like you, I'm more in tuned with certain past decades more so than now. I appreciate a lot of the advantageous we have now, however, it seemed simpler back then, but at the same time, more quality.

    "They give a credit card to anyone now. Which is why there is so much credit card debt."

    You got that right! I remember when my mother got her first card and how special it seemed because everyone paid by cash or check back then.

    I love looking at old buildings and noticing the detail in the architecture. That's why I like the cities in the Northeast, they're all old.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're enjoying a fantastic week!

    X

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  19. Oooo Ron, being a shopaholic, I LOVED this post! And for as much as I enjoy shopping online (which I do a lot), nothing replaces going to a store and shopping in real time. Like you said, online shopping is ideal for replenishment because you're just reordering something you use and know about. But when it comes to trying something new, I want to SEE it. Sure, you can return stuff, but I hate doing that. Plus is takes more time.

    The photos you shared of the then and now department stores are spectacular! I remember walking into Bergdorf Goodman for the first time with my mother when I was a teen and being in awe. BG is probably the only retail store that's been around forever, that still gives you that wonderful shopping experience. And I agree with you about Macy's. The one by me is a shit show.

    I love that exterior shot of Gimbels decorated for Christmas. And that pic of the all the ladies window shopping? Stellar!

    Thanks for sharing this Ron! WONDERFUL! xo

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  20. Hola Denise!

    Ha! I knew, being that you LOVED shopping, you'd get a kick out of seeing these department stores, Then and Now!

    I love what you said here..."online shopping is ideal for replenishment because you're just reordering something you use and know about. But when it comes to trying something new, I want to SEE it. Sure, you can return stuff, but I hate doing that. Plus is takes more time."

    YUP! And particularly when it comes to cosmetics (skin care, makeup, hair care, and fragrance), you need to see, touch and feel them. And yes, you can return them if you end up not liking them of course, but it's such a hassle to do that.

    " I remember walking into Bergdorf Goodman for the first time with my mother when I was a teen and being in awe. BG is probably the only retail store that's been around forever, that still gives you that wonderful shopping experience. "

    OMG...Bergdorf Goodman...to DIE for!! Love that store. I remember going in there years after I had left NYC and been away for so many years. I had forgotten how beautiful it was and how things were displayed with such care.

    Isn't Macy's kah-kah?

    I miss Gimbels. It was such a nice retailer. And quality!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Hope you're enjoying a wonderful week so far!

    X

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  21. My goodness, Ron, what a fabulous post! Your insightful comments and these stunning photos bring back the golden age of shopping.

    It's hard to believe but there was a time when every decent-sized city had its own department store--a place that the residents could call their own.

    As a business writer, I wrote a story about Marshal Fields in Chicago being bought out by Macy's.

    People protested and vowed not to shop in the new store, but one analyst I interviewed said "this too shall pass." People will forget the old store and move on.

    There used to be expression that went "Would Macy's tell Gimbels?" Today nobody would know what you're talking about.

    I had no idea that Wanamaker's was so an incredible place. The Rocket Express?! Oh, my God, I am so jealous.

    It really feels like we really lost a way of life when we lost these stores. It's more than the beautiful buildings. (Though I miss them, too!) Stores have no real character today and very few employees seem to have the pride that you described.

    Thanks for the trip down memory lane, buddy. There's not much we can do to stop "progress" but that doesn't mean we have to like it.

    Take care!

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  22. Rob, I LOVE you comment because what you shared is so absolutely true!

    "There used to be expression that went "Would Macy's tell Gimbels?" Today nobody would know what you're talking about."


    Yes! Yes! Yes! I so remember that expression! And you're right, today no one would even know that means!

    Wow, I didn't know you wrote a story about the Marshal Fields in Chicago being bought out by Macy's!?! That is sooooooo cool! I remember when they bought out the Lord & Taylor in Philly and how it literally destroyed the beautiful ambiance of John Wanamaker that Lord & Taylor tried to preserve.

    I know, isn't The Rocket Express the cutest thing you ever saw? And I remember like it was yesterday, riding that thing during the holidays. It felt so high-tech. HA!

    "It really feels like we really lost a way of life when we lost these stores. It's more than the beautiful buildings. (Though I miss them, too!) Stores have no real character today and very few employees seem to have the pride that you described."


    Yes, and thank you for sharing that. You're correct, more than the buildings, it's like we lost a way of life!

    Nope, we can't stop progress, can we?

    Much thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on this topic, buddy! Happy Friday, and have a superb weekend!

    X

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  23. I really enjoyed this post, Ron! I have several Then and Now, Past and Present books on Chicago. Like you, I'm fascinated with seeing how things changed over the years. I particularly like older cities because of the architecture. Philadelphia reminds me of parts of Chicago.

    Wow...John Wanamaker looks like such a beautiful store. Like you said, there is nothing better than going to a store and seeing things in front of you. I've bought many items online without seeing them for real, and ended up returning them because they didn't look anything like they did on the websites.

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  24. Hi there, Danie!

    You know, I've never been to Chicago, but from what I've seen in movies, books, and online, it looks like such an attractive city. Not only the architecture, but it also looks so clean, unlike Philadelphia. I've worked with several people who were originally from Chicago and they said that they had a feeling I would love it. I just recently watched the movie, My Best Friend's Wedding, which was all shot in Chicago!!!

    " I've bought many items online without seeing them for real, and ended up returning them because they didn't look anything like they did on the websites."

    Me too! I think online ordering is ideal for replenishment, however, not as great for first-time orders because you really can't tell how it looks.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel! Hope you're enjoying a terrific week so far!

    X

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  25. Ron, being that you've had a long career in retail, do you remember the store, Bonwit Teller? It was one of the most lovely shopping experinces. It was a luxury retailer. We had a few here where I live, but the one I visited in NYC years, years ago was incredible. I believe it was on 5th Avenue?

    What a great post! I remember Gimbels, what a shame that they closed them all over the country. And I remember Robinsons as well.

    Are you still in retail? I too had a career at one time in the retail industry. It's not for everyone, but I have to say that I enjoyed my time.

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  26. Hello there Clair!

    OMG...Bonwit Teller....YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My mother used to shop at the one here in Philadelphia, but also the one that was out in burbs. What a GLORIOUS store, wasn't it? I used to LOVE the shopping bags with the tiny purple flowers. SO CLASSY! I've never been to the one in NYC, but I bet it was exquisite because it was their flagship store.

    Do you remember Robinsons? Many people don't. I used to shop at the one in Florida, when I lived there. I can't remember when the company closed, thought. Maybe back in the 90's!?

    Yes, I am still in retail, although I work part-time. In all the years I've been working in the industry, I've worked for many different companies and products. I too enjoy retail. I don't love how much of it has changed, but I like the hours and the job itself.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Clair. Always a joy seeing your comments! Hope you're having a super week!

    X

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  27. I enjoyed all the then/now photos! I'm remembering an old shopping center near us that had a Woolworth's. We ate in the luncheonette quite a few times. There was a Korvette's, a JCPenney, Fashion Bug, Sbar's craft store, a good deli, and a Bradlees. Eventually a Blockbuster video moved in too and we were there alllll the time! LOL There actually still is a shopping center there, the whole plaza was redone years ago. It's just really fun to remember all the old stores and the days of our youth.

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  28. Aw....thank you, Mary...happy you hear you enjoyed the pics. I had so much fun putting this post together.

    YES....I too ate the luncheonette at Woolworth's. What a FUN experience, hu? I miss luncheonettes!

    And OMG....KORVETTE'S! You're the only person I know who even knows Korvette's. When I ask most people if they ever heard of Korvette's, they think I'm talking about the CAR. LOL!

    I LOVED Blockbuster! I was sad when they closed.

    "It's just really fun to remember all the old stores and the days of our youth."


    I know, isn't it? It makes me smile!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Great to see you!

    X

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