Defunct Store Socks
Description: Garfinckel's was a prominent department store chain based in Washington, D.C. that catered to a clientele of wealthy consumers. Garfinckel’s carved out a unique, high-end niche and held on to it for 85 years, cultivating generations of dedicated shoppers who depended on the store for the trendiest and classiest apparel. When Garfinckel's closed in 1990, it was a heart-wrenching experience for employees and customers alike. Its flagship store at 14th and F in the city's F Street shopping district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Description: Remembering the beloved Higbee's Department Store in Cleveland Ohio. We all called it Higbee's, but for years the name on all their advertising was The Higbee Company. This was their logo. It is also the department store featured in the movie A Christmas Story, where Ralphie Parker first sees the Red Rider BB Gun.
Description: S. S. Kresge, founded in 1899, was a Detroit-born dime store where shoppers could find daily needs such as housewares, linens, clothing, school supplies, and toys. It was one of America’s top three variety store chains and had 742 stores by its 40th anniversary in 1938, primarily in the Midwest and eastern U.S. In 1962 Harry B. Cunningham president of Kresge, opened the first Kmart discount store in Garden City, Michigan. Kmart stores expanded nationwide, eventually replacing Kresge stores, the last of which were sold to the McCrory Corporation by 1987.
Description: Halle Department Store. Early logo. We all called it Halle's, but for years the name on all the advertising was The Halle Bros. Co, The store was used as the location of the fictional department store, Winfred-Louder, in the television series, "The Drew Carey Show". Actress Halle Berry, a native of Cleveland, was named after the store. This and Higbee's were the beloved department stores in Cleveland Ohio in the 50's and 60's.
Description: Two Guys, originally known as Two Guys From Harrison, was a well-known American discount store chain established in 1946 by brothers Sidney and Herbert Hubschman in Harrison, New Jersey. The business began by specializing in major household appliances, including televisions, before rapidly expanding its product offerings. After acquiring the Vornado brand appliance manufacturer in 1959, the retailer grew to more than 100 locations across New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Virginia, and even California. Once one of the nation's leading discount retailers, Two Guys experienced a steady decline during the late 1970s and officially ceased operations in 1982.
Description: Filene's opened its famous "Automatic Bargain Basement" in 1909, which became a much-visited tourist attraction. Goods were marked down according to an automatic schedule; an item that had been on sale for 12 days was marked down by 25 percent, after 18 days by 50 percent, after 24 days by 75 percent, and after 30 days it was given away. Famous for the Running of the Brides which was a one-day sale of wedding gowns, garnering local media attention because of the sight of hundreds of brides-to-be scrambling for bargains. The store stocked thousands of gowns for that day and marked them down drastically; gowns were non-returnable. Prices ranged from $249.00 to $699.00, marked down from retail prices as high as $9,000.
Description: Gemco was an American chain of membership department stores that was owned by San Leandro-based Lucky Stores, a California supermarket company which eventually became part of Albertsons. Gemco operated from 1959 until closing in late 1986. Gemco had a version called Memco, also owned by Lucky Stores, that operated stores in the Chicago, Illinois, and Washington, D.C., areas.
Description: Remembering Famous Barr Department Store. The Railway Exchange Building in downtown St. Louis was the home to the flagship Famous-Barr store and headquarters of the May Department Stores Company. It was the first air-conditioned department store in the country. Back in the day, this Famous-Barr store was the place to see and be seen. Christmas shopping at this department store was an event, so much so that memories of visiting the store or even just stopping by to check out the elaborate displays in the windows is a happy memory for generations of St. Louisans.
Description: Remembering Meier & Frank Department Stores. Meier & Frank was a prominent chain of department stores founded in Portland, Oregon, operating in the Pacific Northwest from 1857 to 2006. For a time, Meier & Frank reigned as the largest retail outlet west of the Mississippi and one of the largest stores in the nation in the early 1930s. It was considered as one of America’s great stores. Meier & Frank pioneered the concept of a "money-back guarantee", until then unheard-of in merchandising. Clark Gable worked at Meier & Frank selling neckties.
Description: Remembering the Bon-Ton Department Store. Bon-Ton was started in 1898, when Max Grumbacher and his father, Samuel, opened S. Grumbacher & Son, a one-room millinery and dry goods store on Market Street in York, Pennsylvania. Bon-Ton eventually bought other department stores including, Hess's, Elder-Beerman, Carson Pirie Scott (later branded as Carson's), Bergner's, Boston Store, Herberger's, and Younkers.
Description: Our hand-drawn recreation of the iconic Weinacker's design, inspired by an original illustration from a vintage matchbook cover, celebrates the historic Weinacker's department store. Once renowned as "A One Stop Shopping Center," Weinacker's was a beloved Mobile, Alabama landmark located at the corner of Government and Catherine Streets. A staple of the community and a hub of local shopping and events during the mid-20th century, this nostalgic design captures the essence of a bygone era, making it a perfect addition to any collection. Relive the charm of Mobile's past with this unique and detailed artwork!
