More from Roger about the subject I talked about a few months ago: the demise of the department store. The loss is particularly hard at this time of year.
More from Roger about the subject I talked about a few months ago: the demise of the department store. The loss is particularly hard at this time of year.
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That’s sad, Luanne. After shopping at Macy’s (formerly Marshall Field’s, formerly Hudson’s) in Portage, MI, today, I said to myself, “Macy’s will be announcing a lot of stores closing after Christmas.” On the bright side, I got a really good deal on a great winter coat that fits.
Regarding the provenance of our store, I recall a former Chicagoan crowing about Hudson’s selling out to M.F. some years ago. Now we would have an M.F. right here in Portage!
It makes me sad that Gilmore’s is gone and a lot of other great department stores. Jacobsons, Knapp’s, Steketee’s, Lamson’s, LaSalle’s, Lazarus, O’Neil’s, Polsky’s, etc.
It’s all so sad. I am guilty of using Amazon Prime, and I could kick myself, but we’re already in a position where it’s become too difficult to shop for everything in person. Imagine how bad it will be in ten years! The small specialty shops, as well as the beautiful department stores.
It’s so sad to see these big stores closing. Many of the Macy’s in our area a shutting their doors.
Ugh, I hate hearing that, Jill!!! How will anybody buy anything in person eventually?
I feel the same way. Hate to see the traditional stores closing.
It’s so sad. What will be left, Anneli?
The world is changing and not always for the better, but we will get used to it and, sooner or later, reshape the parts we don’t like.
Thank you for reminding me that there is a pendulum involved!
And it always swings too far before righting itself to settle for a normal range.
Always! It’s in its nature, after all!
As long as they don’t close the 99 cents store.
99c stores would be about the only stores left eventually, most likely, because Amazon won’t want to pay to ship stuff that only costs a dollar.
I had no idea! The times they are a’changing.
And not for the good when it comes to freedom of shopping!
This sent me on a bit of a journey reading older posts from both of you, but great reads all around. the demise of retail has been one of the more shocking changes I’ve witnessed in our culture over the last 20 years, shops and stores were the landscape of my childhood and adolescence, so it’s like watching my own history die a bit.
Well put: “like watching my own history die a bit.” That is so true. I am having a hard time dealing with this. Even more so when I think of what will happen when there is very little competition for Amazon, etc. We have been so blessed with the overabundance on our store shelves. But I still remember seeing photos of the shelves in Poland when I was younger. EMPTY. Is that the kind of availability we want? I’m very concerned that nobody is even ringing the warning bell for this stuff!
I keep thinking of the Woolworth’s in the town square where I grew up, their food counter where I worked for a time during high school, serving popcorn, hotdogs, and lemonade. Also the Grant’s store in the same square. As the brick-and-mortars fade, it will be interesting to see what does appear in addition to Amazon. I suppose it helps the carbon footprint? Or does it? Love the photo of Lord & Taylor.
I’m sure it doesn’t help anything. And it’s a loss of community and beauty. I also think of Woolworth’s and Grant’s, both on the Kalamazoo downtown mall. In fact, a scene in my memoir takes place at Woolworth’s. I loved Grant’s even more though. What a cool store! The toys in the basement! And the wide stairs near the front of the store. Every so often I see stairs like that in an antique store. I love that you worked at Woolworth’s!
Both stores provoke memories of my dear aunts and our trips there when I was visiting cousins!
I wrote about the evd of a basic USA staple: Sears and Roebuck, Co. It was one of my most visited post in 2017. Everyone’s Christmas dream list was made after studying their big December catalogue! I’m so glad you and Roger had a similar conversation. It is sad when the long lasting memories of dream stores are out to rest, Luanne.
May you have had a very happy holiday season and wishing you the best of health, happiness and let’s throw in prosperity since we all face the future with some elements of trepidation, I think. Hugs xo 💖
out = “put” (to rest) xo ❤