Gather round fellow retail history buffs, because we’re about to take a trip down memory lane to revisit 20 stores that don’t exist anymore and have sadly bitten the dust.
From iconic shopping malls to quirky mom-and-pop shops, these once-beloved establishments are now just fond memories. So, let’s take a casual stroll through the retail graveyard, shall we?
20 Stores That Stores That Don’t Exist Anymore
Woolworth’s
Who didn’t love a trip to Woolworth’s back in the day? This five-and-dime store was a staple of American shopping for over a century, offering everything from penny candy to household goods.
But alas, shifting consumer trends and the rise of big-box retailers ultimately spelled the end for Woolworth’s. The last US location closed its doors in 1997, leaving a void in the hearts of nostalgia-loving shoppers.
Blockbuster Video
Remember when Friday nights revolved around a frantic dash to Blockbuster to snag the last copy of the latest movie release? Ah, those were the days. But then along came Netflix and Redbox, and the
once-mighty video rental chain found itself completely outmoded. The last Blockbuster store, located in Bend, Oregon, shuttered in 2018, marking the end of an era.
Kresge’s
Before there was Kmart, there was Kresge’s – the original five-and-dime store that laid the foundation for the discount retail revolution. Kresge’s was a staple of American shopping malls for decades,
offering an eclectic mix of goods at rock-bottom prices. But as Walmart and Target rose to dominance, poor old Kresge’s just couldn’t keep up. The last store closed in 1987, leaving behind a trail of fond memories and an empty retail space or two.
Ames
In the 1990s, Ames was the scrappy underdog of the discount retail world, giving Kmart and Walmart a run for their money. With over 700 stores nationwide, Ames was a one-stop shop for budget-
conscious shoppers. But a series of ill-advised acquisitions and management missteps ultimately did the chain in, and Ames shuttered for good in 2002.
Montgomery Ward
Long before Amazon was a twinkle in Jeff Bezos‘ eye, there was Montgomery Ward – one of the original mail-order and department store giants. For over a century, Ward’s was a beloved destination for
everything from appliances to apparel. But the company just couldn’t adapt to the changing retail landscape, and the last Ward’s store closed in 2001.
Borders
Ah, Borders – the bookstore chain that was once the envy of every literary lover. With its cozy armchairs, expansive selection, and in-store Starbucks, Borders was the go-to spot for
bibliophiles. But the rise of Amazon and e-books ultimately proved too much for the beloved bookseller, and it shuttered all of its stores by 2011.
Tower Records
Before the advent of digital music, there was Tower Records – the iconic music retailer that every self-respecting audiophile had to visit. With its towering shelves, knowledgeable staff, and vast selection,
Tower was a music lover’s paradise. Sadly, the internet and the decline of physical media proved too much for the chain, and the last Tower Records closed in 2006.
Thrifty Drug Stores
For generations of West Coast shoppers, Thrifty Drug Stores were the go-to spot for everything from prescriptions to penny candy. With its bright, cheerful stores and iconic soda fountains, Thrifty
was a beloved part of the community. But in the late 1990s, the chain was acquired by Rite Aid, and the Thrifty name eventually disappeared from store shelves.
Zellers
In Canada, no discussion of retail relics would be complete without mentioning Zellers. This beloved discount department store was a fixture of shopping malls across the Great White North for
decades, offering everything from electronics to home goods. But in 2013, Zellers’ parent company, Hudson’s Bay, pulled the plug on the chain, ceding the discount retail space to the likes of Walmart and Target.
Hecht’s
If you grew up on the East Coast, chances are you have fond memories of browsing the aisles at Hecht’s. This iconic department store chain was a beloved institution for generations, known for its
quality merchandise and friendly customer service. Sadly, Hecht’s was eventually swallowed up by Macy’s, and the last standalone Hecht’s location closed in 2006.
Waccamaw
For shoppers in the Southeastern US, Waccamaw was the go-to spot for all things home decor and furnishings. With its massive showrooms and wide selection, Waccamaw was a one-stop shop for
everything from sofas to kitchenware. But the 2008 financial crisis proved too much for the chain, and it shuttered all of its stores by 2010.
Gimbels
Long before Macy’s was the household name it is today, there was Gimbels – one of the most iconic department store chains in American retail history. With its flagship location in New York City, Gimbels
was a shopping mecca for generations of Big Apple residents. But the chain couldn’t keep up with changing consumer tastes, and the last Gimbels store closed its doors in 1986.
Service Merchandise
If you needed to buy just about anything – from jewelry to power tools – Service Merchandise was the place to go. This unique retail concept combined a mail-order catalog with showroom-
style stores, offering customers a vast selection of merchandise. But the rise of big-box retailers and e-commerce proved too much for Service Merchandise, and the chain filed for bankruptcy in 1999.
Lionel Playworld
For kids of the ’80s and ’90s, a trip to Lionel Playworld was the stuff dreams were made of. This specialty toy store catered to the ardent model train enthusiast, offering an incredible selection of Lionel
trains and accessories. Sadly, as model train hobbyists aged and younger generations turned to video games, Lionel Playworld couldn’t keep up, and the last store closed in 2001.
Caldor
If you grew up in the Northeastern US, you probably have fond memories of browsing the aisles at Caldor. This discount department store chain was a regional powerhouse for decades, offering a wide
range of merchandise at budget-friendly prices. But Caldor’s slow adaptation to the big-box retail revolution ultimately led to its downfall, and the last store closed in 1999.
Korvettes
Before there was Walmart, there was Korvettes – one of the first true discount retail chains in the United States. With its no-frills stores and rock-bottom prices, Korvettes was a hit with budget-
conscious shoppers. But the chain’s aggressive expansion and inability to keep up with the competition led to its demise, and the last Korvettes closed in 1980.
Rich’s
In the South, no department store was more iconic than Rich’s. With its flagship location in downtown Atlanta, Rich’s was a beloved shopping destination for generations of Georgians.
The store was known for its lavish holiday displays, in-store restaurants, and top-notch customer service. Sadly, Rich’s was eventually absorbed into the Macy’s empire, and the last standalone location closed in 2005.
Filene’s Basement
For savvy shoppers in search of designer duds at deep discounts, Filene’s Basement was the stuff of legend. This offshoot of the Filene’s department store chain offered an ever-changing selection of
high-end merchandise at jaw-droppingly low prices. But as TJ Maxx and other discount retailers rose to prominence, Filene’s Basement just couldn’t keep up. The last store closed in 2011.
Stein Mart
In the world of off-price retail, Stein Mart was the hidden gem that every bargain hunter had to discover. This Florida-based chain offered a treasure trove of brand-name merchandise at
heavily discounted prices, drawing in loyal customers from all over. But Stein Mart’s inability to adapt to the e-commerce age ultimately led to its demise, and the last store closed in 2020.
Mervyns
For West Coast shoppers, Mervyns was the quintessential department store experience. With its wide selection of apparel, home goods, and more, Mervyns was a one-stop shop for the whole
family. But the chain’s aggressive expansion and poor financial decisions during the 2000s proved to be its downfall, and Mervyns shuttered all of its stores by 2008.
There you have it, folks – 20 Stores That Don’t Exist Anymore. From the five-and-dime stores of yesteryear to the discount department store giants, these once-thriving establishments hold a special place in the hearts of shoppers everywhere.
So, when next you find yourself wandering the aisles of your local big-box store or scrolling through Amazon, take a moment to remember these 20 Stores That Don’t Exist Anymore. Their legacy lives on in the fond memories of shoppers
who grew up with them, and in the retail landscape they helped shape. And who knows – maybe someday, some of these beloved brands will make a comeback. After all, in the ever-evolving world of retail, anything is possible!
