12 Insanely Popular Chain Stores from the ’60s and ’70s That No Longer Exist

The 1960s and 1970s were a golden era for retail, filled with beloved department stores, discount shops, and specialty retailers that shaped the shopping experience of the time. These stores weren’t just places to buy goods; they were cultural icons, each with its own distinctive style, jingles, and loyal customer base.

However, as consumer habits changed, malls evolved, and retail giants emerged, many of these once-booming stores faded into history. Though their doors may be closed for good, they remain alive in the memories of those who shopped there.

1. Woolworth’s

For decades, Woolworth’s was the go-to place for everything from school supplies to housewares, earning the nickname “The Five-and-Dime.” Beyond its affordable variety of goods, Woolworth’s was famous for its lunch counters, where shoppers could grab a classic grilled cheese and milkshake.

Its stores were community hubs, bringing people together in downtown areas across America. However, as shopping malls and big-box retailers rose in popularity, Woolworth’s struggled to stay competitive.

By the 1990s, the iconic chain shut its doors, though its name still exists in other parts of the world. For many, the memory of Woolworth’s red storefront and friendly charm lives on as a symbol of simpler times.

2. Gimbels

Once one of America’s largest department stores, Gimbels was known for its quality merchandise, bustling holiday sales, and its famous Thanksgiving Day Parade, a direct competitor to Macy’s annual event.

Founded in 1887, Gimbels was a powerhouse in the retail industry, with a slogan that perfectly captured its competitive spirit: “Select, Don’t Settle.” However, by the 1980s, changing consumer trends and financial struggles led to its decline.

In 1986, Gimbels closed for good, marking the end of an era for classic department store shopping. While its flagship stores are gone, Gimbels remains a nostalgic favorite for those who experienced its grandeur.

3. A&P

The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P) once dominated the supermarket industry, offering fresh groceries and household goods in its signature red-front stores.

A&P pioneered private-label brands and affordable coffee, with its Eight O’Clock Coffee becoming a household staple. But as competition grew from more modern supermarkets, A&P failed to evolve.

After more than 150 years in business, A&P filed for bankruptcy in 2015, officially marking the end of America’s first grocery empire.

4. Marshall Field’s

For over a century, Marshall Field’s defined luxury shopping in Chicago. Known for its elegant window displays, personalized shopping experiences, and iconic Frango Mints, it was more than a store—it was an institution.

The store prided itself on exceptional customer service, even coining the phrase “Give the lady what she wants.” But in the early 2000s, Macy’s acquired and rebranded the chain, much to the disappointment of loyal customers.

Though the Marshall Field’s name is gone, its legacy lives on in the history of great American department stores.

5. The Bon Marché

The Bon Marché, based in Seattle, was a beloved regional department store, offering everything from fashion to furniture. Shoppers loved its friendly service and community involvement, making it a key part of life in the Pacific Northwest.

Over time, the chain was absorbed by Macy’s, and by 2005, the Bon Marché name disappeared. Today, its memory lingers as a symbol of the golden age of regional department stores.

6. Zayre

Zayre was a popular discount department store throughout the 1960s and 1970s, offering low prices on clothing, home goods, and electronics.

Shoppers loved its affordable prices and catchy advertising, with its memorable jingle:
“Zayre, Zayre, Everything you want, everything you need!”

However, the store couldn’t keep up with retail giants like Walmart and Target, and by the late 1980s, Zayre closed for good. Its name may be forgotten by some, but its impact on budget shopping remains undeniable.

7. Montgomery Ward

Montgomery Ward revolutionized shopping in America with its mail-order catalog, bringing goods to rural customers long before online shopping existed.

With a wide selection of products, from appliances to clothing, it was once a leader in retail. But as mall culture grew and Sears gained dominance, Montgomery Ward struggled to stay relevant.

After 129 years in business, it closed in 2001, marking the end of a once-mighty retail empire.

8. Miller’s Outpost

For teens in the 1970s and 1980s, Miller’s Outpost was the place to buy Levi’s jeans and casual wear. Its stores had a cool, youthful vibe, making it a popular stop in malls across America.

However, as fast fashion and big-name retailers took over, Miller’s Outpost faded away, eventually rebranding into Anchor Blue, which also later closed.

Though gone, Miller’s Outpost is fondly remembered by those who shopped for their first pair of perfect-fitting jeans there.

9. Venture

Venture was a Midwest-based discount chain that promised affordable shopping for the whole family. Its stores sold everything from groceries to home décor, making it a one-stop shop for many.

Despite its success, poor management and stiff competition led to its downfall. By 1998, all Venture stores had closed, leaving behind memories of affordable finds and classic weekend shopping trips.

10. Gemco

Gemco was a pioneering membership-based department store, offering discounted goods to cardholders.

Its warehouse-style shopping experience was ahead of its time, foreshadowing the rise of Costco and Sam’s Club. However, by the 1980s, Gemco was sold off and closed, making way for the modern wholesale clubs we know today.

11. Merry-Go-Round

Merry-Go-Round was a mall staple in the ‘70s and ‘80s, selling trendy, youth-oriented fashion that appealed to young shoppers looking for the latest styles.

With its energetic atmosphere and eye-catching clothes, it became a must-visit store for fashion-forward teens. However, over-expansion and shifting trends led to bankruptcy in the 1990s.

Though long gone, Merry-Go-Round’s impact on mall culture lives on in the memories of those who once browsed its racks.

12. Heck’s

Last but not least, Heck’s was a regional department store that thrived in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, offering clothing, home goods, and more.

Known for its down-to-earth atmosphere and affordable finds, it was a go-to for small-town shoppers. However, as big-box stores expanded, Heck’s couldn’t keep up, closing its doors by the late 1980s.

While it may be a forgotten name to some, Heck’s remains a cherished memory for those who grew up shopping there.