1. The Magical Escalators
There was something so thrilling about riding escalators in department stores. As kids, we couldn’t resist that moment of hesitation before stepping onto the moving stairs, trying to figure out whether we’d make it up or down without tripping. Escalators felt like a mini-adventure, an attraction in their own right. Stores like Macy’s and JCPenney made it feel like we were in a world much grander than our own, elevating us above the bustling crowds of shoppers. The height, the movement, and the fun of it all made every trip feel like a special outing shares the Star.
Looking back, we loved how it turned into a little race with friends or siblings, trying to see who could ride it the fastest. Some department stores even had escalators that split at the top, offering a chance to pick a new path or race each other in different directions. It was like a game you couldn’t get enough of. And let’s not forget those shiny, polished rails that you had to hold onto, hoping you wouldn’t accidentally lose your balance as you ascended adds Target.
2. The Toy Department Wonderland
Every department store had that one section that was a child’s paradise—the toy department. It wasn’t just about picking out a toy, it was about wandering through aisles that seemed to stretch endlessly, filled with every toy imaginable. You could easily lose track of time while walking past shelves stocked with dolls, action figures, games, and bikes. For a child, it was a dream come true to see so many treasures under one roof, all waiting to be discovered says Good Housekeeping.
It wasn’t unusual for parents to have to drag their little ones away from this magical section when it was time to go. The experience of picking out a toy was more than a simple purchase—it was an event. The displays were often elaborate, and the store’s employees knew just how to make it feel like a personal experience. It felt like you were stepping into a dream, where every toy had its own story.
3. The Friendly, Over-the-Top Service
Department stores in the ’60s and ’70s were all about service, and it was hard to forget how the staff made you feel like royalty. The salespeople weren’t just there to make a sale—they genuinely seemed to care, chatting with customers, offering advice, and even helping kids pick out clothes. If you were lucky, you’d get a warm smile and maybe even a little extra attention, especially if you looked a little too excited about the toys shares Los Angeles Times.
Kids were treated as little guests, too, not just accessories to the purchase. There was always a sense of importance that came with walking around the store and being taken seriously by the adults who worked there. It made the experience feel personal, as if the department store was just as invested in making your visit enjoyable as you were in getting what you wanted.
4. The Giant Store Windows
Department store windows were a world of imagination. In the ’60s and ’70s, elaborate window displays were the norm. Stores like Sears and Macy’s would create these jaw-dropping setups, filled with mannequins dressed in the latest fashions or complete holiday scenes. For a kid, it was like walking past a piece of living art that sparked your imagination. We’d stand outside for what seemed like hours, glued to those windows, captivated by the movement, lights, and colors.
The windows didn’t just showcase products; they told a story. Whether it was a Christmas scene with Santa’s workshop or an Easter display with bunnies and eggs, the windows made the season come alive. It was something that stayed in your memory long after you’d walked away, and sometimes, we couldn’t wait to get back to see what new scene had replaced the last one.
5. The Smell of Popcorn and Hot Dogs
Walking through the doors of a department store in the ’60s and ’70s was a sensory overload, and one of the most prominent features was the scent of popcorn and hot dogs. The smell seemed to follow you no matter where you went in the store, tempting you to take a break from shopping and grab a snack. Often, there was a small food court area, or carts set up by the entrance, where you could pick up a salty treat before heading off to more shopping or playing in the toy aisle.
Popcorn was a favorite, filling the air with its buttery fragrance. You could almost feel the warmth from the freshly popped kernels as you walked by. For kids, that smell was just as memorable as the toys or clothes—part of the department store experience was always indulging in that little break with something delicious.
6. The “Candy Counter” at the Front
No visit to a department store was complete without stopping by the candy counter. Usually located near the entrance, it was stocked with an endless supply of chocolates, gummies, and jawbreakers. As a child, the candy counter was a spot of pure joy, and you’d gaze longingly at the shiny wrappers and colorful displays, trying to figure out what to choose with your allowance or the change you begged your parents for.
The candy counter also offered a little taste of adulthood. It wasn’t just about choosing candy; it was about the experience of waiting in line, being treated with respect, and having someone help you pick out the perfect candy. It made the trip to the store feel more grown-up, even if you were still a kid at heart.
7. The Men’s Shirt Section That Smelled Like Freshly Ironed Cotton
Ah, the distinct smell of freshly ironed cotton wafting from the men’s shirt section. As kids, we may not have appreciated the fine details of fabric and fashion, but there was something comforting about walking past the rows of neatly pressed shirts, stacked high and organized by color. The air was always crisp, like you were entering a little corner of the store that had its own rules. The soft hum of the fluorescent lights, the steady clinking of hangers being moved, it all made it feel so grown-up.
And the best part? Sometimes you could sneak a peek at a new shirt, feel the texture of the fabric, and marvel at how smooth and crisp it was. Even if you didn’t care about the shirts themselves, this part of the store had its own charm—a quiet space where everything was perfectly in place, and you were encouraged to appreciate the little details of life.
8. The Elevator Ride to “The Top Floor”
Taking the elevator to the top floor of a department store felt like stepping into a new world. With its brass railings and old-fashioned buttons, the elevator ride was an event all on its own. We’d wait in anticipation, eyes wide with excitement, as the lift doors closed and took us up, past the rows of sales counters and shoppers. It was almost like traveling to a secret space where treasures awaited, from fashion boutiques to toy departments.
There was always something magical about the sound of the elevator bell dinging when it reached the top, signaling the arrival at a whole new level. It was a brief moment of wonder, with the floors of the store stretching out in front of you like a vast kingdom waiting to be explored. You couldn’t wait to see what new discoveries were waiting for you on that upper floor.
9. The Christmas Tree That Took Up the Entire Center of the Store
In the holiday season, department stores went all out with their decorations, but the crowning jewel was always the enormous Christmas tree. It was usually positioned in the center of the store, towering over shoppers and draped in lights and tinsel. The best part was the presence of actual presents stacked underneath it, giving you a glimpse of a world where everything seemed wrapped up in festive magic.
As kids, we’d stare up at the tree, mesmerized by its size and the shimmering decorations. The lights twinkled like stars, and the scent of pine was always in the air. For a few weeks, the store felt like it transformed into a winter wonderland, where the magic of Christmas filled every corner. The tree made the holiday season feel even more special, setting the stage for family memories and traditions.
10. The Ladies’ Hat Section
In the ’60s and ’70s, the ladies’ hat section was where fashion and fun collided. It was a fascinating part of the store, filled with hats of all kinds—fascinators, berets, pillboxes, and wide-brimmed creations. The display was like a mini runway of style, where women could pick the perfect accessory for their outfits. As kids, we’d stand and watch in awe as our moms or other shoppers tried on hats and posed in front of the mirror.
There was something so glamorous about the whole thing. It wasn’t just about picking a hat; it was about the experience of walking through a section filled with such delicate items, each one more extravagant than the last. For us, it felt like a glimpse into a world of high fashion, where everything was meticulously placed and perfectly coordinated. It was like stepping into a scene from a movie.
11. The Wood Paneling and Soft Lighting
There was a distinct vibe in department stores during the ’60s and ’70s—dark wood paneling and soft lighting gave the store an almost cozy, intimate feeling. It wasn’t just a place to shop; it was a space where you could wander leisurely, take your time, and enjoy the atmosphere. The darker wood and the gentle glow of the lights made it feel like an experience, not just a trip to buy something. It invited you to settle in and explore without rushing.
That ambiance created a warmth, and for kids, it made every trip to the store feel like stepping into a hidden gem. The mix of old-world charm and modern shopping made it a place we were happy to get lost in. Even the smell of wood polish mixed with the soft hum of the air conditioning was a part of the experience that took us right back to those days when time seemed to slow down in the most special way.
12. The Row of Fitting Rooms
The fitting rooms in department stores were like a world all their own. As kids, we didn’t always use them, but we couldn’t help but be fascinated by how adults disappeared behind those heavy curtains. They were often tucked away in quieter corners of the store, adding a sense of mystery to the shopping experience. The space inside the fitting rooms seemed so private, almost like a secret escape where people tried on their new outfits, imagining their lives in those clothes.
There was something exciting about standing outside the fitting room while your mom or aunt stepped inside to try on a dress. The soft murmur of conversations or the quiet shuffle of fabric made the whole moment feel like part of a story. If you were lucky, you might even get to peek in on the fashion show once the curtain was pulled back. These simple moments added to the charm of department stores, where every corner held something new to discover.