Classic Department Store Memories
Instructions: Remember the magic of department store shopping? Test your memories of the great stores that defined American retail!
- 1.
Which New York City department store hosted the famous Thanksgiving Day Parade starting in 1924?
AGimbelsBBloomingdale'sCMacy'sDLord & Taylor - 2.
Which department store chain was known for its 'Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back' return policy?
AWoolworth'sBMontgomery WardCSears, Roebuck & Co.DJ.C. Penney - 3.
What department store feature allowed customers to sit and test perfumes and cosmetics while a salesperson helped them?
ACosmetics counterBBeauty barCVanity tableDPowder room - 4.
Which upscale department store was known for its elegant Christmas window displays on Fifth Avenue in New York?
ASaks Fifth AvenueBBergdorf GoodmanCNeiman MarcusDBonwit Teller - 5.
What did the pneumatic tube system in department stores do before computerized registers?
ATransport small packagesBDeliver messages between floorsCCirculate air conditioningDSend cash and receipts to a central cashier - 6.
Which department store was famous for its 'Wish Book' Christmas catalog that children pored over each holiday season?
AWoolworth'sBJ.C. PenneyCMontgomery WardDSears - 7.
What special feature did many department stores have where shoppers could sit down and enjoy a meal during their visit?
ACoffee shopBTea room or restaurantCCafeteriaDSnack bar - 8.
Which Chicago department store, on State Street, was famous for its Walnut Room restaurant and elaborate Christmas tree?
AMarshall Field'sBCarson Pirie ScottCWieboldt'sDGoldblatt's - 9.
What department store employee operated the elevator and announced each floor's departments to shoppers?
AFloor managerBPage boyCElevator operatorDStore detective - 10.
Which Texas-based luxury department store was known for its outrageous 'His and Hers' Christmas gifts in its catalog?
AJoske'sBNeiman MarcusCFoley'sDSakowitz - 11.
What was the name for the department store service where a knowledgeable salesperson helped you select clothing and accessories?
AStyle serviceBCustom fittingCWardrobe consultationDPersonal shopping - 12.
Which beloved five-and-dime chain had lunch counters where you could order a grilled cheese and a milkshake?
AMcCrory'sBKresge'sCWoolworth'sDBen Franklin - 13.
What special store feature allowed women to have their newly purchased dresses and suits tailored to fit perfectly?
ADressmaking studioBAlterations departmentCTailor shopDFitting room - 14.
What type of metal token did some department stores give customers instead of coins as change in the mid-20th century?
ATrade dollarsBStore tokensCCredit chipsDCharge coins - 15.
Which department store rivalry was famously featured in the 1947 movie 'Miracle on 34th Street'?
ASaks vs. BergdorfBNordstrom vs. SearsCMacy's vs. GimbelsDBloomingdale's vs. Lord & Taylor
Answer Key
Macy's has hosted its iconic Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1924, making it one of America's most beloved holiday traditions.
Sears, Roebuck & Co. built its reputation on the guarantee of 'Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back,' earning customer trust for decades.
The cosmetics counter was a highlight of department store shopping, where elegantly dressed saleswomen would help customers try perfumes and makeup.
Saks Fifth Avenue became famous for its spectacular holiday window displays on Fifth Avenue, which drew crowds of admirers every Christmas season.
Pneumatic tube systems whisked small cylinders containing cash and sales slips to a central cashier station, where change was made and sent back to the sales floor.
The Sears 'Wish Book' Christmas catalog was a beloved tradition where children would spend hours circling toys and gifts they hoped to receive.
Department store tea rooms and restaurants were elegant dining experiences where ladies who lunched could enjoy a meal between shopping on different floors.
Marshall Field's on State Street was a Chicago institution, famous for its Walnut Room restaurant and the magnificent Great Tree displayed there every Christmas.
Elevator operators were a fixture of department stores, manually operating the elevator and calling out 'Going up!' along with each floor's departments.
Neiman Marcus became famous for its extravagant 'His and Hers' fantasy gifts in its Christmas catalog, including items like matching airplanes.
Personal shopping services, offered by upscale department stores, provided dedicated salespeople who knew your taste and would pull selections for you.
Woolworth's lunch counters were a beloved American institution, serving affordable meals like grilled cheese sandwiches and milkshakes at long counter seats.
Department stores had alterations departments with skilled tailors and seamstresses who would adjust hems, take in waists, and ensure a perfect fit.
Charge coins (or charge plates) were small metal identification tokens issued by department stores, predating modern credit cards for establishing store accounts.
The movie 'Miracle on 34th Street' centered on Macy's and its rivalry with Gimbels, two competing department stores in New York City.