Then and Now preview: Dime stores and the Depression
There are a number of stores that might lay claim to the heritage of the five-and-dime store invented in early 1920 America. As simple dry goods stores of the American frontier gave way to more sophisticated retail philosophies, business people found the average shopper would gladly buy small amounts of household, beauty, clothing and hygiene items, even if the display and decor of the store was utilitarian. Woolworth's, Newberry's, Kresge's, and many others became staples of American business. In Spokane, there was also Wraight's, a dime store that grew into a popular shopping spot with bargain clothing and fashion shows for family clothes appealing to the average housewife. Do you remember shopping at "dime stores"? Which were your favorites? Any of your favorites not found in Spokane?