July 14, 2025: The Polyester Years

In the 70s, I spent a lot of time in these places.

My grandparents and I would head there often, wandering through the endless aisles as if hunting for treasure. And we weren’t alone. These locations drew in huge crowds.

If you’re a certain age, you definitely remember… the old-school department store.

In my hometown, Belk was the big boy and ruled the mall. In that one spot, you could shop for apparel, jewelry, toys, tools, and furniture. Even ashtrays shaped like seashells.

Some memories are vivid, such as the cosmetic counters glowing under bright lights, and the smell of fragrance thick in the air. And those bulky seasonal catalogs. We would order back-to-school clothes by mail and wait weeks for the package to arrive.

Today, I read the old way isn’t working anymore. According to experts, the U.S. model has been in decline for decades, and the traditional department store no longer fits how we buy things.

So now, there are new ideas. Instead of rows of cardigans, retailers are offering restaurants, champagne bars, espresso cafes, and spa chairs. Some host immersive, after-hours plays at night.

Apparently, today’s shopper wants more than perfume and polyester.

But I’m still nostalgic for those past days. And nothing beats the thrill of hiding in those circular clothing racks.