There was a time when stepping into a department store felt like entering a world of affordable luxury. In the 1960s, these spaces weren’t just places to shop — they were experiences, decked out with over-the-top signage, bold design choices, and a kind of elegance that made every visit feel like an event.
Today’s retail spaces, with their muted palettes and minimalist vibes, barely hold a candle. These vintage photos prove just how far we’ve drifted from the glory days of glam shopping — and they’ll make you wish we could bring it all back.
1. That Nostalgic Signage
These days it feels like department stores haven’t rebranded in decades, and every sign is so plain and boring. Back in the 1960s, though, signage was paramount, embracing bold fonts, neon lighting, and gigantic letters. Plus, can we talk about this parking lot? Today, those cars are worth tens of thousands in good condition, and we drool over them. But back then, these classic rides were commonplace.
2. Patterned Interiors
Much like the department store signs of today, mall interiors are pretty drab. Everything is sleek, simple, and monochromatic. The patterns on the walls and displays in this 1960s department store had a luxurious look about them that made you feel like you were shopping somewhere high-end.
3. Department Store Makeup Artists Were Elite
During the 1960s, you could visit a department store and get your makeup done on the house, which undoubtedly made you feel like a pampered movie star. Plus, it was nice being able to test products before spending money to stock them in your own vanity at home.
4. Before Ambiance Went to the Wayside
The fountain, the trees, the wood paneling. Our hearts can hardly stand it. Bring this look back!
5. Mannequins With Vibes
Like most department store designs today, even the mannequins are simple and lame. During the 1960s, the poses those plastic chicks hit made you want to jump right up there with them for a photo-op.
6. No Shortage of Marketing Flare
From sparkles and lights to funky patterns and bold color palettes, even window shopping was exciting in the 1960s, because the marketing was just that good.
7. Designer Presence
Fat chance of seeing the actual person who designed the handbags and shoes displayed in the department store standing alongside their creations. Back in the ’60s, though, that wasn’t too unusual.
8. One Stop Shop
The draw of department stores is that you can revamp your wardrobe and buy home appliances all in the same place. That approach was even more prevalent during the 1960s with dedicated, marked sections for each category.
9. No Pesky Packaging
Today, jewelry is either barricaded behind glass or bogged down by packaging so you can’t easily try anything on. The access to glitzy gold necklaces during the 1960s made you feel like royalty with your pick of the treasure.
10. Social Shopping
Hitting a department store with your friend was a social activity during the 1960s, and shoppers dressed for the occasion with dresses or suits and high heels or leather shoes.
11. Crowds Galore
Walk into a Macy’s today and you can probably quickly count how many shoppers are in the store. During the ’60s, though, department stores were always packed full of people.
12. Five-Star Design
Glimmering displays, sprawling staircases and balconies, opulent lighting (sometimes even chandeliers) defined department stores in the 1960s, so you felt like you were somewhere special.
Curious about how people used to shop?
Don’t miss This Is What Grocery Shopping Looked Like in the ’70s and 15 Vintage Photos of Record Shops in the 1970s. And for interior decor inspiration, take a look at 10 ‘Fancy’ 1970s Home Decor Trends That We Can’t Forget.
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