’Tis the season for the nostalgia of holidays past. As we dash from store to store, from malls to outlets or endlessly scroll online in search of the perfect gifts, many may long for shopping as it used to be. If you could go back in time, what stores would be on your wish list?
Radio Shack. I miss the neat little electronic gizmos that I used to pick up. Radios, shortwave, holiday items. All kinds of neat items. Yup, I miss it. — Vincent Deskiewicz
While not just a single store, what I miss most is the mall. More specifically, the Blue Hen Mall. When that mall was around, there was no online shopping. The stores in the mall were the place to go. Toy stores, clothes stores, record stores. You made it through the crowds and saw friends you haven’t seen all year. The mall had the best decorations. Definitely miss that mall. — Stan Sipple
Woolworth, Kmart, Kiddie World, Toys R Us, Wanamaker’s, Sears, Christmas Tree Shops. — Becky West
Toys R Us and Strawbridge’s. — Tammy Davis Illian
Woolworth, Strawbridge’s, Sears, Kmart, Woolco, Wilmington Dry Goods, Nichols, Grants. — Jennifer Carter
Wanamaker’s, Strawbridge’s, Kiddie World, Braunstein’s, Kennards. — June Barnett
The old Wanamaker’s in north Wilmington, the old Strawbridge’s in Claymont, old candy shops, 5-and-10 stores and Wilmington Dry Goods. — Denise Bella
The store I miss is Sears Roebuck, where I shopped for 70 years. It was a tragedy to see it close. — William B. King
I miss Macy’s in our Dover Mall most of all. The drive north to our Christiana Mall takes time I don’t often have. Online “shopping” is helpful in some cases, but I’ve been disappointed when buying for our home or buying clothing with the quality of material, workmanship and sizing. I’ve also been scammed. I really like the actual experience of walking into a store, seeing what I’m buying, trying it on, maybe putting it back. And, if I’m gift buying, so many times, I’ve seen items I’d never thought of. There’s no mailing back necessary. Thanks for asking. — Name withheld
