See What You Could Buy at the First Walmart Stores

Additional Coverage:

24 Photos of What the First Walmart Stores Actually Sold (cheapism.com)

Blast From the Past: A Look Back at Walmart’s Original Bargains

ROGERS, AR – Before big-box stores dotted every corner of America, there was one man with a vision: Sam Walton. On July 2, 1962, Walton opened the very first Walmart in Rogers, Arkansas, aiming to provide customers with unbeatable deals on a vast array of products. He certainly delivered, as by the close of the 1960s, 18 Walmart stores had sprung up across three states, cementing its place in retail history.

Thanks to Walmart’s archives, we’re taking a nostalgic journey back to those early days, exploring some of the initial items shoppers could snag from the store’s 22 departments and what they would have paid. Prepare for a trip down memory lane, complete with inflation adjustments to show what those deals would cost you today!

(Images below are close approximations of the actual items sold.)

Kodak Starmeter and Starmite Cameras: $74.37 (That’s $762.72 in today’s money!)

These sleek, molded plastic cameras were all the rage for their portability, utilizing 127 film rolls-a format that eventually gave way to 35mm by the 1970s.

While a hefty sum back then, today’s equivalent could land you a Canon EOS Rebel, capable of shooting full HD video and boasting built-in Wi-Fi. Talk about an upgrade!

Gleem Toothpaste: 53 cents (A cool $5.44 today)

Remember Gleem?

This toothpaste was a fierce competitor to brands like Crest and Colgate in the ’60s, with commercials urging folks to “Brush often, and use Gleem.” While Procter & Gamble eventually retired the Gleem name, the original formula lives on as Crest Fresh and White for dedicated fans.

LP Records: 88 cents (Just $9.03 now)

For the youngsters scratching their heads, “LP” stood for “long play” – the revolutionary vinyl record format that could hold an entire album, not just a couple of songs. While you can still find vinyl at Walmart today, that nostalgic “Rumours” album by Fleetwood Mac will set you back double the price of its CD counterpart!

Mavis Talcum Powder: 38 cents (About $3.90 in today’s market)

Before Johnson & Johnson’s iconic white bottle, there was Mavis Talcum Powder, elegantly packaged in a cherry-red tin. Once a common personal-care staple, talc-based powders are now under scrutiny for potential cancer risks, with the American Cancer Society advising caution until further research is available.

Alka-Seltzer: 38 cents (Still around $3.90 today)

Some things never change, like the need for a good old indigestion remedy!

Alka-Seltzer’s famous “plop, plop, fizz, fizz” slogan was already a hit in the ’60s, ingeniously encouraging double the dose. Today, a 24-tablet pack at Walmart is pretty close to its inflation-adjusted ’60s price, ringing in at about five bucks.

Hair Dryer with Hood and Built-in Nail Dryer: $6.97 (A modern $71.48)

Multitasking, ’60s style!

While hair was drying under a suitcase-like hood, ladies could give themselves a manicure. Though handheld dryers dominate now, you can still find hooded versions at Walmart for that vintage salon experience.

400-Count Pack of Kleenex: 17 cents (A mere $1.74 today)

Kimberly-Clark successfully campaigned against handkerchiefs starting in the ’30s, making Kleenex a household essential by the ’60s. Interestingly, even Walmart’s store brand tissues today are pricier than what a box of Kleenex cost back then, adjusted for inflation.

Eterna Vitamins: 97 cents (Approximately $9.95 today)

Multivitamins truly took off in the ’50s, often sold in quaint, apothecary-style bottles. Prices for these health boosters have remained remarkably consistent, with Walmart’s Equate Complete Multivitamins costing just over $9 for a 200-count bottle today.

Remington Toaster: $6.97 (A solid $71.48 now)

While Remington is synonymous with personal care products today, they once dabbled in kitchen appliances. For the inflation-adjusted price of that ’60s toaster, you could snag a high-end Cuisinart 4-Slice Metal Classic today, complete with a timeless aesthetic.

Laundry Baskets: 53 cents (Roughly $5.44 in modern currency)

Laundry might not be fun, but at least the baskets haven’t changed much! In the ’60s, a basket was 53 cents; today, a four-pack of Sterilite baskets at Walmart averages out to just over $6 each-pretty close to the original deal.

Electric Spit Grill: $9.97 (A cool $102.25 today)

Electric rotisseries were a ’60s marvel, offering counter-top roasting. While most spit-roasting is an outdoor affair now, you can still find attachments for your grill for far less than these vintage contraptions.

Men’s and Women’s Watches: $22.88 (A substantial $234.65 in today’s market)

The ’60s were a pivotal decade for wristwatches, with manufacturers racing to develop quartz technology. Today, that inflation-adjusted price could get you a Fossil Smartwatch from Walmart, far more advanced than its ’60s predecessor.

Two-Speed Room Air Conditioner: $23.66 (That’s $242.65 for us now)

Window air conditioners were the height of cool in the ’60s (central air was a ’70s luxury). Thankfully, prices have dropped with technological advancements; a basic two-speed model today costs under $170.

Measuring Cups: 11 cents (A mere $1.13 today)

Even by ’60s standards, this was a steal!

Pyrex liquid measures were triple the price. Today, the cheapest sets are in-store buys, but even a small plastic Mainstays liquid measure runs close to $3.

Junior Strongman Barbell: $4.97 (About $50.97 in today’s dollars)

Pumping iron at home has stayed relatively consistent in cost since the ’60s. Walmart still offers basic barbell sets, like the Gold’s Gym 100-pound set, for roughly the same inflation-adjusted price.

Wilson Golf Bag: $8.97 (Nearly $91.99 today)

Wilson was a golf powerhouse in the ’60s, a favorite among tour players.

While its cachet might have shifted, the brand remains recognizable. Today, a basic Wilson golf bag at Walmart is even cheaper than its early ’60s price, adjusted for inflation.

21″ Briggs & Stratton 4-Cycle Lawn Mower: $37.77 (A hefty $387.36 now)

Briggs & Stratton revolutionized yard work with lightweight gas engines in the ’50s and ’60s. Their engines still power countless machines, and a 21″ Murray mower with a Briggs & Stratton engine can be had for under $200 today, a significant drop from the ’60s price.

Leather Boys’ Oxfords: $2.44 (About $25.02 in current funds)

Leather oxfords were a timeless necessity for dressier occasions. While a pair of classic Deer Stags faux-leather wing tips will cost you more than the inflation-adjusted ’60s price, Walmart’s Wonder Nation offers a budget-friendly alternative.

Cleopatra Gold Sandals: 87 cents (A modest $8.92 today)

The ’60s sparked a strappy-sandal craze to complement rising hemlines. These “Cleopatra” sandals are now known as gladiator sandals and are still very much in vogue, with infant versions costing slightly more than the ’60s equivalent.

Tackle Box: $12.75 (A significant $130.76 today)

Given the price, that ’60s tackle box was likely a sturdy metal model, perhaps even pre-loaded with lures. Today’s best-sellers lean towards soft-sided options, though you can still splurge on hard plastic models with multiple trays.

Ladies’ Novelty Sun Hats: $1.17 (Around $12 today)

“Novelty” aside, ’60s sun hats were wide-brimmed classics, not far off from today’s straw hats. For a modern, budget-friendly take, a three-pack of Time and Tru sunhats from Walmart comes in at less than $5 a hat.

Gingham Fabric: 48 cents a yard (About $4.92 per yard today)

Gingham, with its wholesome appeal, was huge in the ’50s and early ’60s. If you’re feeling crafty, Walmart still sells gingham fabric at a price surprisingly close to its inflation-adjusted ’60s cost.

Ladies’ Head Scarfs: 44 cents (Approximately $4.51 today)

The early ’60s were all about the effortlessly chic tied headscarf – a look that hasn’t quite made a full comeback. However, modern headwrap-style headbands can evoke a similar vibe, perfect for channeling your inner Jackie O.

Embossed Metal Wastebasket: 47 cents (Roughly $4.82 in today’s market)

An embossed metal wastebasket for under $5?

That was a fantastic deal back then! Good luck finding a similar price today, as even a basic plastic Mainstays wastebasket now costs closer to $5.

Two-Step Boat Ladder: $4.87 (Still a decent $50.97 today)

With Walmart’s proximity to Arkansas’s lakes, catering to boaters was a smart move. Today’s boat ladders are typically three-step models, and you can grab a lightweight aluminum version for even less than the inflation-adjusted ’60s price.

**Want more Walmart wisdom?

Check out these stories! **

12 Hacks and Secrets for Shopping at Walmart: Unlock big savings with these insider tips, from price-matching to leveraging store brands.
Walmart is Selling an Ultra-Bright Rechargeable Flashlight for 85% Off Right Now: Grab a heavy-duty rechargeable flashlight for under $30 – a bright idea for your wallet!

Walmart’s New Football Food Bundle Feeds Game Day Guests for $8 Each: Hosting the big game? This 13-item snack spread offers a tailgate-worthy feast for roughly eight bucks per person.