If you spent your childhood in Ohio, you likely have fond memories of some beloved department stores that are no longer around. Whether it was picking out gifts at Lazarus during the holiday season or enjoying a snack at Hills, the shopping experience in Ohio has changed significantly. Here are seven nostalgic stores that anyone who grew up in Ohio will surely remember. How many do you recognize from your shopping days?
1. Hills Department Store
Remember when shopping was accompanied by the delightful treat of free popcorn? This nostalgic experience was commonplace in many locations of a department store chain established in 1957 in Youngstown, Ohio. Throughout its heyday, the majority of its stores operated within Ohio until the late 1990s, when the chain was purchased by Ames.
2. Lazarus
Once a beloved destination for Christmas shoppers, this regional department store chain had its roots in Columbus and thrived until the early 2000s. Known as F & R Lazarus and Co., it became a staple for holiday shopping before ultimately being replaced by Macy’s in 2005.
3. Big Bear
For almost 75 years, Big Bear served as a staple in central Ohio, with additional locations in West Virginia. Unfortunately, this beloved supermarket chain ceased operations in 2004.
4. Rolling Acres Mall
Once a bustling hub featuring over 140 retail shops, a cinema, and a food court, this mall located in the Akron area officially shut its doors in 2008. In the ensuing years, two of its remaining anchor tenants, Sears and JC Penney, also ceased operations, resulting in the mall’s total abandonment.
5. Sealtest Dairy
The image depicts Sealtest Dairy in Cleveland, taken around 1960. Sealtest Dairy Company was later purchased by Unilever in 1993 after being part of Kraft’s portfolio.
6. Gold Circle
This discount department store chain was established in Columbus and later moved its headquarters to Worthington. Unfortunately, the company was sold and disbanded in the late 1980s.
7. Higbee’s
In 1992, a Cleveland department store underwent a transformation to become Dillard’s. Presently, the structure houses the Jack Cleveland Casino.
What other retail stores from Ohio’s past do you recall? We’d love to hear your memories!