Cue the nostalgia for cosmetic counters and millinery stations.
The golden age of department stores in the early-to-mid 20th century was a sight the lucky got to behold.
It was a seamlessly performed show with impeccable service, perfectly curated closets, and masterful upscale elegance.
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Although many have left us, the memories can live on well after the doors have closed.
Here are some of our favorite department stores from our Southern childhood.
Opening its doors in 1887, Loveman’s was a downtown fixture in Birmingham for almost a century.
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Shoppers basked in the intoxicating aromas of the high-end perfumes and colognes the department store was known for.
It was rebranded as Macy’s in 2006.
The downtown Davison’s store gave a classic downtown shopping experience.
Credit:Courtesy Beverly Taylor Archives
The flagship store was lavishly furnished and stocked with clothing of a quality not commonly found in Texas.
Within a few weeks, the store’s initial inventory was completely sold out.
It was also the first New Orleans retailer to install air-conditioning and an escalator.
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And like most department stores, Krauss was a hip spot for New Orleanians to grab a bite.
The Formica counter and red vinyl stools were always full.
William Thalhimer immigrated to the Richmond area from Germany and opened opened a dry good store in 1843.
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Later, his grandson transformed the concept into Richmonds first department store.
Eventually, the locations were separated and sold to various other department stores.
Later, Neilson’s became a specialty apparel and gift store within the Oxford Square.
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The store celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2014, solidifying it as one of the South’s oldest stores.
Gayfers
Mobile, Alabama
C.J.
At its height of popularity, there were 18 stores bearing the Gayfers name throughout the South.
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After being purchased by Dillard’s, Gayfers closed its doors for good in 1998.
The store celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1996, but officially was acquired and renamed Macy’s in 2005.
A new 60,000 square foot, six-level Art Deco-style store opened in 1941 in the downtown district.
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Additionally, shoppers could visit the “hat bar” or rental library.
The department store went out of business in 1985 after suffering from financial trouble.
It was Tapp’s.
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With its funky clockface and lettering, Tapp’s made itself memorable and distinctive.
Granby Street was home to theaters, specialty shops, and the Smith & Welton department store.
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Credit: Courtesy Neilson’s
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Credit:Getty Images/Charles Hewitt/Stringer
Credit:Getty Images/George/Stringer
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Credit:Courtesy HistoryMiami Archives & Research Center
Credit:Getty Images/Harold Lambert/Contributor
Credit:Courtesy Tapp’s Art Center
Credit:Getty Images/Charles Hewitt/Stringer
Credit:Getty Images/Charles Hewitt/Stringer
