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 ...

A split image shows two retail stores: on the left, a beige building with a sign reading “Gordmans”; on the right, a brick and glass storefront with a large sign for “BOB’S STORES” against a blue sky.

Topps was a discount department store in the Rochester area during an era when there was an abundance of similar bargain-priced stores both here and nationwide. Boasting of having “more than 100 ...

GEM was one of a long line of department stores that have come and gone through the Rochester area, but GEM offered something different: membership. At GEM, the qualifications included government-, ...

Bigger and bigger stores -- Modernizing stores -- Service beyond the stores -- Parking for stores -- Branch stores -- Station wagon stores -- Stores in shopping centers -- Stores make the mall -- ...