10 In-Store Shopping Experiences That Kids Today Will Never Know
Many in-store shopping experiences that were once common have disappeared, and kids today have likely never seen them.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Shopping has changed a lot in recent years with the rise of online stores and new technology. Many features that were once a normal part of visiting a store have faded or vanished completely. Kids growing up today may never experience these past retail traditions.
1. Toy Aisles Filled with Demos
Realeklas on Wikimedia Commons
Stores used to have demo toys set up so kids could try them out before buying. These were often placed on low tables or platforms for easy access. Sound effects, moving parts, and lights made the toys more exciting in person. Many stores no longer offer these due to damage, safety concerns, and space limitations.
2. Video Game Display Stations
Wide Awake! on Wikimedia Commons
In-store gaming setups let kids try the latest consoles like Nintendo or PlayStation. These stations were placed near the game section and often had long lines of kids waiting for their turn. They gave players the opportunity to test out new games before making a purchase. Today, most video game previews are done online or on personal devices.
3. Free Cookie at the Grocery Store Bakery
Bohemian Baltimore on Wikimedia Commons
Some grocery stores offered a free cookie to children visiting the bakery section. It was a small way to make shopping more fun for kids. Parents would often plan their route so that the bakery came early in the trip. Due to hygiene policies and cost changes, this tradition has mostly disappeared.
4. Penny Candy Displays
Ravenelle on Wikimedia Commons
Candy was once sold in bulk from glass bins, and children could buy single pieces for just a penny. These displays were often near the checkout or in small-town general stores. Kids could carefully choose exactly what they wanted with just a few coins. Prices increased over time, and health regulations led most stores to remove these setups.
5. Movie Rental Sections
D Coetzee on Wikimedia Commons
Before streaming, stores like Blockbuster or even grocery stores had movie rental areas. Kids walked the aisles picking out VHS tapes or DVDs, sometimes based just on the cover. It was a regular part of family weekends. With streaming now the norm, physical rental stores are almost completely gone.
6. Writing on Paper Order Forms
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Toy stores and catalogs had paper slips where kids could write down item numbers and hand them to store clerks. These forms were used to check inventory or reserve items. It was a way to manage stock in busy stores. Electronic systems replaced these, and kids today mostly shop with digital carts.
7. Waiting in Line for New Toy Releases
W.carter on Wikimedia Commons
When a new toy became popular, like a Beanie Baby or action figure, kids and parents often lined up early to get one. Stores would limit how many could be bought per person. There was excitement in being among the first to get the newest release. Online preorders and shipping have changed how this works today.
8. Shopping with Paper Coupons
Donald Trung Quoc Don on Wikimedia Commons
Parents often brought paper coupons clipped from newspapers or mailed booklets. Kids helped search the shelves to match products with discounts. Some stores even doubled the value of coupons. Digital apps and barcode scanners have replaced much of this experience.
9. Department Store Santa Visits
Atwngirl on Wikimedia Commons
Visiting Santa in person at a department store was a major holiday tradition. Kids would sit on Santa’s lap, take a photo, and tell him what they wanted. The displays around Santa’s area were often large and detailed. Although still offered in some places, the experience is now far less common.
10. Using Coin-Operated Rides at Store Entrances
RG72 on Wikimedia Commons
Many stores had small rides near the entrance, like a horse or a car that moved when you inserted a coin. Kids would ask for spare change just to get a quick ride. These were simple attractions but added excitement to a routine shopping trip. Most have been removed to make room for displays or to reduce maintenance costs.