12 Old Store Policies That Sound Absurd Today
Retail has come a long way, and some of the old rules stores used to follow seem completely out of place now. What once felt normal to shoppers would now raise eyebrows or even spark outrage.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
Retail policies from decades ago reflected a different time, with social norms and expectations that feel outdated today. Many stores enforced rules that seem restrictive, inefficient, or just plain strange by modern standards. These policies often shaped how people shopped, dressed, or interacted with employees. Looking back, they offer a glimpse into how much customer service and business culture have evolved.
1. No Returns Without a Receipt, Ever
Kaboompics.com on Pexels
Stores once enforced a strict no-receipt, no-return policy with zero flexibility. Even if the item was clearly unused and had tags, you were out of luck. Customers had to keep paper receipts for months, just in case. Losing one meant you were stuck with your purchase. Today, most stores offer digital receipts or at least store credit.
2. Cash Only Transactions
Lukas on Pexels
Credit cards weren’t always welcome, and some stores accepted only cash, no matter the amount. Forget trying to buy a TV or even a coat without a wad of bills. Checks were accepted more often than cards in many places. This slowed down lines and frustrated shoppers who preferred the convenience of plastic. Now, cash-only signs are nearly extinct.
3. No Trying on Clothes Without Assistance
Anastasia Shuraeva on Pexels
Some stores required a staff member to unlock fitting rooms and stay nearby while you changed. Privacy was limited, and the process felt more like a security check than a customer service gesture. Shoppers had to wait for approval or sizing help, even for something simple. This rule made quick trips nearly impossible. Today, fitting rooms are mostly self-serve and private.
4. Closed on Sundays by Law
Tim Mossholder on Pexels
Many areas had blue laws that forced stores to stay closed on Sundays. Shoppers had to plan their week around this restricted schedule. Even large department stores locked their doors to comply. While it was meant to support rest and tradition, it became a major inconvenience. Now, Sunday is one of the busiest shopping days of the week.
5. Mandatory Dress Codes for Shoppers
Sam Lion on Pexels
Believe it or not, some stores wouldn’t let customers enter without proper attire. No hats, no shorts, and certainly no bare shoulders were allowed in certain places. Signs warned patrons to dress “respectably” before entering. This was especially common in high-end stores and small towns. Today’s retail scene is far more casual and inclusive.
6. No Kids Allowed in Some Stores
Gustavo Fring on pexels
Some upscale or specialty shops had a strict no-children policy. Parents had to leave their kids outside or shop elsewhere. Stores feared breakage or noise, prioritizing merchandise over accessibility. This policy often discouraged families entirely. Nowadays, most stores offer kid-friendly features and expect parents to bring them along.
7. You Break It, You Buy It
Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels
Stores used to post this phrase loudly and proudly, especially in fragile goods sections. Even accidental bumps could cost a customer money. Staff enforced the rule without question, leaving no room for apologies or explanations. It created anxiety for shoppers browsing with children. Today, many stores assess damage on a case-by-case basis instead.
8. Salespeople Had to Greet Every Customer Immediately
Antoni Shkraba Studio on Pexels
Older store policies often required employees to approach every customer the moment they walked in. This sometimes came off as pushy rather than helpful. It created pressure to engage even when customers just wanted to browse. Employees were judged on how quickly they greeted shoppers. Modern training leans more toward giving space and reading body language.
9. Men Only in Certain Departments
Edward on pexels
In earlier decades, some stores had men-only sections or lounges where women were discouraged from entering. These areas included smoking rooms, tailors, or even exclusive sales counters. Women were expected to wait outside or shop in designated areas. The policy mirrored the social norms of the time. Today, most stores are designed to be welcoming to everyone.
10. No Returns on Sale Items
Mikhail Nilov on Pexels
If you bought something on sale, it was often marked “final” with no exceptions. Even if the item was defective or the wrong size, returns were refused. Stores saw sale pricing as a risk customers had to accept. It discouraged shoppers from buying discounted items without full certainty. Now, return policies are far more generous, even on clearance.
11. Employees Had to Stand the Entire Shift
Antoni Shkraba Studio on Pexels
Retail workers were once required to stand, even during slow hours or when there were no customers. Chairs were viewed as unprofessional or lazy, regardless of how long the shift lasted. Some stores even had rules against leaning. It was physically draining and unnecessary. Today, many businesses encourage breaks and prioritize staff comfort.
12. Only One Register Open at a Time
Rachel Claire on Pexels
In smaller or older stores, it was common to have only one cashier working, even during busy times. Long lines formed with no backup, frustrating customers and staff alike. Managers often waited until complaints piled up before opening a second register. Efficiency was not always the priority. Now, stores aim to speed up checkout with self-service and additional staff.