14 Things That Were Totally Normal in Stores Back Then
This list uncovers the surprising and sometimes strange habits that once defined everyday shopping experiences.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Shopping used to be a deeply personal, community-based experience filled with quirks that are almost unrecognizable today. From in-store smoking and layaway plans to sticker price guns and photo counters, many once-normal features have vanished in the age of digital retail. This list brings back those memories and offers a fascinating look at how consumer culture has evolved.
1. Smoking Indoors
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It was once completely acceptable to light up a cigarette while shopping for groceries or browsing clothes. Many stores had designated smoking sections or simply allowed it everywhere. The air was often filled with smoke, and ashtrays were standard fixtures near checkout counters.
2. Greeters at the Door
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Some major chains like Walmart had friendly greeters stationed at the entrance. Their job was to say hello, offer carts, and sometimes check receipts on the way out. It added a personal touch to big-box shopping that’s mostly gone today.
3. Paper Price Tags and Sticker Guns
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Before digital barcodes, clerks used sticker guns to manually tag each item. Prices were literally stuck onto products, and customers would peel them off to find deals. It was a hands-on process that often led to mismatched pricing at checkout.
4. Candy and Toy Cigarettes for Kids
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Yes, stores sold candy that looked like real cigarettes, and even plastic toys that mimicked the act of smoking. They were often found right next to the register. What’s alarming now was once marketed as harmless fun for children.
5. In-Store Cafeterias and Buffets
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Large department stores like Sears and JCPenney had full-service cafeterias. Shoppers could sit down for a hot meal between browsing home goods and trying on clothes. These in-store eateries had a loyal following and offered everything from meatloaf to pie.
6. Loose Items in Bins
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It used to be common to find bulk bins filled with loose candy, screws, buttons, or detergent powder. Customers would scoop or shovel what they needed into bags. Sanitary concerns were an afterthought in this tactile, self-serve experience.
7. Checkout Charms for Kids
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Many grocery stores offered tiny toys, stickers, or balloons to kids waiting in line. It was a small gesture to keep them entertained and prevent tantrums. Today, you’re more likely to find impulse-buy snacks and tech accessories instead.
8. Layaway Plans
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Layaway allowed customers to reserve an item by making small payments over time before taking it home. It was a practical way for working families to buy big-ticket items without credit cards. Stores like Kmart built their brand around the layaway counter.
9. Manual Credit Card Imprinters
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Before chip readers and magnetic swipes, stores used credit card imprinters to make carbon copies of your card details. The clerk would place your card in the machine, lay a triplicate slip over it, and slide the bar to make an imprint. You’d sign one copy, and the merchant kept the others for records.
10. Free Catalogs at the Door
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Retailers like Sears and Montgomery Ward handed out giant catalogs that customers could take home. These catalogs served as both advertisements and shopping wish lists. Some families treated them like seasonal bibles, especially around the holidays.
11. Film Drop-Off Counters
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Every drugstore and big-box retailer had a kiosk or desk where customers could drop off film rolls for development. You’d come back in a few days to pick up printed photos in envelopes. One-hour photo services became a minor revolution in the 1990s.
12. “Try Before You Buy” Electronics Sections
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Electronics stores encouraged you to try stereos, video games, or TV displays in-store. Demo models were set up so customers could test buttons, speakers, or picture quality before committing. In some stores, kids hung out for hours just to play free game demos.
13. Individual Price Haggling in Local Shops
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Before mega-chains standardized prices, independent retailers often negotiated prices on the spot. If you were a regular, they might throw in a discount or bundle items together. Bargaining wasn’t rude; it was expected and even respected.
14. Store Credit Accounts
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Instead of using a credit card, some local stores kept a ledger for regular customers. You could “put it on your tab” and pay at the end of the month. It was built on community trust, especially in smaller towns.