16 Department Store Features That No Longer Exist
This article highlights department store features that were once iconic but have since disappeared from the retail experience.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Department stores used to be more than just a place to shop; they were a full-on experience. Today, most are gone, replaced by minimal staffing and online checkouts. This list walks you through 16 department store staples that have vanished over the years, leaving behind just memories and vintage photos.
1. In-Store Pianists Playing Live Music
Catalin M on Pexels
Live music once floated through store aisles, often courtesy of a pianist tucked near the escalator. It gave shopping a classy, almost theatrical vibe. Now, it’s almost likely to hear a looping pop playlist.
2. In-House Tea Rooms and Luncheonettes
Richard L on Pexels
Many stores had a quiet little restaurant or tea room where shoppers could relax and recharge. They were elegant and sometimes even had a dress code. Today’s food courts just do not hit the same.
3. Elaborate Holiday Displays
Jonathan Konrath from Oakland, USA on Wikimedia Commons
Windows filled with animatronic elves, fake snow, and glowing trains were a holiday event all on their own. Families made special trips just to see them. Now, it’s a few stickers and maybe a cardboard cutout.
4. Elevator Operators in Uniform
Deans Charbal on Wikimedia Commons
Before self-service buttons, someone in gloves and a cap asked, “Going up?” and pressed the floor for you. It felt luxurious even if you were just browsing. That charm is now gone, replaced by elevator dings.
5. Coat Check Counters
cottonbro studio on Wikimedia Commons
You could hand over your winter gear and shop in comfort. It felt thoughtful and classy. Now, you’re expected to carry your coat, your coffee, and your shopping bags like it’s a workout.
6. Personal Shoppers for Everyone
Arina Krasnikova on Pexels
You did not need to be rich to get one-on-one style help. Staff would walk with you, give advice, and even remember your preferences. Now, it is a mirror, a pile of clothes, and hope.
7. In-Store Fashion Shows
Elias Jara on Pexels
Some stores rolled out runways and held mini fashion shows right between the racks, making shopping feel like an event. Now, if there’s music playing, you’re lucky.
8. Credit Counters with Store Charge Cards
Anna Tarazevich on Pexels
Before universal credit cards, shoppers had store-specific charge accounts. You paid your bill right at a designated counter. Now, your wallet is digital, and nobody remembers account numbers by heart.
9. Package Pick-Up Services
Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels
You bought what you needed, and they brought it to your car later. You didn’t have to juggle 10 bags through the lot. Curbside pickup today tries, but it is not quite the same.
10. Uniformed Sales Staff in Every Section
Antoni Shkraba Studio on Pexels
Departments had staff who knew their section like the back of their hand. You could ask about a shoe, and they would know the size, stock, and sale dates. Now? Good luck finding anyone at all.
11. Floor Directory Signs with Brass Fixtures
Saodosumra on Wikimedia Commons
Directories were works of art, engraved or printed on elegant panels. They made even getting lost feel classy. Today’s digital signs just blink and buffer.
12. Children’s Play Areas
Yan Krukau on Pexels
Stores used to have play zones or reading corners to keep kids entertained. Parents could shop in peace, and kids had fun. Now, if you’re lucky, there are iPads in carts.
13. In-House Tailoring Services
Antoni Shkraba Studio on Pexels
Have you found a great outfit? The store could alter it to fit perfectly, right there. Now, get a number for a tailor and hope they can squeeze you in next month.
14. In-Store Phone Booths
Felicity Tai on Pexels
Need to make a call while shopping? Stores had public phones or even little booths. Now, there’s no signal in half the building and good luck finding a charger.
15. Catalog Order Desks
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
You could browse a massive catalog, place your order, and pick it up at the counter. It felt like the future. These days. It’s all online, and half the items vanish mid-checkout.
16. Store Announcers on Intercoms
Mizuno K on Pexels
A calm voice would welcome shoppers, mention specials, or call for cleanup in Aisle 7. Now, it is all pre-recorded messages or dead silence. The personality is gone.