18 Store Sections from the Past That Don’t Exist Anymore
Many store sections that were once common have disappeared as shopping habits and technology have changed.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Stores used to have entire sections dedicated to items or services that are no longer in demand. As digital tools, online shopping, and modern lifestyles evolved, these spaces were removed or replaced. Looking back, these former departments show how much retail has shifted in just a few decades.
1. Photo Development Counters
CANNIK on Wikimedia Commons
Many stores had a full-service photo lab where customers dropped off film rolls. It often took several days to get printed photos. Employees developed the film on-site or sent it to a lab. With digital cameras and smartphones, most people no longer need this service.
2. VHS and DVD Rental Aisles
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Large rental sections were found in grocery stores and superstores, such as Walmart or Target. Shoppers picked up movies for a few days, along with their groceries. Late fees were common if you forgot to return a movie on time. Streaming platforms made these sections unnecessary.
3. Typewriter Supplies
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Office stores and department stores once sold ribbons, covers, and paper made for typewriters. These items were standard for typing at home or in offices. Even students used typewriters for schoolwork. Computers quickly replaced them, making this section obsolete.
4. Catalog Order Desks
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Customers could browse thick paper catalogs and place orders in person at a catalog desk. Items were shipped to the store or directly to your home. Staff helped with forms and product codes. Online shopping eventually replaced this system.
5. In-Store Music Listening Stations
Visitor7 on Wikimedia Commons
Music stores like FYE or Sam Goody had stations where customers could preview CDs before buying. You picked up shared headphones and scanned a barcode to hear tracks. This helped people decide if an album was worth purchasing. Now, nearly all music is streamed.
6. Fur Coat Sections
Kürschner on Wikimedia Commons
Department stores once had full sections dedicated to real fur coats. These were high-end items often kept in temperature-controlled displays. Over time, demand declined due to shifting fashion trends and growing ethical concerns. Most modern stores no longer carry products made from real fur.
7. Pipe and Tobacco Counters
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Tobacco counters used to sell loose tobacco, smoking pipes, and accessories. This was a regular department in general stores or pharmacies. These counters were often staffed and behind glass. With health regulations and lower demand, they’ve mostly disappeared.
8. Record Albums and Cassette Racks
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Before CDs and digital files, record stores and electronics shops sold rows of vinyl and cassette tapes. Customers flipped through bins alphabetically by artist. Cassette players and turntables were sold nearby. While vinyl has made a small comeback, full retail sections are rare.
9. Sewing Pattern Catalogs and Fabric Tables
Tyler Vigen on Wikimedia Commons
Big stores like Sears or JCPenney once offered sewing supplies with giant tables of printed patterns. Customers flipped through catalogs to pick a dress or shirt pattern. Rolls of fabric were sold by the yard in the same area. As fewer people sew at home, this space has shrunk or vanished.
10. Video Game Demo Stations
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Retailers like Toys “R” Us and GameStop had consoles set up for people to try new games. Kids would line up to play for a few minutes before making a purchase. It was part of the fun of going to the store. Now, trailers and demos are mostly online.
11. Film and Slide Projector Shelves
First United 1976 on Wikimedia Commons
Stores used to sell projectors and accessories for home photo slides or film reels. Families used them to show vacation photos on a wall. Extra bulbs, screens, and slide trays were part of the display. Digital photo frames and smart TVs have replaced this setup.
12. Check-Writing Stations
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Next to customer service or checkout, there were areas with pens, check stands, and ledges for writing checks. Customers often wrote checks at the store instead of before arriving. It slowed down the lines but was completely normal. Today, checks are rarely used for in-store purchases.
13. Public Scales
Gary Hoover on Wikimedia Commons
Some grocery or drugstores had standing scales near the entrance. Shoppers could weigh themselves for free or a small fee. It was meant to promote health or curiosity. They slowly disappeared as personal scales became cheap and common.
14. Film Camera Displays
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Electronics stores had entire glass cases filled with film cameras. Brands like Kodak, Canon, and Minolta were displayed with zoom lenses and accessories. Cameras came in various sizes and formats. With the rise of smartphones and digital cameras, the demand for film gear declined sharply.
15. Baby Photo Studios
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Many large department stores had small in-house photo studios, mostly for baby pictures or family portraits. They offered package deals with props and printed copies. Some had permanent spaces with backdrops and lighting. Now, most parents use their phones or hire photographers elsewhere.
16. Green Stamp Redemption Counters
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Stores once gave out green stamps with purchases, which customers collected in booklets. After saving enough, they could trade them in for goods at a stamp redemption counter. It was a loyalty system before digital points existed. These programs ended decades ago.
17. Arcade Corners
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Stores like Kmart or some grocery chains had small arcade areas with a few video game machines. Kids could play while parents shopped. It also helped keep children busy during long visits. Today, these spaces are no longer part of retail layouts.
18. Gift Wrapping Counters in Every Department
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Many stores once had staffed gift wrapping counters, especially around holidays. You could pick wrapping paper, ribbon, and tags, and the store employees would wrap your items. These counters were often free with purchase or cost a small fee. Now, most stores offer limited options or expect customers to wrap gifts themselves.