The Robert Simpson Company Limited, commonly known as Simpsons was a Canadian department store chain that had its earliest roots in a store that opened in 1858! In 1952 Simpson's changed to Simpsons-Sears Limited entering into a joint venture with Seas Roebuck, the American retailer. Some people called it "Pimps and Queers". In 1964, I was hired by Simpsons-Sears in their Burnaby catalogue call center. Carol Smith and I would work every Saturday taking catalogue orders from customers for $1.05 an hour while in high school. We got a store discount that was given on everything we bought in the store! It was a great first job. Simpsons-Sears in Burnaby was located where Metrotown Mall is now. The mall was built around Simpson-Sears in the 70's. The Burnaby store that closed today is the original store that was opened in 1954. Originally it was a catalogue distribution center but that changed to a retail outlet shortly after.
I really miss Woodward's! It was another great department store that only operated in Alberta and British Columbia. It was open for over 100 years. Many western Canadians fondly remember Woodward's famous "$1.49 Day" sales, held the first Tuesday of every month. These sales were advertised widely on radio and in newspapers, and offered everything from canvas-top running shoes to bath oil for the one price. Woodwards also offered the famous 30/60/90. They let you charge with 25% down and if you paid 25% within 30 days, 25% within 60 days and the balance within 90 days you never paid "carrying charges". In our early married life all our furniture was purchased at Woodwards using the 30/60/90. We never paid any department store interest.
I confess I could also have contributed to the demise of Sears. I shop online and I cross border shop. Because I have a lot of time on my hands now I can watch prices, sales and go online looking for the best price. #feelingguilty
