Mark this date down. I discovered when it is that Windsorites decided that big box shopping was way better than supporting the local shops.
It’s been going on for 40 years. However 40 years ago, those stores still stocked items made in this country. Now I realize, that many jobs have moved overseas and they’re never coming back. At least the best we can do is buy those Chinese made goods at a local business, rather that saving .60 cents by buying at Wal-Mart.
From the Windsor Star – September 3, 1968:
Now in contrast to the old here is the new type of shopping centre – typical of today’s design in building and with spacious parking areas nearby.
While today’s shopping may seem more impersonal, the experience is a thrill for most shoppers because of the vast array of merchandise and the convenience offered the customer.
The photo taken at Eastown, the big centre at Tecumseh and Lauzon.
This type of centre is the new general store.
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This was the secound Woolco in Windsor. I was transferred to this one from the original store at Gateway Plaza to help get it ready for the Grand Opening. It and the N&D grocery store competed directly with K-Mart and the Dominion grocery store (I think it was a Dominion) across the street (Lauzon Rd). In February 1968, I bought a brand new '68 Mustang for $2800.00. By the time this picture was taken, I (and the Mustang) had moved on. Good times!
I heard that this building is supposed to be demolished for a hotel next year. Is that correct?
I wouldn't hold my breath...
MY Mom worked there in the late '70s until about 1981. I remember her buying me my shoes there. The "new" general store...hardly.
Forgot to add. I wouldn't hold your breath either. We know that Eddie, his minions and financial backers (who will profit from all of the surrounding land) want a hotel there, another "urban" village but with today's credit market, slowing economy (dead in Windsor. hey Eddie how about combating that crisis?) I doubt the hotel will be built any time soon.
Besides, once people actually try to have games there and they can't watch their kids play for lack of seating people won't want any tournament there afterwards.
Lack of seating? Brister said this was just a case of "growing pains". Get with the program, man! LOL.
The first of the "big box", discount stores was Sentry, the anchor for Dorwin Plaza, erected in the mid to late fifties. It was replaced by a Dominion store and is now the location of Windsor.s first Value Village. I was at the grand opening of the Sentry store, a really big deal. I have an autographed copy of a Carmel Quinn LP of Irish songs purchased that evening when the artist was in attendance. Sentry was ahead of K Mart, Woolco and the much enlarged Zeller's. I assume you know that Zellers was originall y a Mo, and Pop dry goods store on the west side of Ouellette Avenue?
i used to go there a lot. was always a toss up between there and the k-mart across the street. very similar stores, yet they both stayed open for many years. i miss those days. life was more simple. i ended up working at zellers in tecumseh mall which was my first paying job back around 1984, but never liked it much.
I remembery Sentry as well, except that it was in the present day Food Basics. Dominion was in the present day Value Village (I have a 60s photo showing this), but at one point Dominion moved into the present day Bingo hall at the far south end of the plaza before closing altogether.
This building is stil Leased by Walmart Corp for a few more years, and is storage for old equipment from both Walmarts in the City. The outside of this building is looking not so great now, but from what I understand the inside is perfect for storage area, as its perfect climate controled building. Maybe the city should invest in a place like this for storage of some of there old stuff that they want to be saved, as this would make perfect for keeping artifacts.