[dropcap]F[/dropcap]ive and dime stores were a staple of the American landscape starting in the early 20th century and for decades millions in the United States shopped for a variety of different items with a low price range, from bobby pins to parakeets, within their aisles. Hungry? Some five and dimes even had lunch counters offering everything from sandwiches to ice cream.
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According to Wikipedia, these stores are also known as variety stores, dollar stores, ten-cent stores and more.
Along with Woolworth's, successful dime-store retailers included McCrory, Newberry, S.S. Kresge, G.C. Murphy, and Ben Franklin. Woolworth's closed the last of its chain stores in the late 1990s, though a few of these nostalgic stores remain open. A few of our favorite five and dimes are below.
5. Vidler's 5 & 10
Vidler's 5 & 10 is a nostalgic jump back in time with its overall look from the 1930s and offerings but continues to evolve with modern options including online shopping. The third generation of the Vidler family is now running the store in East Aurora, N.Y., and is over 20 times larger than when Granddad Vidler first opened.
Vidler's four connected buildings are easily recognized by their red and white awnings, gingerbread trim and hand-painted gold leaf sign on the front.
4. Berdine's Five & Dime
Berdine's Five and Dime is located in Harrisville, W.Va., and touts itself as the oldest five and dime store in America. It began in 1908 with K.C. Berdine and his brother, Lafayette, and seeks to celebrate "the simpler times, slower pace and nostalgia for a time gone by."
3. Dick's 5 & 10
Dick's 5 & 10 has been a Branson, Missouri landmark for more than 50 years. It will take you hours to peruse its numerous aisles. You'll find trains running overhead, an incredible selection of nostalgic and novelty candy, historic collections of holiday offerings and an ever-changing "fun aisle."
2. Dooley's 5-10-25 Store
From its wooden floors to its metal ceilings, Dooley's in Fredericksburg is an old-fashioned variety store that harkens back to when your grandparents were kids. They specialize in many items and are famous for Blue Waltz perfume, Spatterware, crazy hats and more.
1. Bonnesen's Five & Ten Store
Bonnesen's Five & Ten Store hails back to the 1950s. As one Facebook commenter wrote, "My News-Telegraph delivery were occasionally late because I had to stop and get my supply of candy!" It's still a favorite with locals. They have an incredible collection of Coca-Cola collectibles.
This post was originally published on November 4, 2015.
