Competition among department stores made advertising necessary for success. The most common type of advertising was in newspapers.
Department stores frequently gave out small collectibles as a way of both thanking their loyal customers and ensuring that they were constantly reminded of the store.
Mirror
1999.60.3 John A. Roberts & Co. distributed these small hand mirrors to celebrate the opening of their new location c. 1911 |
Whistle
1997.71.2 Roberts handed out these painted whistles at Christmastime c. 1920s |
Parcel Handle
Shoppers would loop string tied around their packages through the handle hooks, making it easier to carry. They were a popular advertising tool in the mid to late 1800s. |
Pins
Fraser also handed out Christmas inspired memorabilia in the form of Santa button pins. |
Eye-catching shopping bag design became an important marketing tool, offering free advertising as shoppers carried the bag around to other stores.
Shopping Bag
2014.027.058 Paper bag from the Boston Store. Date unknown |
Shopping Bag
2014.027.070 1968 was the fiftieth anniversary of the Boston Store's affiliation with Interstate Department Stores, Inc. To celebrate, they implemented a pink and gold color scheme for their packaging and interior decoration. c. 1968 |