Thank You For Shopping Book

The Golden Age of Minnesota Department Stores

Relive the glory days of retail—when a trip to the department store was a special occasion—with nostalgic stories and vintage photos and ads.

Throughout the twentieth century, department stores ruled the retail landscapes of downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. More than just shopping centers, stores like Dayton's, Powers, Donaldson's, Young-Quinlan, the Emporium, and the Golden Rule were centers of social life. From the legendary Dayton's Christmas displays to celebrating a special occasion at Schuneman's River Room, the department store was a destination for generations of Minnesotans, within the Twin Cities and beyond.

Thank You for Shopping, author Kristal Leebrick presents the history and stories behind Minnesota's great department stores, offering a lively trip back to the glory days. Abundantly illustrated with vintage photos, postcards, advertisements, and artwork, the book explores the experience of shoppers and employees alike. Readers will revel in the fun, the fashion, and the thrill of discovery these stores provided. The book also includes a chapter dedicated to the signature dishes with recipes, menus, and photos of the stores' esteemed dining establishments. And looking beyond the Twin Cities, Leebrick tells of beloved, locally owned stores in Brainerd (O’Brien's), Winona (Choate's), Duluth (Freimuth's), and other Minnesota cities and towns.