Kress Stores facts for kids

S. H. Kress & Co. was a famous chain of "five and dime" stores in the United States. These were like early department stores where you could buy many different things, often for just five or ten cents! Samuel H. Kress started the company in Pennsylvania in 1896. Kress stores became a common sight in many American towns and cities.

What Was S. H. Kress & Co.?

S. H. Kress & Co. was a popular retail company that operated from 1896 to 1981. It was known for its "five and dime" stores. This meant many items sold there cost only five or ten cents. These stores were a bit like today's discount stores or smaller department stores. They sold everything from clothes and toys to household goods.

The Beginning of Kress Stores

The first Kress store opened in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania. Samuel H. Kress was the person who started this business in 1896. His idea was to offer many useful items at very low prices. This made shopping affordable for many families. Soon, Kress stores were found in many cities and towns across the United States.

Famous Kress Store Buildings

The Kress chain was also very famous for the special way its stores were built. Many Kress buildings had beautiful and unique architecture. They often featured fancy designs and details. Because of their special look, a number of former Kress stores are now considered landmarks. This means they are important buildings.

Some of the most well-known Kress locations were in big cities. These included stores in New York City on Fifth Avenue and in New Orleans on Canal Street. There was also a famous Kress store on Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood. This particular building is now kept safe at a theme park in Florida.

The End of an Era

In 1964, another company called Genesco, Inc. bought S. H. Kress & Co. Genesco continued to run the Kress stores for some time. However, in 1980, Genesco began to close down the Kress stores. By 1981, all of the S. H. Kress & Co. stores had closed their doors for good.

Images for kids

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  The Kress building in 2020, Houston, Texas

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  Kress store building in Lubbock, Texas showing the characteristic design

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  Kress building in Tampa, Florida

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  Kress inset on the site of the former Kress store in Berkeley, California

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  Kress building in Charleston, South Carolina, along the main commercial street

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  Newly renovated Fort Worth, Texas, Kress building

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  Kress Building in Lubbock, Texas. Now a Goodwill Store