If you've lived in Indianapolis for a long time, there's a good chance that you remember many stores that were popular throughout the 20th century but don't have nearly as much -- if any -- impact on the city today. Here are eight stores that anyone who grew up in Indy should remember.
1. Galyan's
Yes, pictured above you see a photo of the current Dick’s Sporting Goods at Indy’s Castleton Mall. However, if you’ve lived in the city for a long time, you’ll remember that this, and a few other big-box retail stores, used to be Galyan’s. These sporting goods stores were founded in the 40s in Plainfield, Indiana and were acquired by Dick’s in 2004.
2. Stout's Footwear
In 1886, Harry Stout and his business partner William Bristor established this boot and shoe store on Mass Ave. Since then, it’s expanded to locations throughout the city as well as a lucrative online business. The original Mass Ave. location still exists to this day and is part of Indianapolis history.
3. O'Malia's Food Market
In 1966, the first O’Malia’s opened on the northside of Indianapolis, essentially in Hamilton County. Until its sale to Marsh Supermarkets in 2001, O’Malia’s worked hard to provide the city of Indianapolis with well-priced groceries and high-quality service. Unfortunately, it along with its recent buyer, Marsh, went defunct earlier this year.
4. Safeway Foods
Sure, Safeway Foods, Inc happens to be a prominent fixture in the supermarket and grocery industry. However, you won’t find many Safeway locations in Indianapolis. In the Meridian-Kessler area sits the most well-known Safeway grocery store, which has been in operation since the 1980s.
5. H.P. Wasson & Co.
Much like William H. Block, this department store was founded in 1874 and competed in the men’s and women’s clothing and footwear markets until 1980. Downtown, you’ll still find its headquarters (pictured above), which is now on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
6. L.S. Ayres
Founded in 1872, this department store had its headquarters in Indianapolis and graced the city with some of its biggest and best locations. However, in early 2006, the department store company was dissolved and folded into Macy’s.
7. Marsh
Sadly, 2017 brought about the end of one of Indiana’s most well-known supermarket franchises. For close to 90 years, Marsh Supermarkets served the Central Indiana and Western Ohio areas, with a myriad of locations throughout Indianapolis.
8. hhgregg
Known for being an electronics and home appliance chain, hhgregg was founded in 1955, making its headquarters in Indianapolis. Until May 2017, this retail business provided Indy residents with a multitude of wonderful video, audio, and home appliance products.
How about it? Do you have memories of shopping at any of these well-known stores? Let us know in the comments below!
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