Thank You for Shopping: The Golden Age of Minnesota Department Stores

by Kristal Leebrick, Dolores DeFore (Foreword)

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.

In 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.

Thank You for Shopping is a nostalgic trip back for anybody who remembers the service, style, and charm of Minnesota's late, great department stores.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

Published November 1, 2018

Reviews

[Leslie Goddard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous photos. I wish more department store histories would follow this book’s model of big pages and crisp, clear imagery. Great stories from former employees and shoppers (the long story from a former Santa is excellent). I love that it includes recipes. First time I’ve ever seen a recipe for a maple Frango, and I’m not sure any histories of Frederick and Nelson or Marshall Field’s have ever been aware of this book. I would have liked more analysis (how do you define a “department store” — e.g. how does Young Quinlan count if it was a women’s specialty fashion store?) and historical context since I’m not from Minneapolis or St. Paul (I learned how each store began, thrived and ended and I got great stories from each store but I didn’t end up with a strong sense of identity/brand for each store so they all melded together in my brain).

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I miss Dayton's
That is all.

[Cyndy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun book to browse! I remember shopping at Dayton's in the early 1970's when I visited with my mom and, of course, when I moved to St. Paul in the early 1980's. My favorite department store was the Power's in Highland Park as I lived only a few blocks away and could walk there. My parents took us to the 8th floor Dayton's Xmas display when I was only about 4 or 5 years old and when I had children I brought them. I was able to visit in 2017 for the last display - it looked pretty sad by that time. So many memories!

[Sue Flaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about the heyday of department store shopping in Minnesota. Details of Daytons, Donaldsons, the Emporium, Rotschilds, Powers and more. The pictures were a delight too. Captured an era I enjoyed with my mom shopping for the day. The best part is it includes the recipes from favorite department store restaurants like Dayton’s River Room—even the famous popovers. Fun memories described an era now gone.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book, both the information provided of the MN stores and the pictures. I wish there were more books about the golden age of shopping...such a wonderful history, now totally gone. All we have today are stores with absolutely no character, and clueless amazon (i suppose one could argue that with all the billions they're making off of people they're not too clueless...but...)

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly a Minnesotan’s book.

Could be subtitled Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Shopping in Minneapolis, St Paul, St Cloud, Winona, Duluth, Brained, and Mankato; maybe even MORE than you wanted to know.

[Brenden Schaaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book chock full of photos and short memories from those that worked and shopped at department stores across Minnesota.

[Evonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

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[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did not read it cover, rather in chunks. I found it fascinating and fun! I think Minnesotans would enjoy checking this out.