Saw somebody mention ABC and it triggered some memories. I know this has been done to an extent here before, but we'll try again. Did some web wandering and found some sites some of you know for sure, others maybe not:
http://technologizer.com/2008/11/10/old-retail-ads/
http://www.dbusiness.com/DBusiness/S...il-Reimagined/
http://www.detroitfunk.com/?m=200412
http://www.waterwinterwonderland.com/retail.asp
Who can forget ole' google-eyed Ollie Fretter?
Highland Appliance "any minute now....."
ABC Warehouse was just an upstart trying to get a foothold. They had a few stores and were just becoming a competitor to the others.
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-2841400010.htmlBy 1988, ABC operated 15 retail appliance stores in Michigan and Ohio and 10 Mickey Shorr retail and installation outlets, all located in Michigan. The company began to focus on advertising to help spur growth. Early ads featured Jim Varney and his “KnoWhutlMean?” slogan. ABC’s position in the market was further enhanced when the NATM Buying Corporation selected ABC Warehouse as its Detroit affiliate. NATM, a large appliance buying group, had previously been affiliated with Highland Superstores, an ABC competitor.
During the late 1980s, ABC pioneered the sale of cellular telephones. The phones were first sold through Mickey Shorr and White Automotive. Although cellular phones requiring installation remained linked to the company’s automotive outlets, an innovation termed the “bag phone” enabled ABC Warehouse stores to sell transportable cellular phones. As a result, ABC achieved recognition as the first NATM member to successfully sell cellular phones at retail.
We had so many choices between those and Sear's, Ward's and all the neighborhood/regional stores. Seemed like everybody was selling TVs and washers, dryers, refridgerators and air conditioners.
I can remember spending a whole day running between them comparing prices and trying to negotiate better deals.
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