In the 1980s, storefronts in the U.S. were characterized by a distinctive blend of vibrant colors, bold signage, and a strong emphasis on consumer culture.
Many storefronts embraced neon lights, bright displays, and eye-catching window arrangements to draw in customers. Popular trends included large, blocky fonts and logos that were often designed to be easily recognizable from a distance. The design aesthetic was often loud and playful, with an emphasis on product visibility, especially in retail sectors like clothing, electronics, and fast food.
These fascinating photos from
The Library of Congress were taken by John Samuel Margolies that show storefronts in the U.S. from the 1980s.
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Rushmore Souvenirs, Route 16A, Keystone, South Dakota, 1980 |
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Ben Franklin Store, 6th Street, Seward, Nebraska, 1980 |
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Brick storefront, Cambridge, Idaho, 1980 |
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Chop's Bowling Alley, S. 13th Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 1980 |
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Dog & Cat Hospital, Sandy Boulevard, Portland, Oregon, 1980 |
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Golden Rule storefront, Federal Avenue, Mason City, Iowa, 1980 |
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Harris Linen & Lace Shop, Manitou Avenue, Manitou Springs, Colorado, 1980 |
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Norma Jean's Beauty Salon, 30th Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 1980 |
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Storefront, Clarkfield, Minnesota, 1980 |
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Storefront, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, 1980 |
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Larson's Trading Post, Route 91, Firth, Idaho, 1980 |
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Tile storefront, Euclid and 5th, Des Moines, Iowa, 1980 |
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Time Realty, Sandy Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 1980 |
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Wooden Shoe Cafe, Routes 22 and 3, Norwood, California, 1980 |
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1 Hour Cleaning, 20 Campbell Avenue, Roanoke, Virginia, 1982 |
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Belmont Restaurant, 30 Church Avenue Southeast, Roanoke, Virginia, 1982 |
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Bendersky's Store, Alabama Avenue, Selma, Alabama, 1982 |
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Cuban Liquors, Scenic Highway, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 1982 |
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E & M Super Market, Salem Avenue, Roanoke, Virginia, 1982 |
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Earnhardt's storefront, Salisbury, North Carolina, 1982 |
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Joe's Thrift Shop, Rampart and Anthony Streets, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1982 |
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Johnson Bros. Barber Shop, 4th Street, Monroe, Louisiana, 1982 |
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Orange Bowl Restaurant, 1037 Broadway, Columbus, Georgia, 1982 |
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Poor Man's Tires, Greenwood Road, Shreveport, Louisiana, 1982 |
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Sailor Bills Tattooing, Victory Drive, Columbus, Georgia, 1982 |
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Smokey's News Stand, Alabama Avenue, Selma, Alabama, 1982 |
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Arctic Fur Shop, State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts, 1984 |
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Frenchy's Hair Styling, S. Main Street, Worcester, Massachusetts, 1984 |
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Leo's Key Service, Amsterdam Avenue, (73-74 Streets), New York City, New York, 1984 |
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Scarborough Trading Post, Route 1, Scarborough, Maine, 1984 |
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Vose Florists, Route 122, Cumberland, Rhode Island, 1984 |
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Live Oak Realty, S. Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez, California, 1985 |
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Tyszka Real Estate, Dyke Street, Detroit, Michigan, 1986 |
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Hornsbruch Drug Store, Aurelia, Iowa, 1987 |
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A to Z Video, Cherokee Street, Saint Louis, Missouri, 1988 |
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Hollywood Dream Factory, Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, Ohio, 1988 |
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Mail Pouch Barn, Route 30, Riceland, Ohio, 1988 |
Those pictures may have been taken in the 1980's but the store fronts look like they've been around since the 1950's.
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