If you’ve lived in Southern California long enough, you’ll definitely recognize many of these stores that perfectly capture a slice of SoCal life. Some of these stores no longer exist and others continue to thrive to this day. Either way, it’s fun to reflect on how these places have been a part of our life here in Southern California. Which ones do you remember the most?
1. Alpha Beta - Pictured here on Tustin Avenue in Santa Ana in 1974.
This popular chain of supermarkets first got its start in Pomona in 1917 and was open until 1995. If you were a kid who grew up in SoCal, there's no question you spent some time at the Alpha Beta for some grocery shopping with mom and dad.
2. Galco's Old World Grocery.
A staple in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles since 1955, Galco's Old World Grocery is where you may have spent some time as a kid strolling the aisles for a favorite soda pop or two. Galco's is happily still going strong and serving up the next generation of kids an even bigger selection of soda pops.
3. Mervyn's - Pictured here in Fullerton, CA.
One of many go-to department stores back in the day when shopping malls were the place to be on the weekend.
4. Soap Plant Wacko.
If you grew up in SoCal, you most certainly passed by this iconic store a time or two. This gigantic 6,000 square foot warehouse that has been here since the '70s is filled with all sorts of unique treasures that are a blast to discover. Do you remember strolling through this local gem as a kid?
5. The Pottery Shack - Pictured here in 1965.
This iconic shop in Laguna Beach was a friendly and familiar local gem where you could find all sorts of pottery and collectibles. To this day, just seeing this statue will instantly take you back to your childhood.
6. Buffum's Department Store as pictured in 1975 at Fashion Square in La Habra.
Up until its closure in 1990, Buffum's was a popular upscale department store in Southern California. Anyone remember shopping here for back-to-school clothes?
7. Robinson's - Pictured here at Fashion Island in Newport Beach.
Long before there was Macy's, Robinson's was the go-to department store in Southern California. Who has fond memories of heading to the mall and strolling around Robinson's with friends?
8. Canyon Grocery as pictured in 1957 in Laguna Canyon.
There's nothing quite like a small corner market to remind you of your childhood.
9. Michael's Market - Pictured here in Orange, CA in 1966.
This small grocery store that started in Orange, CA may make you feel a little nostalgic for the good old days when the markets were locally owned instead of belonging to a big corporate chain.
Do you have any fond memories of these iconic SoCal stores? If you enjoy taking a walk down memory lane, you may also like looking at this vintage photos of Southern California in the ’70s .
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