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Explore stories in Northwest history through highlights from MOHAI’s collections. Search by keyword below or browse the entire online collection by entering the asterisk symbol (*). Filter your search by type of materials.

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412 results for: Retail and Department Stores

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Image of Glass candleholder from Glassybaby,

Glass candleholder from Glassybaby, "Jane's Caramel," winter palette color, ca. 2013

Glassybaby is a Seattle-based company, owned and established in 1995 by cancer survivor Lee Rhodes, that sells handmade glass votives originally designed and made by Lee and her then-husband. A portion of the sale of all Glassybaby votives goes to cancer patient charities.
ID Number:2013.46.7
Date:Circa 2013
Image of Rethink Fabrics T-shirt, ca. 2013

Rethink Fabrics T-shirt, ca. 2013

Established in 2008 in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle, Rethink Fabrics mission is to "create innovative, quality t-shirts made from recycled plastic waste." They use 100% recycled polyester engineered for garment recycling. This T-shirt bears the title "Emerald City" which is a longstanding nickname for Seattle and alludes to "being green" or environmentally conscious.
ID Number:2013.51.1
Date:Circa 2013
Image of Ballard Computer store sign, ca. 1984

Ballard Computer store sign, ca. 1984

Ballard Computer first opened in 1984 and was one of the original retail locations in the Seattle area to start selling personal computers (PCs) to the general public. Sales in the early 1990s reached $65 million and there were over 100 employees. The store closed in 1996 due to the onset of superstores and big box retailers.
ID Number:2013.55.1
Date:Circa 1984
Image of Librarian action figure inspired by Seattle librarian, Nancy Pearl, from the Seattle retail store Archie McPhee's, 2003

Librarian action figure inspired by Seattle librarian, Nancy Pearl, from the Seattle retail store Archie McPhee's, 2003

This action figure is based on Seattle librarian, best-selling author, and literary critic Nancy Pearl. The figure was sold in the Seattle chain of novelty stores, Archie McPhee, and features Pearl with a stack of books and a finger to her lips. She has been quoted as saying that the "push to shush" aspect of the action figure determines "which…
ID Number:2013.64.1
Date:2003
Image of Pair of plastic shopping bags from Easy Street Records, Seattle, WA, ca. 2013

Pair of plastic shopping bags from Easy Street Records, Seattle, WA, ca. 2013

Easy Street Records is an independent record store established in Seattle in 1988 that hosts live performances by various musicians.
ID Number:2013.71.Ref
Date:Circa 2013
Image of One pair of Strideline crew socks,

One pair of Strideline crew socks, "Sea Town White Hawk" with Seattle skyline, ca. 2012

These "Sea Town White Hawk" socks featuring the Seattle skyline are a featured product of Strideline, a brand founded by two local high school students wanting to make high quality sport socks.
ID Number:2013.77.1
Date:Circa 2012
Image of Plush toy

Plush toy "Nordy" from Nordstrom department store, ca. 1970s

Nordy was the unofficial mascot of Nordstrom department store. This promotional item was meant to represent a shoehorn and was distributed by the Nordstrom children's shoe department during the 1970s.
ID Number:2013.105.1
Date:Circa 1970
Image of Action figure, J.P. Patches in original packaging, ca. 2003

Action figure, J.P. Patches in original packaging, ca. 2003

The Seattle company Accoutrements, a wholesale outfit of Archie McPhees, made many whimsical items including this action figure of J.P. Patches. J.P. Patches was the character host of one of the longest running local children's shows in television history. The J.P. Patches Show aired on KIRO-TV in Seattle from 1958-1981 and broadcast over 10,000 episodes in its 23-year run.
ID Number:2013.124.1
Date:2003
Image of Silver key ring with shoe charm, 1998

Silver key ring with shoe charm, 1998

This silver keyring, featuring a men's shoe, was made to commemorate the Nordstrom flagship store reopening on August 21, 1998. The former Frederick & Nelson building on 5th & Pine was purchased and remodeled.
ID Number:2013.132.2
Date:1998
Image of Silver key ring with shoe charm, 1998

Silver key ring with shoe charm, 1998

This silver keyring featuring a women's shoe was made to commemorate the Nordstrom flagship store reopening on August 21, 1998. The former Frederick & Nelson building on 5th & Pine was purchased and remodeled.
ID Number:2013.132.3
Date:1998
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