Retro Mall Video: '70s Sears Optical Department

Sears Optical Department (1970s)

Here's a retro '70s TV commercial for the Optical Department at Sears, in all its weird retro '70s glory. Man, I remember the catchy little jingle in these Sears ads very well from when I was a kid. As for the woman in this one... can you say Stepford Wives?

Markland Mall Sears

Kokomo, Indiana - 1993

Outside the Sears store at Markland Mall in 1993. Thanks to, Jay, for another peachy photo submission! Here's Markland Mall's current pitch from their website:

"At Markland Mall, you'll find fabulous fashion, exceptional eateries, delightful diversions and superb shops that entice you to create a new look! Come to Markland Mall where you'll be sure to find what you need with stores like Sears and Target and more than 40 specialty stores, including Aeropostale, American Eagle, Bath & Body Works, Books-A-Million, Finish Line, Old Navy, Maurices, Pac Sun and Victoria's Secret. A surreal indoor miniature golf course under black lights adds to the attractions."

OK, now that "surreal" indoor black light golf course sounds cool! Anyone here tried it? More shopping malls need those now that they mention it. :)

Mall history: 1968 - present
Current website: here
Current aerial view
Previous entries: none

International Malls: Sears in San Juan

San Juan, Puerto Rico - 1972

Sears Shopping Center in the Hato Rey business district in San Juan, Puerto Rico. 1972. If I didn't know it, I'd assume this was a shopping center somewhere in the U.S., wouldn't you? Looks like maybe Florida or something. Either way it just goes to show that retail Swank is universal! ...Or was, at any rate.

And man, that classic old-style Sears script logo sure looks nice. Always reminds me of my childhood whenever I see it--similar to Montgomery Ward, JCPenney, and Kmart, to name a few more.

(photo courtesy & © University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries)