Ontario Discount Department Store Double-Sided Keychain Charm
3.15" x 1.57"
$4.99
Sale price
$4.99
Regular price
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GhostCorp Apparel - resurrecting iconic corporate ghosts.
Carry a small reminder of Ontario, the Lorain-based chain that began as Ontario Super Mart in the 1950s. The double-sided charm suits collectors who appreciate how one regional name moved through a changing retail landscape: acquired by Cook Coffee Co. in 1964, expanded across Ohio and Missouri, then replaced at many locations by Rink's or Cooks in 1981. It keeps the story of Ontario Discount Department Stores close at hand, whether displayed with a collection or carried as a memento of local shopping history.
Ontario began as Ontario Super Mart, a Lorain, Ohio-based retail chain in the 1950s, selling clothing, groceries, hardware, electronics and household goods. In 1964, Cook Coffee Co. of Maple Heights, Ohio, acquired the nine-store chain; the company later became Cook United Inc. Ontario was then operated as Ontario Discount Department Stores alongside several other Cook United retail brands. The chain expanded in Ohio, including into Toledo, and also opened stores in Missouri. By the 1970s, Ontario stores operated in Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland and Dayton. Cook United acquired Clark's Department Stores in 1968, converting some locations to its Cooks name. In 1975, Cook United had 82 stores across its various brands, below its stated sales goal, and announced it would end Ontario operations in Missouri. Ontario had 23 stores at the start of the 1980s. After Cook United acquired Rink's Bargain City in 1981, it dropped the Ontario name in May and converted 19 stores to Rink's or Cooks. Cook United later entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1984 and closed its remaining stores in 1987, then liquidated under Chapter 7.
Ontario Discount Department Store Double-Sided Keychain Charm
$4.99
Sale price
$4.99
Regular price
Carry a small reminder of Ontario, the Lorain-based chain that began as Ontario Super Mart in the 1950s. The double-sided charm suits collectors who appreciate how one regional name moved through a changing retail landscape: acquired by Cook Coffee Co. in 1964, expanded across Ohio and Missouri, then replaced at many locations by Rink's or Cooks in 1981. It keeps the story of Ontario Discount Department Stores close at hand, whether displayed with a collection or carried as a memento of local shopping history.
Ontario began as Ontario Super Mart, a Lorain, Ohio-based retail chain in the 1950s, selling clothing, groceries, hardware, electronics and household goods. In 1964, Cook Coffee Co. of Maple Heights, Ohio, acquired the nine-store chain; the company later became Cook United Inc. Ontario was then operated as Ontario Discount Department Stores alongside several other Cook United retail brands. The chain expanded in Ohio, including into Toledo, and also opened stores in Missouri. By the 1970s, Ontario stores operated in Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland and Dayton. Cook United acquired Clark's Department Stores in 1968, converting some locations to its Cooks name. In 1975, Cook United had 82 stores across its various brands, below its stated sales goal, and announced it would end Ontario operations in Missouri. Ontario had 23 stores at the start of the 1980s. After Cook United acquired Rink's Bargain City in 1981, it dropped the Ontario name in May and converted 19 stores to Rink's or Cooks. Cook United later entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1984 and closed its remaining stores in 1987, then liquidated under Chapter 7.
Product features
- Acrylic construction with white base and double-sided print
- Compact size ~3.15" x 1.57" (8 x 4 cm); measurements may vary up to 1"
- Includes metal ring and short chain for secure attachment
- Durable, lightweight—made for everyday carry
- Manufactured product sourced from China; intended for adult use
Care instructions
- Clean with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid any chemicals.