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Show your interest in Ohio retail history with this Ontario Discount Department Store men’s sport polo shirt. Ontario grew from a Lorain-based general-merchandise chain into a Cook United brand, with stores in cities including Toledo, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton. In 1981, the Ontario name gave way as many locations became Rink’s or Cooks. This design honors a distinct chapter in regional shopping history and suits collectors, former customers and anyone drawn to the stories behind local retail names.
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 Men's Sport Polo Shirt
$39.99
Sale price
$39.99
Regular price
Show your interest in Ohio retail history with this Ontario Discount Department Store men’s sport polo shirt. Ontario grew from a Lorain-based general-merchandise chain into a Cook United brand, with stores in cities including Toledo, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton. In 1981, the Ontario name gave way as many locations became Rink’s or Cooks. This design honors a distinct chapter in regional shopping history and suits collectors, former customers and anyone drawn to the stories behind local retail names.
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.
| S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL | |
| Width, in | 20.25 | 21.75 | 23.75 | 24.75 | 26.25 | 28.25 |
| Length, in | 29.00 | 30.00 | 31.00 | 32.00 | 33.00 | 33.50 |
| Sleeve Length (from center back), in | 18.50 | 19.25 | 20.00 | 20.75 | 21.50 | 22.25 |
Product features
- 100% polyester, extra-light (110 g/m²) for fast drying and shape retention
- Moisture-wicking fabric keeps skin cool during activity
- Double-needle stitched seams and necktape for long-lasting comfort
- 3-button placket with dyed-to-match rubber buttons and flat knit lapel collar
- Direct-to-film printed chest logo; regular fit, printed neck label
Care instructions
- Machine wash: cold (max 30C or 90F)
- Non-chlorine: bleach as needed
- Do not tumble dry
- Do not iron
- Do not dryclean