Pay 'n Save T-Shirt
XS / Army
$19.99
Sale price
$19.99
Regular price
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GhostCorp Apparel - resurrecting iconic corporate ghosts.
Celebrate a defining chapter of Seattle retail with this Pay 'n Save T-shirt. Founded in 1940, the company grew from a drugstore business into a multi-banner chain that included Ernst, Malmo Nursery, Rhodes, Lamonts, Bi-Mart, and other familiar names. Its changing mix of neighborhood stores and regional divisions makes the brand a compelling subject for collectors of retail and corporate history. Wear it to share an interest in the stores, acquisitions, and local stories that shaped shopping across the West.
Founded by Monte Lafayette Bean in Seattle in 1940, Pay 'n Save grew from a drugstore business into a regional retail company. Bean and his son, M. Lamont Bean, opened its first drugstore in 1947 at Fourth Avenue and Pike Street. The company acquired Seattle hardware chain Ernst in 1960 and Malmo Nursery in 1962, combining their offerings in Ernst-Malmo stores. It acquired Rhodes department stores in 1965, renaming suburban locations Lamonts in 1970, and bought Bi-Mart and Yard Birds in 1976. Later additions included Price Savers Warehouse and Schuck's Auto Supply. At its peak, the company operated 313 stores across ten western states, Canada, and Great Britain under several retail names. Sold to the Trump Group in 1984, Pay 'n Save tried a bargain-focused format in 1986 and reported a loss of nearly $50 million in 1987. After becoming Seattle Standard Corp. in 1986, it returned to the Pay 'n Save name. Thrifty Corporation acquired its drugstores in 1988; PayLess Drug acquired them in 1992 and retired the name. Most divisions were spun off or closed. Bi-Mart, sold separately and employee-owned since 2003, was identified in the source as the only surviving division in 2023.
Pay 'n Save T-Shirt
$19.99
Sale price
$19.99
Regular price
Celebrate a defining chapter of Seattle retail with this Pay 'n Save T-shirt. Founded in 1940, the company grew from a drugstore business into a multi-banner chain that included Ernst, Malmo Nursery, Rhodes, Lamonts, Bi-Mart, and other familiar names. Its changing mix of neighborhood stores and regional divisions makes the brand a compelling subject for collectors of retail and corporate history. Wear it to share an interest in the stores, acquisitions, and local stories that shaped shopping across the West.
Founded by Monte Lafayette Bean in Seattle in 1940, Pay 'n Save grew from a drugstore business into a regional retail company. Bean and his son, M. Lamont Bean, opened its first drugstore in 1947 at Fourth Avenue and Pike Street. The company acquired Seattle hardware chain Ernst in 1960 and Malmo Nursery in 1962, combining their offerings in Ernst-Malmo stores. It acquired Rhodes department stores in 1965, renaming suburban locations Lamonts in 1970, and bought Bi-Mart and Yard Birds in 1976. Later additions included Price Savers Warehouse and Schuck's Auto Supply. At its peak, the company operated 313 stores across ten western states, Canada, and Great Britain under several retail names. Sold to the Trump Group in 1984, Pay 'n Save tried a bargain-focused format in 1986 and reported a loss of nearly $50 million in 1987. After becoming Seattle Standard Corp. in 1986, it returned to the Pay 'n Save name. Thrifty Corporation acquired its drugstores in 1988; PayLess Drug acquired them in 1992 and retired the name. Most divisions were spun off or closed. Bi-Mart, sold separately and employee-owned since 2003, was identified in the source as the only surviving division in 2023.
| XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL | 4XL | 5XL | |
| Width, in | 16.50 | 18.00 | 20.00 | 22.00 | 24.00 | 26.00 | 28.00 | 30.00 | 32.00 |
| Length, in | 27.00 | 28.00 | 29.00 | 30.00 | 31.00 | 32.00 | 33.00 | 34.00 | 35.00 |
| Sleeve length, in | 8.60 | 8.90 | 9.20 | 9.50 | 9.70 | 10.00 | 10.40 | 10.80 | 11.20 |
| Size tolerance, in | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.50 |
Product features
- 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton (lightweight 4.2 oz/yd²) for a soft, breathable feel
- Retail fit with crew neckline — neat, easy to layer
- Structural details: side seams, shoulder tape, and ribbed knit collar to retain shape
- Labeling and prints: tear-away label; DTF or DTG printing used for crisp chest and sleeve designs
- Ethically made blanks (Fair Labor Association, Platinum WRAP), REACH certified
Care instructions
- Machine wash: cold (max 30C or 90F)
- Non-chlorine: bleach as needed
- Tumble dry: low heat
- Iron, steam or dry: medium heat
- Do not dryclean