Value City Department Stores Backpack
Carry a piece of American retail history with a Value City Department Stores backpack. Founded in central Ohio in 1917, the chain began with a Columbus store on Parsons Avenue and became known for clothing, jewelry, and home goods sold below suggested retail prices. Its changing store names and regional connections bring back memories of local shopping across generations. This design celebrates a distinctive chapter in discount department store history, from its Columbus beginnings to its final store sales in 2008.
Value City Department Stores was an American off-price department store chain founded in 1917 by Ephraim Schottenstein, a traveling salesman in central Ohio. Its first store opened at 1887 Parsons Avenue, at the corner of Parsons and Reeb avenues in Columbus. The retailer sold clothing, jewelry, and home goods below manufacturers’ suggested retail prices, with merchandise that included buyouts, closeouts, irregular apparel, and factory seconds. In the Columbus market, stores used the Schottenstein’s name, which was dropped in 2008; three Metro Detroit locations were co-branded as Crowley’s Value City. The company entered the St. Louis market in 1995, opening in Webster Groves when the chain had 79 stores. In 1999, it acquired the Grandpa’s discount chain, including 15 stores in the St. Louis area. Retail Ventures later sought to sell the operation and announced plans in 2007 to sell as many as 24 stores to Burlington. On January 23, 2008, Retail Ventures announced the sale of an ownership stake to newly formed VCHI Acquisition Company. Value City closed selected stores and reorganized merchandise during 2008, then announced bankruptcy and the closure of all remaining locations on October 27. Store sales were completed December 23, 2008.
A rugged, everyday 20L backpack designed for days that move fast and demand durability. Built from water-repellent 600D polyester, it shrugsoff drizzle and light rain while protecting what matters inside. The padded laptop sleeve holds up to a 15" device snugly, and a fleece-lined pocket keeps sunglasses or small screens scratch-free. Two mesh side pockets keep a water bottle within easy reach, while roomy compartments organize chargers, notebooks, and daily essentials. Clean lines and practical pockets make this a dependable companion for commutes, classes, and short travel stints.
Product features
- Durable 600D polyester construction with water resistance
- 20L capacity, one-size carry for everyday use
- Padded sleeve fits up to a 15" laptop
- Fleece-lined pocket for eyewear or media devices
- Mesh side pockets for water bottles and quick access items
Care instructions
- Before cleaning the bag, remove all the items from the bag. Suggested to pretreat visible stains with stain remover. Mix warm water with laundry detergent and clean the bag with terry washcloth or soft bristle brush. Let the bag air dry.
| One size | |
| Width, in | 12.50 |
| Height, in | 19.00 |
| Depth, in | 5.50 |