Waldenbooks Backpack
One size / Blackout
$65.99
Sale price
$65.99
Regular price
Skip to product information
GhostCorp Apparel - resurrecting iconic corporate ghosts.
Carry a piece of bookstore history with a Waldenbooks Backpack inspired by the chain’s journey from a three-cent rental library in Depression-era Bridgeport to a familiar presence in American shopping malls. Waldenbooks grew from book rentals into retail stores, expanded through changing ownership, and joined the Borders-Walden Group before its final stores closed in 2011. It is a fitting everyday piece for readers, collectors, former mall shoppers, and anyone who remembers browsing for books after a day of errands.
Walden Book Company began on March 4, 1933, when Lawrence Hoyt, a former Simon & Schuster sales manager, and Melvin T. Kafka opened a rental library inside a department store in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Named after Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, the business rented books for three cents per day during the Great Depression. By 1948, it had 250 rental locations. Lawrence Hoyt opened the first Walden bookstore in Pittsburgh in 1962, as affordable paperbacks helped shift the company from rentals to retail selling. Broadway Hale Stores acquired the company in 1969 and later became Carter Hawley Hale. During the 1970s, Walden Books gradually became Waldenbooks. Kmart acquired Waldenbooks in 1984. The company expanded into software, educational toys, larger book formats, and related brands, acquired U.S. Coles Book Stores locations in 1987, and operated Basset Book Shop stores before they became Borders locations. In 1994, Kmart combined Waldenbooks, Brentano’s, and Borders into the Borders-Walden Group. Many stores became Borders Express locations beginning in 2004. Borders Group entered liquidation in 2011, closing the remaining Waldenbooks stores.
Waldenbooks Backpack
$65.99
Sale price
$65.99
Regular price
Carry a piece of bookstore history with a Waldenbooks Backpack inspired by the chain’s journey from a three-cent rental library in Depression-era Bridgeport to a familiar presence in American shopping malls. Waldenbooks grew from book rentals into retail stores, expanded through changing ownership, and joined the Borders-Walden Group before its final stores closed in 2011. It is a fitting everyday piece for readers, collectors, former mall shoppers, and anyone who remembers browsing for books after a day of errands.
Walden Book Company began on March 4, 1933, when Lawrence Hoyt, a former Simon & Schuster sales manager, and Melvin T. Kafka opened a rental library inside a department store in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Named after Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, the business rented books for three cents per day during the Great Depression. By 1948, it had 250 rental locations. Lawrence Hoyt opened the first Walden bookstore in Pittsburgh in 1962, as affordable paperbacks helped shift the company from rentals to retail selling. Broadway Hale Stores acquired the company in 1969 and later became Carter Hawley Hale. During the 1970s, Walden Books gradually became Waldenbooks. Kmart acquired Waldenbooks in 1984. The company expanded into software, educational toys, larger book formats, and related brands, acquired U.S. Coles Book Stores locations in 1987, and operated Basset Book Shop stores before they became Borders locations. In 1994, Kmart combined Waldenbooks, Brentano’s, and Borders into the Borders-Walden Group. Many stores became Borders Express locations beginning in 2004. Borders Group entered liquidation in 2011, closing the remaining Waldenbooks stores.
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 |
EU representative: HONSON VENTURES LIMITED, gpsr@honsonventures.com, 3, Gnaftis House flat 102, Limassol, Mesa Geitonia, 4003, CY
Product information: Oakley 921056ODM, 2 year warranty in EU and Northern Ireland as per Directive 1999/44/EC
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.