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GhostCorp Apparel - resurrecting iconic corporate ghosts.
Carry a piece of regional retail history as you travel. White Front began in 1929 as a small market in Los Angeles and grew into a western discount chain with stores throughout California, Washington, and Oregon. Its story reflects changing American shopping habits, from neighborhood groceries and appliance sales to broad department-store selections and rapid expansion. This passport cover honors that memorable company history and makes a thoughtful travel companion for collectors, former White Front shoppers, and fans of local business stories.
White Front began in 1929 as Harry Blackman’s small White Front Market on South Central Avenue in Florence, Los Angeles. Starting with groceries, the business added radios and household appliances, then opened a major-appliance shop after Blackman returned from military service following World War II. By 1954 it was known as White Front Stores, with a broader range of goods. A second store opened in Van Nuys in 1957. Interstate Department Stores acquired the two-store chain in April 1959 and financed rapid expansion across California. White Front later opened stores in Washington, beginning in Seattle in 1967, and in Portland, Oregon, in 1970. At its mid-1972 peak, the chain had 37 stores in three states. Interstate announced in December 1972 that 21 stores would close; the remaining discount stores and appliance centers closed after Interstate sought Chapter 11 reorganization in May 1974. Former locations passed to a range of retailers, including Valu-Mart/Leslie’s, J.C. Penney’s The Treasury, Gold Circle, and Mervyn’s. Some independent pharmacies retained the White Front name, but were unrelated to the former chain.
White Front Passport Cover
$28.99
Sale price
$28.99
Regular price
Carry a piece of regional retail history as you travel. White Front began in 1929 as a small market in Los Angeles and grew into a western discount chain with stores throughout California, Washington, and Oregon. Its story reflects changing American shopping habits, from neighborhood groceries and appliance sales to broad department-store selections and rapid expansion. This passport cover honors that memorable company history and makes a thoughtful travel companion for collectors, former White Front shoppers, and fans of local business stories.
White Front began in 1929 as Harry Blackman’s small White Front Market on South Central Avenue in Florence, Los Angeles. Starting with groceries, the business added radios and household appliances, then opened a major-appliance shop after Blackman returned from military service following World War II. By 1954 it was known as White Front Stores, with a broader range of goods. A second store opened in Van Nuys in 1957. Interstate Department Stores acquired the two-store chain in April 1959 and financed rapid expansion across California. White Front later opened stores in Washington, beginning in Seattle in 1967, and in Portland, Oregon, in 1970. At its mid-1972 peak, the chain had 37 stores in three states. Interstate announced in December 1972 that 21 stores would close; the remaining discount stores and appliance centers closed after Interstate sought Chapter 11 reorganization in May 1974. Former locations passed to a range of retailers, including Valu-Mart/Leslie’s, J.C. Penney’s The Treasury, Gold Circle, and Mervyn’s. Some independent pharmacies retained the White Front name, but were unrelated to the former chain.
| 3.9" x 5.8" | |
| Height, in | 5.79 |
| Width (Closed), in | 3.94 |
| Width (Open), in | 8.03 |
| Depth, in | 0.39 |
Product features
- Two card slots plus pockets for boarding passes or IDs
- Cruelty-free black PU faux leather exterior
- RFID-blocking lining to protect against skimming
- One-size fits most passports (3.9″ × 5.8″)
- Vibrant front-cover print with potential edge fading on darker solids
Care instructions
- Wipe with a damp cloth, air dry or use a soft, non-abrasive cloth