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Keep Chicago department-store history close with this Wieboldt's Double-Sided Keychain Charm. William A. Wieboldt founded the retailer in 1883, and its stores became part of everyday life for generations of local shoppers. From the downtown flagship at State and Madison streets to branches across the Chicago area, Wieboldt's left a distinct mark on the region. This charm suits collectors and former customers who enjoy carrying a small reminder of neighborhood shopping, store traditions, and the city's retail past.
Wieboldt Stores, Inc., known as Wieboldt's, was a Chicago general retailer founded in 1883 by storekeeper William A. Wieboldt. Its flagship stood at State and Madison streets in downtown Chicago. In 1961, the company acquired the failed Mandel Brothers store on State Street and a smaller branch at Lincoln Village shopping center. By the 1970s, Wieboldt's operated more than 15 stores across the Chicago metropolitan area. The chain marked its centennial in April 1983 with a message looking toward a “New Tomorrow.” During the 1980s, it struggled to remain profitable and entered bankruptcy in 1986. Store closures followed in 1987: most locations shut on March 10, while the State Street flagship closed on July 18 and some other branches remained open later that year. The State Street building had been reduced from nine stories to five floors in 1985. Wieboldt's also gave customers S&H Green Stamps, with redemption centers in its stores, and sponsored broadcasts featuring The Cinnamon Bear in the 1940s and 1950s and again in the mid-1980s. Its Chicago radio advertisements during Cubs games in the early 1960s featured Jack Quinlan and Lou Boudreau.
Wieboldt's Double-Sided Keychain Charm
$4.99
Sale price
$4.99
Regular price
Keep Chicago department-store history close with this Wieboldt's Double-Sided Keychain Charm. William A. Wieboldt founded the retailer in 1883, and its stores became part of everyday life for generations of local shoppers. From the downtown flagship at State and Madison streets to branches across the Chicago area, Wieboldt's left a distinct mark on the region. This charm suits collectors and former customers who enjoy carrying a small reminder of neighborhood shopping, store traditions, and the city's retail past.
Wieboldt Stores, Inc., known as Wieboldt's, was a Chicago general retailer founded in 1883 by storekeeper William A. Wieboldt. Its flagship stood at State and Madison streets in downtown Chicago. In 1961, the company acquired the failed Mandel Brothers store on State Street and a smaller branch at Lincoln Village shopping center. By the 1970s, Wieboldt's operated more than 15 stores across the Chicago metropolitan area. The chain marked its centennial in April 1983 with a message looking toward a “New Tomorrow.” During the 1980s, it struggled to remain profitable and entered bankruptcy in 1986. Store closures followed in 1987: most locations shut on March 10, while the State Street flagship closed on July 18 and some other branches remained open later that year. The State Street building had been reduced from nine stories to five floors in 1985. Wieboldt's also gave customers S&H Green Stamps, with redemption centers in its stores, and sponsored broadcasts featuring The Cinnamon Bear in the 1940s and 1950s and again in the mid-1980s. Its Chicago radio advertisements during Cubs games in the early 1960s featured Jack Quinlan and Lou Boudreau.
Product features
- Acrylic construction with white base and double-sided print
- Compact size ~3.15" x 1.57" (8 x 4 cm); measurements may vary up to 1"
- Includes metal ring and short chain for secure attachment
- Durable, lightweight—made for everyday carry
- Manufactured product sourced from China; intended for adult use
Care instructions
- Clean with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid any chemicals.