Nowadays, it is surprising when a common product isn’t available on the store shelf. This “one-stop shop” model that is common today in stores across America is a relatively new development for retail stores. Historically, many retail stores had similar developments, yet one subcategory of retail stores rose above others to push shopping's boundaries: department stores. From phrases like “the customer is always right” to favorable return policies and the wide-scale adoption of escalators, department stores have changed how we shop, and department stores in DC tell a unique story about the city’s relationship with its shoppers. On September 30th at 11:00 AM, join tour guide Fontana Micucci and DCPL staff members to learn about the unique history of shopping and the architecture of department stores in Downtown DC. This tour will last approximately an hour and will traverse around 1.0 mile of city sidewalks.

This program is free and open to the public. Please register online to participate.

Saturday, September 30th, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT
In-Person, Meets at 314 7th Street NW