A storefront is defined in the dictionary as “the front side of a store or store building that faces the street.”
Storefronts have always been designed to be attractive and inviting spaces to advertise and promote, a vital space to define the individuality of a business.
I fondly recall the holiday displays of Marshall Field’s, now known as Macy’s, which have attracted countless visitors from near and far, to be amazed and entertained by the creativity and storytelling on display.
The images featured in this blog illustrate the different ways advertisements promoted businesses, while highlighting how a vibrant graphic and catchy language could attract viewers, and how items were displayed as well.
While exploring archival collections such as the Chicago Department of Urban Renewal Records, Chicago Loop Alliance Collection and the Chicago Public Library Archives, Branch Library Photographs, I found window displays from across the city of Chicago and learned of the different styles of promotions and sign usage.
If you would like to see any of the items shared in this post or learn more about the library's special collections, feel free to make an appointment.
State Street, Loop, store fronts and buildingsSource: Special Collections, Chicago Loop Alliance Collection, circa 1970s-2000, Box 44 Folder 2
Storefronts, E. 35th Street, S. Michigan Avenue to S. King DriveSource: Special Collections, Chicago Department of Urban Renewal, 1973, cgp_spe_n00096_10686_060
Storefronts, E. 35th Street, S. Michigan Avenue to S. King Drive, north sideSource: Special Collections, Chicago Department of Urban Renewal Records, cgp_spe_n00096_10686_008
Storefronts, E. 35th Street, S. Michigan Avenue to S. King Drive, south side, roll #6Source: Special Collections, Chicago Department of Urban Renewal, 1973, cgp_spe_n00096_10686_064
Chicago Public Library, Chinatown BranchSource: Special Collections, Chicago Department of Urban Renewal Records, cgp_spe_n00096_11102_005
Shoe store at State Pershing Shopping CenterSource: Special Collections, Department of Urban Renewal, cgp_spe_n00096_00987_000
Harriet’s Variety StoreSource: Special Collections, Chicago Department of Urban Renewal, cgp_spe_n00096_10685_006
Stationery Trade, 956 E. 55th StreetSource: Special Collections, Chicago Department of Urban Renewal,
cgp_spe_n00096_05373_000
E.J. Brach & Sons, 1910sSource: Special Collections, Austin Community Collection, 2.15
Undated-State street, Loop, window displays, circa 1970s-2000Source: Special Collections, Chicago Loop Alliance Collection, Box 44 Folder 6
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