With the kids going back to school, I have to think about how different shopping is today. I mean, who remembers trying on clothes and not taking them home the same day? That’s called hire purchase! How about the Trapper Keepers or the cool lunchbox with the thermoses? The good old days! In Victoria, there were so many places to buy your school clothes, like Jerry Lentz Sports, Kinney Shoe, Melvins and Millers Outpost. Below are a few more that will bring back those memories.

SPORTY ATTIC:

This store was an icon in Victoria Mall for many years. They always had the latest styles. You probably remember the jingle. Shout out to Mr. Arthur Cantu! Who remembers the catchy Athletic Attic jingle?

OLD MARINE/GAP:

Bring these stores back! This was a great place for back to school shopping! Let’s not forget the super patriotic red, white and blue 4th of July t-shirt.

DUNLAPS:

This was one of the nicer places to buy your school supplies. A little pricey! This place has been reborn as New Mr. Gatti’s. And soon Z Venue is opening!

WEINERS DEPARTMENT STORE:

I call this my mom’s Hire Purchase HQ! We had two locations in Victoria. One on Laurent Street where Food City is. The other was in the Navarro Shopping Center where Fallas used to be! THE ORIGINAL K-MART

The original Victoria location was next to Chuck E. Cheese, now Lack’s Department Store! Home of the “Blue Light Special”. I remember the lines at the installment purchase counters being super long during back to school shopping! WHEN YOU LEAVE THE CITY… SOLO SERVE:

I mean, where else can you find Girbaud and Guess jeans for $20?

MERVYNS

We wish the children a fantastic school year 2024/25!

Things only Victorians understand