“She thinks I don’t see her admiring that shag non-skid bath rug, the one that matches her outfit. I can hear her letting out a little sigh. She’s probably saying to herself ‘I’m sure he’ll buy me another diamond ring or a mink stole. I’ll do my best to smile and act surprised’. I pretend not to notice but I do, believe me. And this year I’m not gonna let her down. It’ll be a Blue Christmas at our house this year, pal!” *From Christmas 1964 at the brand-new Ralphs in Sunland, California, in the Sunhill Shopping Center at the corner of Sunland and Foothill Boulevards. You probably also noticed the stockman in the background, wearing a red-and-white candy striped apron. I’ve seen another photo of a Ralphs employee wearing one of these that I don’t believe was taken at Christmastime, so I guess they had to endure them year-round.
* Based on a 1987 Zayre commercial.
Mmm... Channelling Jim Lileks there? :)
ReplyDeleteDerek - I'm always inspired by Lileks, but the idea for this was swiped from Zayre. I've added a link to the commercial on the post.
ReplyDeleteLOL! This is great, Dave! That poor guy had to wear the candy canes all year!
ReplyDeleteThis Ralphs is still there today! Of course its been severely remodeled since.
ReplyDeleteDidi- One of the job perks, I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteJeff - I would assume the store was enlarged as well. The early 60's Ralphs really looked great in my opinion.
Wow.....this is the same Ralphs I shop at four times a week, so seeing this is a real hoot. I suppose it was indeed rather nice back when it originally opened, but sad to say, that ain't the case 45 years later. God only knows how long it's been since they've made any improvements to the place...it's almost like the company just doesn't care that it's devolved into one of the worst stores in the chain. Untidy, understocked...I only go there cos it's within walking distance .....very sad.
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