Throwback Thursday: Retail, American Style

The headline of a page 4 article of the March 24, 1975 issue of National Home Center News, the forerunner of HBSDealer,  reads: “All American puts staples up front; Remodeling moves heavy departments to store front.”

Specifically, the Downey, California, home center moved the high-volume paint, plumbing and electrical departments to the front of the store, pushing seasonal goods and special merchandise to the sides and rear of the showroom.

“These are the departments we are most proud of,” said Leonard Gertler, All American’s vice president at the time. “And we want to stick them right in front of people so they won’t forget why we’re here.”

There were other ideas on display at All American in the seventies, including an unconventional open-space office strategy. According to the article, all buyer-managers operated from the sales floor. The above photo shows Earl Matot, electrical department manager, working in his office.

Another idea that was perhaps more conventional involved the hiring of pros. Licensed or experienced plumbers, electricians, carpenters and other skilled workers were on the payroll to offer customers home-improvement know-how.

For years All American earned accolades and profits. The company was recognized by HBSDealer as a Golden Hammer Award winner in 2009.

In 2011, the store closed its doors, in a move that had little to do with retail performance and much to do with ownership's desire to exit the business.

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