I Bought It at Polk Bros: The Story of an American Retailing Phenomenon

Author: Ann Paden
List Price: $22.95
Our Price: Click to see the latest and low price
ISBN: 1566250730
Publisher: Bonus Books (December, 1996)
Sales Rank: 658,034
Average Customer Rating: 5 out of 5

Customer Reviews

Rating: 5 out of 5
Buying a Television Set, a Family Affair
This wonderful book captures the memories and spirit of the Polk Brothers retail establishment. Long before Circuit City and Best Buy, Polk Brothers sold hard goods (TV's, Radios, etc) to the families of Chicagoland. It was quite the event for my father to pile the family into the stationwagon to go to Polk City and purchase a counsole Zenith television for several hundred dollars. As a child I remember receiving a toy premium after a purchase. We received inflatable airplanes, 7-UP, and Ann Landers books. Our family home was furnished by Polk City. Polk City was a warm, chaotic, intoxicating place to make a purchase. The book reflects this and brings Polk Brothers alive. The author paints a warm, interesting story of a Chicago institution and captures the family event of what it was to go to Polk Brothers. A real connection to Chicago and its families. A nice read even if you are not from Chicago.

Rating: 5 out of 5
A good history of a successful business.
This story tells the story of the Polks (which was not the original name), who were a family that came to the USA from Europe with big dreams and hopes. These dreams were fulfilled when Polk Bros., the first retailer of its kind became successfull. Polk Bros. set the tone for all future retailers with its new ideas. My favorite part of the book, was reading about the many big and weird promotions Polk Bros. had, including renting out the Chicago Stadium for a humungous b-day celebration. Read this book (of course) to find out more.

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