Korvettes generally operated in the eastern seaboard states of America. They eventually extended their trade area as far west as Illinois and Missouri. The store seen here was located in Elmhurst.

Photo from Elmhurst (Illinois) Public Library

The once-mighty merchandiser was done in by several poorly-conceived business decisions. A shift toward more upscale merchandising proved disastrous. So did "The Other Korvettes," a 1976 ad campaign that promoted fashion. This initiative was quickly abandoned when it became too expensive. 

Graphic from E.J. Korvette, Incorporated

Ann & Hope was founded by Ukranian transplant Martin Chase. The first store opened in 1954, in the old Ann & Hope Mill in Cumberland, Rhode Island. The chain was a true innovator and was one of the first to offer its patrons shopping carts. At the height of operations, there were six locations in two states, including a store in the LIBERTY TREE MALL in Danvers, Massachusetts.