Rhode Island's Ann & Hope, an original anchor of LIBERTY TREE MALL, was one of the most innovative mid-century discount marts. It was among the first "self-service" department stores in the nation and the first to provide shopping carts for its patrons.

Ann & Hope and a Lechmere electronics and appliance store were the first businesses to operate at the mall site. They opened freestanding stores in March and November of 1970, respectively. These were the third locations in both chains.

Graphic 1 from Ann & Hope, Incorporated

Graphic 2 from the Dayton Hudson Corporation

 

The LIBERTY TREE "Lechmere's"  had a high-end, '70s mod facade. 

Photo from the Dayton Hudson Corporation Annual Report 1971