SPROUSE-REITZ
The Sprouse-Reitz chain was founded by Robert A. Sprouse and Fred L. Reitz. The company originated in Tacoma, Washington in 1909. Its corporate headquarters was moved to Portland, Oregon in 1919. The concern was incorporated, as the Sprouse-Reitz Company, in 1932.
By 1939, there were forty Sprouse-Reitz variety stores; these operating in California, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon and Washington State. The store count in 1952 had reached 252 units. At the height of the chain, around 1973, the company was overseeing 350 stores in twelve western states.
Variety stores -including these owned by Sprouse-Reitz- were in decline by the late 1980s. A revitalization attempt was tried, with a new logo ("Sprouse!) unveiled in January 1989. A program of store renovations was quickly followed by a slew of store closings. The attempt to revive the Sprouse-Reitz chain had been unsuccessful.
In June 1990, the company president announced that a buyer was being sought for the struggling company. This attempt at a sell-off also turned out to be a futile endeavor. In December 1993, it was divulged that the remaining eighty-four Sprouse! stores would be out of business by February 28, 1994.
SPROUSE-REITZ JUNIOR-ANCHORED SHOPPING MALLS:
*KARCHER MALL, Nampa, ID (1965)
*CARSON MALL, Carson City, NV (1966)
*VALLEY WEST MALL, Glendale, AZ (1974)
Sprouse-Reitz opened store number 128 in Lompoc, California. The official invitation seen above adds that said store will throw open its doors on April 23, 1932.
Advert from the Sprouse-Reitz Company
The Laguna, California store, as it appeared in 1939.
Photo the Laguna, California Historical Society
"Nothing over 49 cents," or so says the slogan. The logo served the company well throughout 1930s, but was never seen after 1940.
Graphic from the Sprouse-Reitz Company
This Sprouse-Reitz Stores logo was used to promote the company in 1941.
Graphic from the Sprouse-Reitz Company
Here we see a hometown-based unit, in Portland, Oregon.
Graphic from the Sprouse-Reitz Company
A collection of Sprouse-Reitz print ad logos, spanning from 1949 to 1989.
Graphics from the Sprouse-Reitz Company