Merchandise in a mid-20th century 5 & dime might be stocked in horizontal bins such as these. In a discount store of today, much would be hung on pegs.
Photo from the Kresge Company Annual Report 1949
5 & 10 stores would sell apparel, shoes, penny candy and cosmetics.
Photo from the Kresge Company Annual Report 1949
There were also toys, parakeets, goldfish, baby turtles and white mice for sale at the standard dime store.
Photo from the Kresge Company Annual Report 1949
A 5 & 10 would also carry lots of houseware items, fabrics & notions, records, record players, radios, and even sporting goods.