Looking for some exercise and fresh air, I grabbed my phone and ear buds and headed out for a walk yesterday afternoon. Rain was threatening so I planned my route to take me past my neighborhood shopping mall.  That way if it rains, I could duck inside and still stretch my legs.

As light rain began, I headed towards the mall. As usual, my stroll included my favorite stops at a sporting goods store, a book store, a computer store and an electronics and appliance store.  The first three are locally owned and the last is a nation-wide chain.  And as always I took the opportunity to watch the retail customer service.  I did not have to look hard for today’s post.

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Getting two flat tires on the commute home is a rare occurrence but that is what happened to my wife recently. The current tires had given her many miles of good service and were due to be replaced so she asked me if I wanted to go with her to our neighborhood bike shop to pick up some new tires. We both headed out since I rarely pass up a chance to check out the latest bike equipment.

We knew the store stocks a particular tire she likes since we have bought them their before.  She really loves the tires because they have reflective sidewalls, important for early morning commuters. In fact, reflective sidewalls have become so important to her that they have become the standard for any commuter bike tires.

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from the Department Store Museum website

On February 14th, 1865, Abraham Abraham and Joseph Wechler partnered to open Wechler & Abraham at 297 Fulton Street in Brooklyn, New York.  The store became Abraham & Strauss in 1893 and at its height, provided the utmost in white glove treatment. Uniformed elevator operators whisked patrons between floors and patrons parked their horse-drawn carriages in an underground parking garage.  Departments include fine furs, gourmet food center, stamp & coin shop, wig bar, beauty salon, art gallery and restaurant. In 1929, A&S, Bloomingdales, Filene’s of Boston, Shilito’s and F&R Lazarus & Co combine forming the Federated Department Stores.  In 1995, the Abraham & Strauss rebrand themselves as the more popular Macy’s.