Five-and-Ten
Five-and-ten - More commonly known today as “five-and-dime,” these stores were once treasure troves of affordable delights. They originally sold a myriad of items for just a nickel or a dime, dating back to the early 20th century. Even though inflation has significantly increased those prices, the nostalgic name still holds charm. It’s such a quintessential taste of Americana that it inspired the thought-provoking 2001 book Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich, which explores the challenges of living on minimum wage.
Related & Similar Terms:
- Nickel and Dime: Derogatory term for managing or treating someone in a petty or small-minded way.
- Dime-store: Another term for a five-and-dime store, denoting its affordability.
- General Store: A less specific, broader category of early retail stores offering a wide range of goods.
Related Proverbs, Expressions:
- Penny Pincher: Someone who is very frugal with their money.
- On a Shoestring: Operating or appearing to operate with minimal resources or money.
- Bare-Bones: Offering the basic essentials with nothing extra.
Humorous Quotes:
- “Five-and-dime stores are proof that when you scare away the elephants, you’ll just be stuck with nickels!” - Anonymous
- “Isn’t it ironic that our wallets are always full at five-and-dives?” - Penny Pinsworth
Suggested Reads:
- Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich
- A Nickel and a Prayer by Jane Edna Hunter
Suggested Movies:
- Pleasantville (1998): The satirical comedy-drama reminisces about the 1950s, an era when five-and-dime stores were iconic.
- The Shop Around the Corner (1940): A charming romantic movie set in a small shop, offering a taste of retail nostalgia.
Trivia:
Did you know that Woolworth’s, one of the most famous five-and-dime stores, opened its first successful store in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1879? It grew to become one of the largest retail chains in the world!
Final Thought: “The essence of a five-and-ten isn’t in its prices but in its timeless invitation to discover simple joys. Imagine finding small treasures on a budget, and remember that it’s the experience, not the expense, that enriches our lives.” - W. T. Talltales
