I lived around Sacramento from 1990 to '96, the area I lived in was more suburban and I think alot of the shopping centers were pretty new. I loved how there were tons of choices for where to go. One of my favorite places as a kid were those neighborhood video stores (that's when I started digging movies). Some of the individual pizza places were better than the chains too, there was this one right near our house at the time.

Chains were around too, like I remember they built a Walmart in 1994, there were Blockbuster and fast food places, but it was more cool back then since it didn't dominate like it does now. Like to the point where every shopping center looked the same. I don't even think Starbucks was around yet. The malls had loads of old-fashioned stores, like the music shops and arcades.

I think you really had the best of both worlds back then, maybe even up to '02/03 some mom and pop stores were around.

I used to frequent a local pizza place called Godfather's and sometimes still do.  They have really good pizza.  Funny story ... The guy who used to own it is a former actor who was well-known across Canada for playing the character Harrigan, a TV entertainer who had a nationally syndicated children's show in daytime. 

At the end of each show, Harrigan would do the "Harrigan Dance" on top of the blarney stone ... When Godfather's first opened in the early 90s, I saw him standing outside and recognized him right away, so I walked up to him and did the Harrigan dance.  He thanked me, and gave me a $5 bill LOL

All my life, I've lived in the 'burbs, so I've spent alot of time in local video stores, convenience stores and restaurants in favour of the big named ones.  I used to buy all my previously viewed VHS and DVD movies from a local video store until they cut back majorly on the ones they sell

I've always been a fan of the mom & pop stores. Unfortunately a lot of them have gone out of business, but the ones that still do exist around here...I do try to give them more business than the typical "super stores" of today.  We grocery shop at this local supermarket. No, maybe their prices don't always compare with Walmart, BUT, it does feel good to give them the business instead of giving it to Walmart.

I remember when I was young, neighborhood candy stores were very popular. I grew up in a great little neighborhood, and right up the street was a little deli/store. Us kids would go there on daily treks, in search of our favorite penny/nickel/quarter candy. We all were daily fixtures in this little candy shop. The owners were very personable and they basically knew us all by name. Oh..and they had the BEST pepperoni rolls EVER there (and this is coming from someone who now doesn't even eat meat)! LOL! :P

I am big on local stuff.  We still have a meat market, fish market, and vegetable stand, coffee shops, restaurants.  That is the best part of urban living.  It does cost a bit more, but the quality is always better.

But does anyone see my point about how in...let's say 1994, you could go to BOTH the independent places or the chains?

I really miss that balance point from the 90s - there was always something to do since you had so many choices no matter where you were. Shopping centers basically look the same now, it's boring and kinda depressing. Malls all have that modern facelift too.

I live in Philly, and the mom and pop stores are very popular, especially on South Street.  You get to find music that's hard to find in mainstream record stores.  In the 90s, independent stores were BOOMING!  Now, it's out of business.  All the independent stores that I used to go to down South Street in the 90s and early 2000s are closed down.  I guess that's the end of the 90s culture after all.

But does anyone see my point about how in...let's say 1994, you could go to BOTH the independent places or the chains?

I really miss that balance point from the 90s - there was always something to do since you had so many choices no matter where you were. Shopping centers basically look the same now, it's boring and kinda depressing. Malls all have that modern facelift too.


We were in Florida last week, and I gotta say it is my idea of hell.  It is miles and miles of strip malls.  I don't know how anyone could live there.  As a matter of fact I know a few who thought they would retire there and lasted 3 to 5 years and came back to Massachusetts.  Most, now, would like to spend the winters there for the weather, but the sunshine is the only thing that attracts.