Woolworth was a five-and-dime store that started in 1879 and served as the model for variety stores offering goods at reasonable prices. We were known for carrying everything from candy to sporting goods, with a particular focus on home goods, especially sewing and craft supplies. I had to learn how to sell items like Poly-fil and tatting shuttles—I can almost feel some folks rushing to look up those last two items!

The larger stores offered a broader range of products. I worked in Woolworth locations ranging from 5,000 to 40,000 square feet. In the smaller stores, we stuck to what we knew best, though occasionally, we’d feature something from more specialized departments. I recall one summer at a small store in Montana when we carried two styles of bicycles. But in the larger stores, we truly had everything.

At the Northglenn, Colorado store, we had a large sporting goods department with a strong focus on hunting. We carried many rifles and shotguns, although we did not stock handguns. Hunting equipment was our specialty, and selling hunting and fishing licenses was a key part of our success. Local hunters saw us as a go-to store. Record-keeping was crucial, and filling out state and federal forms was an integral part of the training for our sporting goods associates.

In the mid-1980s, Woolworth made a deal with the Chinese government to purchase warehouses full of old weapons, sight unseen. At the time, China was trying to break into Western markets, making it a mutually beneficial deal. Each gun was inspected to ensure it was in working order.

The bulk of the guns purchased were rifles from World War I and World War II. Due to their age, it was relatively easy to import them. The most popular rifles in these warehouses were the Swedish Mauser and the AK-47. To comply with regulations, the firing pin on the AK-47s was altered so they could no longer operate as semi-automatic weapons. Handling these weapons gave me a new appreciation for the lengths companies will go to expand their horizons and enter new markets.

My years working in retail have left me with many stories, filled with challenges, humor, and even some tragedy. These experiences shaped me into the person I am today. Stay tuned for the “World of Work” portion of my blog, where I’ll share personal stories about navigating the world of business and retail.

Edited and reviewed using ChatGPT.