On June 25, 1964, the F.W. Woolworth store on Second Avenue in Saskatoon celebrated its grand opening, drawing hundreds of eager shoppers. The event marked a significant retail milestone in the city's downtown area.
Hundreds Flock to New Store
Hundreds of persons jammed into the F.W. Woolworth new store on Second Avenue that morning, and at times there were long lines of persons seeking entry. Store manager W.R. Dempster, pictured in the centre wearing glasses, appeared somewhat harried as the throngs surged through the store.
According to the StarPhoenix archives, the grand opening was a bustling affair. In Saskatoon for the opening were A.B. Munro, vice-president and general manager of the company, and R.D. Campbell (retired), a director and former vice-president.
Archival Photo Featured
The image from the City of Saskatoon Archives StarPhoenix Collection (S-SP-B28768-1) captures Dempster amidst the busy scene on the lower main floor. The photo is part of the Throwback Thursday series, a weekly feature revisiting photos from Saskatoon’s past.
The original cutline from the StarPhoenix archives, preserved with its original writing style, notes the excitement of the opening. The store represented a key addition to the city's retail landscape in the 1960s.
Historical Context
F.W. Woolworth was a prominent five-and-dime chain across North America. The Saskatoon location on Second Avenue became a popular shopping destination for decades. The grand opening reflected the post-war economic boom and growing consumer culture in Canada.
Readers are invited to suggest moments from Saskatoon’s history for future Throwback Thursday features by emailing jbennett@postmedia.com. The series is curated by the City of Saskatoon Archives.
