The Magic of Miami’s Old Department Stores — and How We're Bringing It Back

Before malls became weekend rituals and online shopping became the norm, Miami’s style pulse beat strongest in its department stores. Names like Burdines, Jordan Marsh, Richards, and May Cohens weren’t just store signs — they were cultural landmarks. These weren’t just places to buy things. They were where fashion dreams came to life.

From downtown Miami to Miracle Mile, these stores defined the city’s fashion scene. People dressed up to shop. Perfume counters sprayed the latest scents, elevators opened with a uniformed attendant greeting you, and everything from a new slip to your first prom dress felt like a special occasion.

What Made Those Stores So Special?

Department stores of the past weren’t just selling merchandise; they sold experience.

• Window Displays: Think holiday scenes full of mechanical toys and sparkling lights.

• Personal Touch: Sales clerks knew your name and your size.

• Elegance: The interiors were often marble-floored, chandelier-lit, and styled like hotel lobbies.

• Tradition: Shopping there was part of family memories — a dress for Easter, a suit for graduation, a hat for church.

They were spaces where everyday people could feel like stars, even just for the afternoon.

How We Bring That Feeling Back at Turn Back The Clock Shop?

At Turn Back the Clock Shop, we honor that lost era with every detail of what we do. Our store isn’t just about fashion — it’s about storytelling, nostalgia, and glamour. We carefully curate pieces that reflect the vintage elegance of those department store days, from cocktail dresses to 1980s power suits.

• Every Piece Has a Story: Many of our vintage items come directly from Miami locals, who often share the history behind them.

• Glamour Shots: We offer professional 1980s-style photo sessions — the kind that were once offered on the top floors of department stores.

• In-Store Magic: Music, lighting, and visual displays are crafted to make shopping feel like stepping into a dream.

• Personal Experience: When you walk into our store, you’re not just browsing racks. You’re stepping into a moment. We want you to leave feeling like a star from a retro fashion spread.

While the old department stores may be gone, their legacy lives on. We believe shopping should be more than transactional — it should be emotional, beautiful, and fun. That’s the heart of our mission.

When you shop vintage, you’re not just getting style. You’re getting history, personality, and a whole lot of Miami magic.

We’re not just preserving the past — we’re bringing it back, one rhinestone tuxedo dress at a time.

Visit us in-store or follow us on Instagram @turnbacktheclockshop for your daily dose of vintage Miami glamour.