And Hills Dept. store managed to get all of them into this ad that ran on June 6, 1963.
I really like the use of illustration in this ad, as well as the loose style that the artist used to render them in. Unfortunately, the ad would be seen as hopelessly old-fashioned today since no specific items for sale are depicted. But it creates a nice mood reinforced by the uncluttered layout.
Hills seemed to have difficulty deciding on a consistent look for its advertising. A 1962 Father's Day ad used a cartoony style, but series of ads in a ad campaign later that year exclusively employed photographs.
But in the end, it was the store's selection, discount prices, layaway plan and location that guaranteed its success for many years. Much like Super K on Leavitt Road many years later, it was exactly the right store for this area. Mom bought a lot of clothes and toys there for many years.
And for us kids, sometimes it meant (hopefully) a frozen Coke or box of popcorn as a treat when we were done shopping. And maybe a glimpse of the steam engine or Easter Basket in Oakwood Park.
For the Hopewell lads, it wasn't a trip to Hills without a bag of that smashing popcorn.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember ever seeing tv commercials for Hills until the late Eighties/early Nineties, ads starring Brett Butler, from "Grace Under Fire".
With all that selling going on there's no room for *what* they're selling!
ReplyDeleteThe spiritual predecessor of present ads showing a logo but giving no idea of the product.
That's "Mad Men" style copy right there.Makes you wonder what kind of store Hills was to lure you in.Don Draper would be proud.Back in simpler times.
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