People of all ages stream through the doors of Gov-Mart South, a discount department store, on October 14, 1964. Gov-Mart was located on a strip of land between Hwy. 99 and and I-5, opposite McChord AFB. 20,000 people flocked to the grand opening of the newly remodeled and expanded store. Previously a membership-only store, those attending on October 14th were admitted without membership requirements. Not only did Gov-Mart expand to 100,000 square feet, it also changed its name to Gov-Mart/Baza'r. Photograph ordered by Gov-Mart. (TNT 10-13-64, p. 8)

Gov-Mart South (Lakewood); Department stores--Lakewood--1960-1970; Crowds--Lakewood;

A smiling group of seven men pose in the Gov-Mart South department store on October 14, 1964. Each man is sporting a carnation boutonniere. Most of these men are believed to be Gov-Mart executives present for the official ribbon-snipping. From L-R are Kenneth Smith, unidentified man, District supv. Jerome Alhadeff, unidentified man, Manager Frank Walker, George Branfeld and William T. Triplett, Jr. Photograph ordered by Gov-Mart. (TNT 10-15-64, A-10)

Gov-Mart South (Lakewood); Department stores--Lakewood--1960-1970; Group portraits--1960-1970;

Gov-Mart South, a discount department store located between I-5 and Hwy. 99, opened a new expanded food market within the store on October 14, 1964. Besides food bargains such as bananas at 10 cents a pound, and meats and fresh produce on sale, Gov-Mart put 4000 food items on price reductions. Thousands of shoppers took advantage of the low prices. In addition to store expansion and remodeling, Gov-Mart opened its doors to the general public instead of by-membership-only and also changed its name to Gov-Mart/Baza'r. View of shoppers inspecting produce and selecting shopping carts; one man, face and figure blurred, ducks under railing instead of using turnstile. Photograph ordered by Gov-Mart. (TNT 10-13-64, p. 8)

Gov-Mart South (Lakewood); Department stores--Lakewood--1960-1970; Supermarkets--Lakewood; Signs (Notices);

Scenes from Gov-Mart. Before there was Costco and Sam's Club in this area, there was Gov-Mart South, which claimed to be the Northwest's first and finest membership department store. Throngs attended the grand opening on October 14, 1964, of a new market and other additions to the store. October 14th saw a change in name and policy, as well as showcasing expansion: store name changed to Gov-Mart/Baza'r and it was now open to the public without membership requirements. 20,000 eager shoppers took advantage of Gov-Mart's one-stop discount shopping that promised complete customer satisfaction with low prices. Photograph ordered by Gov-Mart. (TNT 10-13-64, p. 8)

Gov-Mart South (Lakewood); Department stores--Lakewood--1960-1970; Crowds--Lakewood;

October, 1964, scenes from Gov-Mart. Everything from toys to clothing could be purchased at the Gov-Mart South department store in Lakewood. Wide aisles made for easy shopping cart passage and items were stacked and hung attractively. Gov-Mart was a discount department store located in a warehouse setting in Lakewood, between I-5 and Hwy. 99, and opposite McChord AFB. It had opened for business in 1959 with 30 employees in 30,000 square feet. After extensive remodeling and addition, it had expanded to 100,000 square feet. Employees now numbered over 100. Vowing that their customers would never have to pay retail, and would be guaranteed complete customer satisfaction, Gov-Mart changed their policies to allow shopping by the general public instead of by-membership-only and also changed its name to Gov-Mart/Baza'r. Photograph ordered by Gov-Mart. (TNT 10-13-64, p. 8)

Gov-Mart South (Lakewood); Department stores--Lakewood--1960-1970; Crowds--Lakewood;

Shoppers looking for bargains attend the grand opening of a new 24,000 square foot supermarket and expansion and addition of other departments at the Gov-Mart discount department store in Lakewood on October 14, 1964. The clock and watch department is crowded with customers perhaps buying early Christmas gifts. Gov-Mart abolished its membership-only requirement and opened the store to the general public. It also changed its name to Gov-Mart/Baza'r. Photograph ordered by Gov-Mart. (TNT 10-13-64, p. 8)

Gov-Mart South (Lakewood); Department stores--Lakewood--1960-1970; Crowds--Lakewood;

Grand opening signs are peppered through the many departments at Gov-Mart South, a discount department store located on a strip of land between Hwy 99 and I-5 in Lakewood. October 14, 1964, saw crowds of enthusiastic shoppers inspecting and purchasing everything from clothing to clocks to major appliances. View of washers/dryers, stoves, radio/phonograph consoles and televisions; gas stove on sale for $189 and a dryer on special at $109. With the grand opening of October 14th, Gov-Mart changed its policies regarding membership-only status and also changed its name to Gov-Mart/Baza'r. Photograph ordered by Gov-Mart. (TNT 10-13-64, p. 8)

Gov-Mart South (Lakewood); Department stores--Lakewood--1960-1970; Crowds--Lakewood; Washing machines; Appliances; Televisions; Signs (Notices);