It was a big day in Tallahassee — June 25, 1962 — and McDuff Appliances was having its big Grand Opening on North Monroe. Ooooooh, let’s look inside! Credit: State Archives of Florida/Slade
Inside, American ingenuity, marketing enterprise, layaway plans — and maybe even Calorics color-coordinated by Beatrice West. (State Archives of Florida/Slade)
An old newspaper article says that Randolph Thomas and his brothers opened McDuff’s in 1944 in Jacksonville, Florida. In 1985, the company was acquired by Tandy Corporation, which grew the chain to 235 locations. About 30 McDuff locations were turned into Radio Shacks or Computer City Express stores (other Tandy companies) in 1994, and the rest of the McDuffs were shut down in 1997.
Well, that’s a boo hoo that McDuffs were shut down after so many years. But, I bet the owners made a pretty penny from the Tandy buyout. Tandy = Radio Shack. Hey, anyone else once have a serious personal relationship with a TRS-80? Good times…
There’s a second floor, too. (State Archives of Florida/Slade)
There were appliances big, and small. (State Archives of Florida/Slade)
Don’t you wish you could take a short trip back to share the day — and to transport a truckload back to 2018?! (State Archives of Florida/Slade)
Merilee says
I love the article on Sister Corita
Susan says
I grew up in Jacksonville (a 1955 boomer baby) and we often drove past McDuff Appliance, located on MacDuff Ave. It was on a busy corner and when we were caught by the red light there, had plenty of time to look at the latest appliances for sale. As I remember, the store front was exactly like the one built later on in Tallahassee.
Millie says
Hey Pam & all,
I live in Tallahassee and it was so awesome to see this posting from you about McDuff’s appliance store. My husband grew up here and remembers going there as a kid; I’m so jealous as I would have loved to go and shop there too. I didn’t move here until ’84 so I don’t remember it. Thanks for featuring Tallahassee on my favorite website!
Millie
Karin says
This store looks so amazing. How interesting that Tandy bought them out. I remember a Tandy outlet near my parents’ home.
Even though the store photos are black and white, you can see from the pictures that there were a lot more colour options available to customers. I’m actually jealous.
I have a gorgeous 1956 aqua GE oven that I treasure. If and when it dies, it would be wonderful to just go to a store like this one for its replacement. Unfortunately, today’s big box store appliance departments are a sea of boring white, black and stainless steel appliances designed to break down within a decade.
I had a good laugh from the story about the appliance salesman. Good on her and her mum. Terrific post, thanks.
Joe says
Reminds me so much of our local appliance store back then, Silo. I’ll never forget being 3 years old and my parents taking me with them so that my mom could purchase the stove of her dreams (the 1965 Hardwick Debutante in coppertone that I now own) and a refrigerator/freezer also. Mom had been to the store several times to carefully consider all the options before deciding. When my parents were there to buy, the suited salesman was extremely polite but kept all eye contact and conversation with my dad. I was only 3, but I knew he was going to get yelled at soon. My mom finally said “I’m asking you questions but you keep telling the answers to my husband. What gives?”. The salesman explained to my dad (!) that the answers were highly technical and that he would understand them! My mom put the hand on her hip and said “Let me tell you something! The reason we’re here today is because a few years ago I let you geniuses tell my husband what to buy. The stove you recommended was a piece of junk that fell apart and we’re here today to buy what I know is quality! You’re dealing with me now!”. My mom’s finest hour. 53 years later, that stove is still looking brand new and running strong. And, yes, I’m proud to say I inherited her attitude!
Pam Kueber says
Great story!
Mr Kim says
Sadly, it takes time to change some attitudes, longer than we think… Last week -not last decade, mind you, LAST week- my sister asked me to go with her to choose a sofa for her new apartment. So there you are, staff thought we were a couple. We visited a bunch of stores and in a very big one the young salesman greeted me , offered me his hand and was talking to me until I was: «Hey, talk to HER she’s the one who is going to pay».
Rich Costa says
Way to go Mom.Always tell the wife.She always makes the decisions!!
Jay says
I remember a chain of that name in Phila.
That’s a funny story because my mother who did the cooking and cleaning got stuck with cheap appliances that my father picked out.
Sally says
I love it! What a great story.
Mary Elizabeth says
She must be related to my husband’s mother, now (unfortunately) deceased. She made a scene in Sears once because they wouldn’t let her open a new account to buy an item for her son. “What EXACTLY do you MEAN the account is always in the Mr’s name? What do you think of these three store cards in MY name?” while showing them cards for much more exclusive stores.
John Holton says
Never been to McDuff’s, but we had Polk Bros. in Chicago. Same idea, though, and even looked like this. We bought our first stove and refrigerator from them.
Jeff H says
I remember that McDuff’s from my four years in Tallahassee during the 80s.
Who’s Minding the Store, indeed, the photos really look the part. I can just see the Jerry chaos.
Jay says
I could go on and on commenting! Great pictures, thanks for posting.
Steve H says
Cool pics. It reminds me of Patterson’s Appliance Store from the movie “That Thing You Do”
sherree says
These photos remind me of the 1963 Jerry Lewis movie Who’s Minding the Store. There is a long scene in which he is wreaking havoc in the appliance department of a large department store. In color, it is just so cool seeing all of the appliances and kitchen gadgets in a rainbow of colors and styles.
Jay says
The reason I like to watch that movie.
JeffK says
I can’t stand Jerry Lewis but I might watch this movie now!
Mary Elizabeth says
Jeff, you mean I’m not the only one? How do you feel about Lucille Ball? I’m not a fan of either one–because of the screaming. But I might watch that movie just to see the old appliances.
Evan Degenfelder says
Yes, I agree on both of these people. It’s practically un-American to say you don’t find them funny. Best to keep it to yourself, LOL.