The Outlet Store collection

Collection — Box: Multi-Collection Box

Identifier: 041-03

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains photographs and ephemera related to The Outlet Company. The photographs show the interior of the store, featuring merchandising cases, soda fountain/lunch counter, and restaurant. Exterior photos of the building and store are included as well, including demolition and construction of replacement or nearby structures. Several photos focus on the creation and celebratory opening of a “435 car self-parking” garage, called the Big O Garage.

Two ephemera pieces are in the collection as well; The Outlet Bulletin from March 1900 advertising for the store’s Grand Spring Opening and a poster-sized undated sale advertisement featuring headshots of the store’s merchandise buyers, which appears to have been distributed via the Providence Sunday Journal.

Dates

1900-03 - 1986
Majority of material found within 1962 - 1963

Conditions Governing Access

Materials are open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

PPL does not claim copyright to this collection. Users of this item are responsible for determining copyright restrictions.

Biographical / Historical

The Outlet Company was located at 168-176 Weybosset Street in Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1897 by two brothers, Joseph and Leon Samuels, The Outlet Company grew to become one of the largest department stores in southern New England, engulfing an entire city block in Providence’s downtown. The store sold furniture, clothing, cosmetics, housewares and held a restaurant with a soda fountain.

In 1922, the Outlet expanded into broadcasting by forming the first affiliated station of the NBC Red Network, WJAR. In 1980-1981, the Outlet closed its retail operations in favor of broadcasting and media pursuits. Eventually the company was sold in 1984. On October 16, 1986 the Outlet Company’s former building experienced a fire, and what remained was bought by Johnson and Wales University, who built dormitories on the land.