Casual Corner, an iconic American retail clothing chain, was established in 1950 and grew to become a beloved name in fashion. Founded by childhood friends Charles E. Carples and Stanley W. Vogel, Casual Corner started with a humble beginning in West Hartford, Connecticut. The first store, which opened on April Fools’ Day, featured a unique design using poles, beams, and nets from old tobacco barns and employed the founders’ spouses as staff. This innovative approach extended to their retail strategy as well, allowing women to browse clothing freely and try on items in fitting rooms, a departure from the norm of encased apparel behind glass.
Throughout the 1950s and beyond, Casual Corner made a significant impact on the retail landscape. Its stores invited customers to “come in and browse and tarry and chat,” reflecting a welcoming and leisurely shopping experience. This approach resonated with consumers, and the brand rapidly expanded, boasting annual revenues of $2 million by the end of its first decade. The company’s growth continued under the ownership of the United States Shoe Corporation (U.S. Shoe), which acquired Casual Corner in 1970 when the chain had 20 stores. By 1989, under the broader umbrella of Women’s Specialty Retailing Group, the brand had flourished into over 1,500 stores nationwide.
Casual Corner’s evolution over the decades saw it adapt to changing fashion trends and market demands. Initially focused on women’s sportswear, the brand shifted its focus in the 1990s to cater to working women, offering sophisticated and professional attire. Despite its success and extensive reach, Casual Corner faced increased competition in the early 2000s, leading to the closure of its remaining stores in 2005. Nevertheless, the legacy of Casual Corner remains a testament to its innovative approach to retail and its significant influence on American fashion history.
Nostalgic 70s Casual Corner Commercial
How to tell if Casual Corner is vintage from the logo
Casual Corner has seen various logo changes throughout its history, each reflecting the brand’s evolving style and identity. Identifying the era of a Casual Corner item can be done by examining its logo, as different designs were used in different periods.
1950s to 1980s Casual Corner logo
- This logo features a playful, almost whimsical font.
- The letters are bold and slightly irregular, giving a casual and approachable feel.
- The use of this logo was prominent in the mid-20th century, reflecting the laid-back style of the era.
1950s to 1980s Casual Corner logo
1970s Casual Corner logo
- This logo is characterized by its unique, almost hand-drawn appearance.
- The letters have an angular, geometric quality that was popular in the 1970s.
- The design suggests a fun and informal brand identity, typical of the decade’s fashion trends.
1970s Casual Corner logo
1980s to 2005 Casual Corner logo
- This logo features a more refined and classic font.
- The letters are all capitalized and evenly spaced, giving a clean and sophisticated look.
- This period marked a shift towards a more polished and professional brand image.
1980s to 2005 Casual Corner logo
How to tell if Casual Corner is vintage from the tags
The evolution of Casual Corner tags reflects the brand’s changes over the decades. Early tags often featured vibrant colors and bold fonts, while later tags adopted a more modern and minimalist approach. Notably, the tags’ manufacturing locations also shifted over time, providing further clues to the garments’ eras.
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1970s vintage Casual Corner tags
- Bold, colorful designs with playful fonts.
- Tags often feature vibrant orange and brown text.
- Manufacturing locations such as Hong Kong are commonly noted.
1970s Casual Corner tags
1980s vintage Casual Corner tags
- Continuation of colorful and bold fonts, often in a rectangular layout.
- Tags might include descriptors or additional branding like “label.”
- Some tags indicate manufacturing locations like Uruguay.
1980s Casual Corner tags
1990s vintage Casual Corner tags
- Shift towards more minimalist and elegant fonts.
- Tags often feature a simpler design with muted colors like grey and white.
- Introduction of sub-brands such as “Casual Corner & Co.” and “Casual Corner Annex.”
1990s Casual Corner tags
