A Five & Dime Story

A Five & Dime Story Dive into the captivating past and present of America's iconic Five and 10 cent stores! Following several years of prosperity, expansion became inevitable.

Five and Dime General Store: A Heartfelt Journey Through Nostalgia and Community

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the cherished values of yesteryears at Five and Dime General Store—a shopping experience that bridges generations and carries forward the legacy of the iconic Woolworth's. Nestled in the historically significant Santa Fe Plaza, Five and Dime effortlessly maintains the practic

ality and warmth of Woolworth's, catering to both locals and visitors alike. Whether you're a resident in need of a quick remedy or a tourist hunting for souvenirs and snacks, Five and Dime stands as a symbol of practical nostalgia. The story of Five and Dime General Store traces its roots back to a noble cause: the preservation of the Woolworth's site on Santa Fe Plaza. Earl and Deborah Potter, deeply embedded in their community through politics, economic development, and the arts, took action when Woolworth's announced its closure. The Potters joined forces with Woolworth's manager, Mike Collins, to rescue the site and create a thriving business that would serve the local community. Designed to uphold the spirit of the Santa Fe Plaza as a hub for locals, Five and Dime didn't forget the desires of present-day tourists. The Potters, along with Mike Collins, carefully curated a team with the right expertise to bring their vision to life. Though Five and Dime achieved instant success, the journey to their first sale was paved with obstacles and uncertainties. Negotiations with property owners and builders finally bore fruit as they reclaimed the original 1935 Woolworth's space. The grand reopening of the store was celebrated with pomp and, of course, Frito Pie. Frito Pie emerged as Five and Dime's signature dish, drawing locals for lunch, tourists in search of an iconic meal, and renowned food enthusiasts eager to savor American fusion cuisine. After a feature on "Parts Unknown" and a mixed review from celebrity host Anthony Bourdain, Frito Pie's fame skyrocketed, and the community rallied behind Five and Dime with overwhelming support for this historic dish. Starting with the iconic San Antonio River Walk, Five and Dime embarked on a journey to open stores in historic, family-oriented vacation destinations. Today, they have proudly expanded to every time zone in the US, boasting nine stores that encapsulate the essence of the past while catering to contemporary needs. Despite being a corporate entity, Five and Dime General Store has always viewed itself through the lens of a locally owned, mom-and-pop shop. Family has played a pivotal role in its inception and ongoing success, with many managers and associates working alongside their own kin. Nostalgia is at the core of the Five and Dime brand, anchoring the company in old-fashioned values that prioritize community over competition. Through their selection of old-timey toys, novelties, and snacks, Five and Dime delivers much-needed joy and memories to their cherished customers. A significant portion of Five and Dime's success can be attributed to their ability to connect with the local market, but an even larger part stems from their management style. The culture of leadership and the strong family bonds are as integral to the brand as the nostalgic charm of the general store. This commitment to family is an extension of their original dedication to the communities their stores serve across the nation. From Santa Fe to San Antonio, Branson to San Diego, Monterey to Charleston, Savannah to St. Augustine, and most recently, Jackson Hole, each Five and Dime store celebrates the unique culture and products of its community. These nine stores bring consistent economic growth to their respective locales and deeply intertwine with the individual culture and spirit of their historic, family-oriented tourist destinations. As the 25th anniversary approaches, the Potters reflect on the Santa Fe Plaza's significance as a communal gathering place. In 2004, in collaboration with the Santa Fe Community Foundation and other generous donors, they replaced the unsightly temporary stage on the Plaza with a permanent bandstand that embodies the enduring spirit of Santa Fe and provides another iconic assembly point for the community. Twenty-five years ago, the Woolworth's legacy was extended and preserved, bringing the charm and nostalgia of the golden past into the present through the establishment of Five and Dime. The Potter's original vision, combined with Mike Collins' insight, has grown into a panorama that is changing the lives of every member of the Five and Dime family.

Twenty-five years ago, as news broke about the imminent closure of the iconic Santa Fe Woolworths, Deborah Potter turned...
12/01/2023

Twenty-five years ago, as news broke about the imminent closure of the iconic Santa Fe Woolworths, Deborah Potter turned to her husband, Earl, with a plea, "Earl, we simply cannot afford to lose yet another establishment on the plaza. You must take action."

A Five and Dime Story
The Five & Dime General Store stands as a true embodiment of Americana,
a testament to human creativity and innovation. Originally conceived to preserve the local essence, spirit, and purpose of the historic Santa Fe Plaza, it has since evolved into a nationwide celebration of Americana, seamlessly blending everyday essentials with vintage curiosities and cherished memorabilia. Over the course of twenty-five years, Five & Dime General Store has grown to become an indispensable destination for both tourists and locals, beckoning crowds in search of souvenirs, refreshments, or the renowned Frito Pie. With nine locations spanning every time zone, Five & Dime's enduring charm thrives from one coast to another, fostering a sense of shared childhood memories and community unity. Through Five & Dime, the enchantment and nostalgia of a bygone era are brought to life for a new generation to cherish.

Earl Potter, Executive Producer
Timothy Harrier, Producer
Sarah Kanafani, Director
Faerl Marie Torres, Writer
Timothy Harrier, Creative Director
Qontez George, Art Director

Presented by Santa Fe International Film Festival(SFiFF)
CCA Santa Fe for a special reception, screening of the film.

Film Production: Graphic Design Santa Fe / Omni Graphic Design
In Association with: Omni Media Group & UTBW

Twenty-five years ago, as news broke about the imminent closure of the iconic Santa Fe Woolworths, Deborah Potter turned to her husband, Earl, with a plea, "...

Santa Fe International Film Festival presents: A Five & Dime Story-Directed by Sarah KanafaniA Five & Dime Story chronic...
11/09/2023

Santa Fe International Film Festival presents: A Five & Dime Story
-Directed by Sarah Kanafani

A Five & Dime Story chronicles the closing and miraculous rebirth of the Santa Fe Woolworths. It weaves together archival footage, photographs, and interviews. Centering on the shop originally created to preserve the local authenticity, heart, and purpose of the historic Santa Fe Plaza.

WHEN:
Saturday, December 2nd

WHERE:
CCA Santa Fe, 1050 Old Pecos Trail

Reception at 2:00pm with catering by Santa Fe Chef Film plays at 3:00pm, followed by a Q&A.
Tickets $8.00 at: www.goelevent.com/SFIFF/e/AFiveDimeStory

Your support for the Santa Fe Film Institute, a nonprofit organization, offers various advantages through your generous donations.

11/03/2023

Reception at CCA Santa Fe catered by Santa Fe Chef, followed by a screening of "A Five & Dime Story" directed by Sarah Kanafani, with a Q&A following the film

Saturday December 2nd at 2pm SFiFF presents A Five & Dime Story at Center for Contemporary Arts of Santa Fe 2pm receptio...
11/02/2023

Saturday December 2nd at 2pm SFiFF presents A Five & Dime Story at Center for Contemporary Arts of Santa Fe 2pm reception, 3pm the films plays, Q and A following the film.

A Five and Dime Story
In a world where nostalgia meets rebirth, witness the Santa Fe epic tale of 'A Five and Dime Story.' From Woolworth’s closure to revival, it's a journey that celebrates the heart of Americana history, breathing life into forgotten memories, and igniting the spirit of a community once more.

10/27/2023

n the rich tapestry of Santa Fe, New Mexico's history, a remarkable chapter unfolds with the birth of 5 and 10 cent stores. In the early 20th century, as Santa Fe emerged as a vibrant cultural hub, these stores, akin to the pioneering F.W. Woolworth, found their way into the cityscape. Offering a variety of affordable goods, these shops transformed the local shopping experience, making everyday items accessible to all residents. This marked a significant shift in retail culture, shaping the way communities shopped and interacted.

Much older Storefronts.The concept of 5 and 10-cent stores originated in the late 19th century, popularized by pioneers ...
10/27/2023

Much older Storefronts.
The concept of 5 and 10-cent stores originated in the late 19th century, popularized by pioneers like Frank Woolworth and S. H. Kress. These stores, often called five-and-dime stores, revolutionized retail by offering a wide variety of merchandise at incredibly low prices. Woolworths, founded in 1879, was one of the first chains to adopt this model, followed by Kress and other competitors. These stores catered to a burgeoning middle-class population seeking affordable goods. Shoppers could find everything from household items to toys, novelties, and candies, all priced at multiples of 5 or 10 cents. This approach democratized shopping, making goods accessible to a broader audience and laying the foundation for modern retailing concepts that continue to influence the industry today.

The closure of the iconic Woolworth's marked the end of an era, leaving behind a profound sense of nostalgia and a void ...
10/27/2023

The closure of the iconic Woolworth's marked the end of an era, leaving behind a profound sense of nostalgia and a void in the hearts of generations who grew up with this beloved retailer. A once beloved community shopping center was kept alive by the five-and-dime General store, which was its predecessor. The 5 and Dime chain was soon followed by many other stores.

Closing of Woolworth's and the emergence of the Five & Dime.
10/27/2023

Closing of Woolworth's and the emergence of the Five & Dime.

10/27/2023
5 and 10 cent stores have always held a special allure for small children. The colorful aisles packed with an array of i...
10/27/2023

5 and 10 cent stores have always held a special allure for small children. The colorful aisles packed with an array of inexpensive toys, candies, and trinkets create a mesmerizing wonderland for young minds. For just a few cents, children can indulge their sweet cravings or pick out a tiny treasure, making them feel like savvy shoppers in their own right. The thrill of exploring these stores, carefully choosing items within their limited budget, fosters a sense of independence and excitement. The affordable prices allow children to experience the joy of ownership and the thrill of discovery, making 5 and 10 cent stores a cherished memory of childhood for many.

10/27/2023
Woolworth's: Store Closing.Woolworth closed its remaining variety stores in the United States in 1997, thus abandoning i...
10/27/2023

Woolworth's: Store Closing.

Woolworth closed its remaining variety stores in the United States in 1997, thus abandoning its traditional general-merchandise retail business

Address

58 E San Francisco Street
Santa Fe, NM
87501

Telephone

+15059921800

Website

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057147712922

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when A Five & Dime Story posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to A Five & Dime Story:

Videos

Share

Category

Nearby media companies


Other Media in Santa Fe

Show All