October 16 - National Department Store Day

 

Happy National Department Store Day! On October 16, today annually urges us to consider how department store innovations have impacted shopping in our daily lives.  

In existence since the early 19th century, department stores provided safe, clean environments for the new middle class to shop. They often offered many firsts, combining services with revolutionary style and convenience.  

Many department stores had lunch counters where shoppers could take a break for a drink, snack or lunch.   

Through an era when merchandising and sales could be described as an art form, the brick and mortar stores where often magnificent pieces of architecture.  

With large clocks, brass, and statuary, the customer’s satisfaction was key. Some departments fill entire floors, making grand escalators, elevators, and plush seating a must. 

While department stores are on the decline, many shoppers still enjoy browsing through the latest styles, testing out the newest electronics, and having someone assist them with the details of a purchase.  

Many shoppers couple the advantages of comparison-shopping online catalogs, then visit their department store for the real-feel decision. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Learn more about department store history. Watch documentaries such as 'The Store' (1984) or 'Secrets of Selfridges' (2014).  

And since we know some department stores lure us in with their enticing displays, share your favorite! Of course, retail therapy is always an option. Visit your favorite department store and explore the sales.  

Use #DepartmentStoreDay to post on social media. 

HISTORY 

National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this retail holiday. 

#DepartmentStoreDay 

@pbs 

@ZiporrahFilmsInc 

@nichecinema 

October 16 - National Sports Day

Happy National Sports Day! October is a prime time for National Sports Day. 

That’s why on October 16, the fans, families, and athletes of all the sports converging on the month come together to celebrate their favorite athletic events. All disciplines of a sport take the field, from the youngest to the seasoned professional. 

While golfers hit the links to get at least nine more holes before the snow flies, hoopsters gear up for the season ahead. The puck hits center ice early in October, while baseball aims for the bleachers and clears the bases. 

Football is heating up with tackles, kicks, and offsides. Don’t forget, volleyball digs midseason, as well. 

Runners in most of the country love October. Events like 5k, half, and full marathons throughout the nation feature opportunities to enjoy the fall weather and beautifully changing landscapes.  

In the Western Hemisphere, families gather to watch soccer’s final kickoff. The intensity builds, and every game ends with memories of wicked kicks or the goalie’s best save. 

From a young age, family road trips took many to cheer on siblings in a variety of sports. We hauled our gear from place to place, and the team knew the season was drawing to a close when the duffle bags began to smell. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Gather your friends to enjoy watching your favorite team. Get out and play, too. No matter your skill level, relishing the challenge and physical activity will be worth it.  

Besides, getting together with friends and family to celebrate a favored pastime is one of the best ways to Celebrate Every Day®. And when you do, take a team photo and share it using #NationalSportsDay. 

You can learn more about the sports you love in 6 Brief Histories of Sports in America. 

https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/6-brief-histories-of-sports-in-america/ 

HISTORY 

 
In 2019, Wale Rocks (pronounced Wally) in partnership with National Day Calendar® founded National Sports Day to celebrate the athletes, families, and fans of all sports. 

https://www.wale.rocks 

National Sports Day is about the benefits of sporting competition. When our youth have an opportunity to play competitively, they advance their skills and build great habits to take with them into adulthood.  

Family members who support them create a bond that brings them together, improving the family unit and communities throughout the nation. 

Children excel at a sport when given a chance to practice under the pressure of competition in the game brain. And with soccer becoming a National Sport for all ages, Wale Rocks chose it as their first sport to spotlight. 

With all sports, practice is vital. However, time touching the ball under the pressure of competition makes players excel. 

With the support of great coaches working their magic, these young novices mature into confident players. How exciting to watch their confidence grow.

Wale Rocks is also creating a special event to mark the National Sports Day launch. 

In 2019, the Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Sports Day to be observed annually on October 16. 

What is your favorite sport(s)? 

#NationalSportsDay 

@walerockstreaming 

@1v1soccer 

@nichecinema