Department store closes after 80 years in Jackson

Steven “Brad” Forsythe, the youngest grandson of Nando Jones, runs his family’s department store during the liquidation sale. | Photo by Beth Spain

By Elizabeth Waibel

After operating in Jackson for more than 80 years, the Nando Jones department store is closing its doors, but its remaining inventory can yield treasures for those who normally scour Goodwill for vintage finds.

At first glance, the store’s interior looks like piles of junk pulled from someone’s garage, but closer inspection reveals never-worn pieces from the ’70s and later, and even a few items from the ’60s. Unlike modern chain department stores, Nando Jones keeps much of its unsold inventory in the attic, which means floral hippie shirts and shearling wool-lined coats are mixed in with work jeans and neon dresses.

While visitors may have to dig to find something that works for them, their persistence will be rewarded with low prices — most items are only a few dollars a piece.

The Nando Jones department store moved to its current location on Airways Boulevard after its original location was damaged in the tornado that struck downtown Jackson in 2003. Some of the clothing is water damaged, but employees are willing to help people find what they are looking for when they shop.

The store’s owner said she does not know exactly when the store will close. Bargain hunters should shop soon before Jackson’s homegrown department store closes its doors for good after an 80-year run.

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The Cardinal & Cream is a student publication of Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. Our staff ranges from freshmen to seniors and includes a variety of majors — including journalism, public relations, advertising, marketing, digital media studies, graphic design and art majors.