American Model Builders 189 Garner's Market - LASERkit(R) -- Kit - 7-1/4 x 3-3/4 x 3-1/4" 18.4 x 9.5 x 8.3cm, HO Scale

While chain grocery stores had a strong foothold in many parts of the United States by the early 1920s, independent mom and pop stores were still plentiful in communities large and small. These small stores, often found in residential areas or commercial areas outside the central business district, sold canned foods and other non-perishable staples known as dry goods, with meat and produce supplied by other vendors. This began to change by the early 1940s as suppliers consolidated product lines. This made it possible for merchants to stock and sell a wider range of products, making shopping easier for consumers as well. Some of the first stores to convert to the new super markets were mom and pop stores much like this one.
 
Started in 1918 by the Garner brothers of St. Louis, the prototype of this two-story frame structure served as a grocery store into the late 1950s. During its heyday, shoppers could purchase custom-cut meats from the butcher, delicious bread and cakes from the bakery, a full selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, and the standard lines of dry goods.
 
This laser-cut kit features Tab & Slot and Peel & Stick construction, a detailed outside stairway to the second floor, interior floors and wall partitions, a free standing billboard that may be positioned on the roof or beside the building, colorful advertising signs, laser-scribed and cut sidewalk, numerous resin and white metal detail parts, printed window shades, laser-cut curtains, and laser-cut window awnings.