Gemco Department Stores
Guestbook 2003 and 2004
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| Name: | michelle |
| Comments: | I'm glad you had a positive working environment at Gemco, but not all of us can share in that experience.
I worked at the Gemco snack bar in a Northern California store. We were treated horribly by the rest of the store. It was awful. Our initial training was minimal and then we were cut loose to do the evening shift alone. It was stressful and over-whelming...so many orders and I was the only person on shift. Many nights I would leave crying because I couldn't keep up. It was too much for a single person. It was my first job and I was 18. At Christmas eve, after the store had closed for the evening, they let the employees families in for a little shopping and a small party. We were not invited. We were told that the snack bar was not considered part of the Gemco store. Topsy International owned the snack bar and contracted with the Gemcos to put their snack bar in the stores. I always wished I could work in another department but I was told that I would have to quit the snack bar and re-apply to Gemco Store; and there was no guarantee they would hire me. I wish I had worked in another department, like housewears or the books and records dept. Then, I think, I would be able to share in your good memories. You were lucky you didn't work where I did! |
| Name: | Lou Williams |
| Email : | louwilliams2001@yahoo.com |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | Working for Gemco was the best worked there from 1977 till it's closing. Worked at Simi Valley, Pacoima, Northridge, and Ventura. |
| Comments: | Miss everyone there it was like one big family Love to All!! |
| Name: | Lou Williams |
| Email : | louwilliams2001@yahoo.com |
| Name: | Shanon |
| Email : | PrincessWildwind@aol.com |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | My sister and I loved going to Gemco when we were little in the late 70's. One of my favorite memories is of Christmas time- when we would pick out our Christmas tree. Where did we get it?- the tree lot in front of Gemco of course! How we miss that store- since it closed soon after! |
| Name: | Craig Widdowson |
| Email : | cdun0718@msn.com |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | My dad worked for the one in granada hills and he used to take me their all the time man that was way back in the day but i now live in walmart ville i wish we still had gemco |
| Name: | Chris |
| Email : | C_Cuaron@hotmail.com |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | Man DId I love going to the Culver City Gemco when I was young. I really loved the Membership Card I use to get to Show the person at the door. When I got older I moved to N-Calif and went to the Gemco in Vallejo. Too Bad it's gone. |
| Name: | DMC |
| Email : | dmc9663@yahoo.com |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | Help!!!! No people from the Phoenix Gemco at 19th Ave and Glendale????? |
| Name: | John Sanders |
| Email : | pvtjoker@myway.com |
| Comments: | Looking for anyone who worked in the security department of Lucky/Gemco's Buena Park offices in the 1970s/80s. Possible reunion in the works. |
| Name: | Frank Steckel |
| Email : | fgs-peanut.@verizon.net |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | Friends and co-workers.
One of the best companys I have ever worked for. |
| Comments: | Just an update on my new e-mail address! |
| Name: | Wayne |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | I remember the Gemco in Downey California. It was around 1980, when I was 10 years old, I used to change the price tags to a lower price on the Star Wars toys, and buy them for a much cheaper price. Untill a cashier caught me,switching the tags in the isle, that was the end of my discount and savings *grins*. From then on, I always avoided that clerk when I went there with my mom lol. I loved that store, and missed it when it closed. Still have my old Gemco card too. |
| Name: | suzanne coffman |
| Email : | suzcoffman@earthlink.net |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | Walking past the dark wood desk with my mom and sister as we headed into our favorite store. I grew up in Anaheim, so, we of course shopped at the store that was located on Lincoln Avenue (at least, I think that's the street).I remember that when I was 7 years old (in about 1975),I swiped a pack of gum...my mom found out in the parking lot and marched me back to the front desk where I humbly handed over my stick of gum and apologized to everyone in sight. Last time that ever happened. |
| Comments: | Strange as it sounds, I think about Gemco, Treasury and Zodys stores quite a bit...ah, our childhood memories... |
| Name: | Ron Bridge |
| Email : | rbridge777@aol.com |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | Meeting my love of my life, Janet. The prettiest receptionist ever at the Rockville Maryland store. What a great sexy voice! "Attention Memco members and guest, Memeo is now closed, please bring your purchases.... The parties were great too! |
| Comments: | I worked at the MEMCO Stores on the east coast. I started at the Alexandria Virginia store while in high school. Later I became the manager of the shoe dept. I moved around alot and work at the Annandale, Fairfax, Reston,Baltimore MD and my favorite, Rockville MD store. |
| Name: | George Spelman |
| Email : | george@cms-loans.com |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | Too many good memories to count. When I first started in 1966 we had annual football games on Thanksgiving day(turkey bowls). They started out being flag games, but quickly evolved into tackle. As I recall they didn't last too long as too many guys were getting hurt. The annual golf tournament was always something to look forward to. There were also the softball, and bowling leagues, and I would be entirely remiss in mentioning, some great parties. |
| Comments: | I
worked with some wonderful people(too many to mention) over the nearly
17 years that I spent with Gemco in 7 different locations(San Gabriel,
Glendora, Woodland Hills, La Puente, Bellflower, Torrance, Gardena, La
Puente(again), and finally Glendora(again)). I can't imagine having
driven to these locations that I worked at if the gas prices were what
they are now! I left Gemco in 1983 when I was recruited by Target,
which was a disaster, and stayed there for about 6 months when I
decided go to work with my brother Ted. He was a manufacturers rep and
had lines in Gemco and I wound up calling on all of the Gemcos in S.
Cal. What was great about that was that any store I went into, I
invariably ran into old friends. Target was a far cry from what I had
experienced at Gemco, as at the time did not realize what a great
operation it was. Both my brother Ted(Yorba Linda, Santa Ana, and Downey) and sister Angie(Pomona) worked for Gemco as well. The last Gemcoite that I saw was Jeff Pierini and it has been several years now. I used to see him at Costco in Laguna Niguel which he managed, and we were also former neighbors. I have been in the residential mortgage lending business for the past 15 years and living in orange county for nearly 11 years. Would love to hear from some of the "old gang". Look forward to being updated on any scheduled reunions. |
| Name: | Chris Paul |
| Email : | ckmwa@cox.net |
| Comments: | I worked at Gemco in Downey from 69 to 73. I started as a box boy while in High School. Probably learned more about people working there then any subsequent job I have had. Had lots of fun working there. |
| Name: | Al Dawson |
| Email : | mrdaws@comcast.net |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | The competition between the Parking Lot Techs (cart pushers) to see who could get the longest line. |
| Comments: | Worked
at Carson, California (575) Gemco for a couple of years -- I think --
beginning in 1983. I was in high school and my Spanish teacher wondered
why I kept sleeping in class. :-) I still do some Holiday shopping in
the Target that took its place!
Miss the old crew! Still hangout with Cary Barnes and Ricky Lemoli on occasion! "Hello" to anyone out there who remembers me! |
| Name: | Albert "Al" Dawson |
| Email : | mrdaws@comcast.net |
| Comments: | Worked
at Carson, California (575) Gemco for a couple of years -- I think --
beginning in 1983. I was in high school and my Spanish teacher wondered
why I kept sleeping in class. :-) I still do some Holiday shopping in
the Target that took its place!
Miss the old crew! Still hangout with Cary Barnes and Ricky Lemoli on occasion! "Hello" to anyone out there who remembers me! |
| Name: | Rex Cardwell |
| Email : | caardwellclan@msn.com |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | Bought my Wife's wedding ring there! |
| Comments: | I worked at Gemco in Reno Nevada for many many years, I miss shopping there. The store has been closed almost 20 years now. I bought my wife's wedding ring when I worked there in the grocery department. I still see customers that recognise me around town. It was the store to shop in if you were in Reno. I never understood why they closed it. Maybe they should look at the market up here again. |
| Name: | Roy, Gemco Webster |
| Comments: | Novaboy, the Northridge Gemco was at 8840 Corbin Ave, Northridge, at the corner of Nordhoff Way. There is a Target there now. |
| Name: | DMC |
| Email : | dmc9663@yahoo.com |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | Anybody familiar with the Gemco in Phoenix at 19th Ave and Glendale? Any old pictures of the store? |
| Name: | novaboy |
| Email : | chevynovaboy13@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | does anybody remember where the northridge gemco was, i would like to know, to settle a bet. |
| Name: | Shelley |
| Email : | cshelleyclark@yahoo.com |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | and least favorite, Getting lost in Gemco when I was about 4 years old. I remember how nice the lady was a the front desk area. That was about 25 years ago and I remember it very well. |
| Comments: | I was laying in bed this morning thinking about Gemco, I was still just a young kid when it closed in my area, Walnut Creek, and later they put in a Target in that spot. I was trying to remember the lay out of Gemco, I remember when you walked in, sporting goods was to the left, and grocery was against the back wall. There was clothing before you went to the check out. I was really sad when it closed, it was a steady part of my childhood, we were there weekly or more. Thanks for the memory jog! |
| Name: | Mickey McCall |
| Email : | mickeym_96064@yahoo.com |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | I remember Christmas shopping at GEMCO the most. It was a great place to shop for 4 kids and the whole family. I liked it a lot better than Walmart now, because everyone was much friendlier. |
| Name: | David Goldblatt |
| Email : | davidgoldblatt@sympatico.ca |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | My Father, Roger Goldblatt, was a district manager for the jewelry division of Gemco. He worked for the company for over 20 years before it was bought out. Unfortunately my father is no longer with us. He passed away on February 18, 2001. If any of you remember my dad, please send me an email. |
| Name: | Roy (I'm the one who made the Gemco site) |
| Website: | http://RoyHooper.com |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | Being closed on MONDAYS!!!! |
| Name: | DOUG MCATEE |
| Email : | DUBBY007@AOL.COM |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | ALL THE PEOPLE I WORK WITH IN THE WALNUT CREEK STORE 512, WORK WORK WORK THEN PARTY PARTY PARTY THEN WORK WORK WORK. MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES GOT ALONG SO WELL, IT WAS GREAT TO WORK THERE IN THE YEARS 1969 THRU 1975 |
| Comments: | LIVE NEAR RENO, NV. SO IF YOU KNOW ME E-MAIL ME SO I CAN MEET UP WITH YOU. IT WOULD BE SO NICE TO MEET THE PEOPLE I USE TO WORK WITH IM WALNUT CREEK AND MODESTO CA. |
| Name: | Steve Carey |
| Email : | EZSteve@aol.com |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | My favorite memory is that working at Gemco was the first job I ever had where I had to wear a coat and tie! I was 16 years old and it impressed me. |
| Comments: | I worked in Orange County at the Fountain Valley Store in 1965 and 1966 .. I think the store was brand new at the time. I worked in the Shoe dept. and was a shoe salesman. You know ... like Al Bundy! :-)Anyway .. It was my first real job right before joining the Marines and heading overseas. Good times! The shoe dept. was leased I think. We were Jarman shoes. |
| Name: | Glen Syfert |
| Email : | drglendalbran@msn.com |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | From the grocery side of Huntington Beach -- tooo many to list. What a great store. |
| Comments: | Any reunions planned? There are alot of us still in the area. Hope they can all be contacted for any party coming up. "CUZ"-no self respecting Gemco person would ever miss a Gemco party!!! Hope to see you soon. Dr. Glen |
| Name: | Sue Pervatt aka Sue Morgan |
| Email : | suepervatt@aol.com |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | I worked at the Major Appliance & Audio distribution center in Montebello as the office manager for 13 years. I knew many people in the major appliance and audio depts. throughout all stores as well as people in the regional office at Buena Park. Would love to hear from any of you. |
| Name: | Bob Priest |
| Email : | Workload3@hotmail.com |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | Give me a call !!!! |
| Comments: | Give me a call my phone is 541-680-7931 |
| Name: | Pete Chilstrom |
| Email : | workload3@verizon.net |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | Christmas parties at the store in La Puente when we were still open for business. |
| Comments: | Just updating my email address. The old one is inop |
| Name: | Pete Chilstrom |
| Email : | workload3@verizon.net |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | Just an update to my original sign in on the guestbook. New Email address |
| Name: | Mary McQuaide |
| Email : | mary2m69@yahoo.com |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | I worked for just one Christmas in 1979 in the jewelry dept. at the West Covina/LaPuente Gemco. I LOVED shopping at Gemco and we were reminiscing at work about how much we miss it. I bought my first album there which was "The Partridge Family". I loved buying 45s there. |
| Comments: | This is such a great website and brings back so many great memories... |
| Name: | Marsha Yamanaka |
| Email : | marshayamanaka@yahoo.com |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | Picnics,friends,Watching Olympic Torch go by from rooftop
Strikes, people I worked with. Gemco (I LOST MY JOB!!) closing party at my house.Remodeling mess. I miss it all!! Especially the great team of people from (478) |
| Comments: | I worked at Gemco in Gardena from Jan. 1973 till closing
in 1986, with a few side trips to Carson, Torrance(PCH) and Culver City. We had the GREATEST bunch of people you could find any where. If any of you are out there, e-mail me at marshayamanaka@yahoo.com. Would LOVE to hear from any of you. Worked in the grocery,(Checker, Bread Girl,- Deli., and for a while in office doing Books & Payroll) But mainly Deli. |
| Name: | Joe McCarey |
| Email : | jjendj@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | I
worked at the following Memco stores in Maryland between 1976 and
closing in 1982.Rockville store #555, Hyattsville #554 and Baltimore Rt
40 #557. I have great memories of the fine employees that gave their
all for Gemco.I would like to hear from friends that I worked with. |
| Name: | Terrance Tucker |
| Email : | tptdcm@Hotmail.com |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | The best memory I had with GEMCO was getting my very first record album titled, "MICKEY MOUSE DISCO" which my cousin also got a copy, too! I still listen to that album to this day! |
| Comments: | GEMCO and ZODYS were the champions of the department store chains before Wal-Mart, Target, K-mart and others! I miss ZODYS and GEMCO very much! |
| Name: | Billy Jack Long |
| Email : | loyaltubist@dslextreme.com |
| Website: | http://www.angelfire.com/ca7/loyaltubist |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | I always got Gemco and Fedco mixed up. My favorite memory at both of those stores was showing the card. It's so informal at Costco and Sam's Club. The older way was better. |
| Comments: | Sure getting my money's worth out of the lifetime membership of both the Gemco and the Fedco cards! |
| Name: | Jerri (Corona) Ikuta |
| Email : | JERRIIKUTA8859@MSN.COM |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | THE PARTIES AT MIKE'S. DANCE NIGHT AT, WAS IT MARMACS??? SOMETHING LIKE THAT. HEH, I'M OLD NOW THAT WAS MANY YEARS AGO. OH, INVENTORY DAY WAS KIND OF FUN! |
| Name: | Dave Kunz |
| Email : | DKwheels@pacbell.net |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | Our family went to the Granada Hills Gemco EVERY Saturday for years, starting when the store opened in the late '60s. I even remember the building being built when we'd drive by on our way to the freeway (no 118 back then)-- it was the first time I'd ever seen a "tilt up" hoisted into place. |
| Comments: | How
cool to read some of the memories from people who worked there. I would
go with my mom, dad and brother just about every Saturday morning. Dad
would flash his Gemco card as we walked in past the wood-paneled
reception counter. We'd then split up, or sometimes I'd follow Dad back
to the Cashier, where he'd routinely cash a personal check for the
weekend's needs - pre-ATMs of course. (One time, I remember him cashing
a check for $50. There was a really cool Huffy bike on display that was
$42. I couldn't for the life of me figure out why he wouldn't run over
and buy me the bike. "But Dad, you have fifty dollars in your wallet! I
saw it!" Kids...yeesh.)
One of the things I thought was really cool was that big chrome stapler they'd use to secure your shopping bag when you left one department to continue shopping. Then, they'd stick that colored "Gemco" tape on the bag to authenticate it. I guess that was high-tech loss prevention back then. When I got my own apartment in the mid-'80s, I went to Gemco to buy all my supplies (broom, mop, kitchen stuff). I think I still had a few things up until about a year ago with the tattered Gemco price tag still still on them. Finally, I still have my Gemco card!!! |
| Name: | Jackie Ryan (Dill & Carver when I was working for Gemco) |
| Email : | Pedsnurse7@aol.com |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | Favorite Memory. All of it was a memory and one that I will always cherish. |
| Comments: | I
worked at Indio for 9 months in 1977, transferred to Cerritos where I
worked from 1978 til 1984, then i transferred to Fountain Valley where
I worked til the store closing in 1986.
Hi to everyone. Gemco will always hold a very special place in my heart. It was a family not just a store. My Aunt June Morgan and My cousin Kathy Morgan also worked for Gemoc as well as a few other cousins Bye for now. I am so glad that there is this site. Bye ,Jackie |
| Name: | Daniel Escarrega |
| Email : | scififann@aol.com |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | I worked at the Bakersfield store from opening in 1982 to its closing in 1986.
My favorite memory was meeting the woman i would eventualy marry :-) |
| Comments: | I started by setting up the store before it opened to the public to becoming a 29 and a 99. in the event that you've
forgotten what those are (29)cart-boy and (99)maintenance/ custodian. At the time of closing i worked in the stores' warehouse. Also i miss my best bud's and a few of the finest ladies in town ;-)! |
| Name: | Adam Edwards |
| Email : | amedward@charter.net |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | Buying Star Wars Toys at Memco when I was a kid. |
| Comments: | Does anyone have any information on any Memco stores, catalogs or pictures from the inside of any memco on gemco stores.
Any help is appreciated. My email is amedward@charter.net Thanks for your time, Adam |
| Name: | Paul van assen |
| Email : | van_66@msn.com |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | I was a cartboy and they insituted a stricter dress code so I wore my brother's tuxedo to work it was baby blue. |
| Comments: | I worked at the Granada Hills Gemco as a cartboy and then in the hardware department before enlisting in the
Marine Corps in 1985. I was talked into going on strike by some pretty girls and they went back to work two days later. I was put in the paper hitting some other cartboy with my picket, I finaly went back to work. Bobby burton was my next door neighbor who worked in the grocery dept. Tracy Ellis and Dave Jens I hung out with, Tracy was an inspiring artist. I worked with Todd Carnes in the hardware dept. I now live in Dallas and I am a teacher. |
| Name: | Warren Beason |
| Email : | warren_beason@hotmail.com |
| Website: | http://jeffhost.net/ |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | Met my wife Gloria there. |
| Comments: | I started in Hardware and Automotive at the Beaumont, Texas store in 1975. I was promoted to department manager over Housewares and Toys the following year. This site brings back a lot of memories, good and bad. |
| Name: | Sandy Hoffman (Nourse) |
| Email : | Shoffman@tacobell.com |
| Comments: | How wonderful to find this site. I was a Grocery Checker at the Fountain Valley, CA. Gemco in the early 70's and I have such great memories there. I met and married Mike Davidson who was also working there at the time. We are no longer married but we all had such a great time back then. The grocery business was so different. We talked with and new our customers, ate in the check stands, and everyone was just so much more relaxed and less stressed. Great times! |
| Name: | Michael Davide |
| Email : | mdavide@odomcorp.com |
| Comments: | Worked at the Dublin ca. store in the late 70's. Does anyone know how to find out where our retirerment money is. We were vested when Gemco sold. I have not received anything in years as to our retirerment. Any leads would help. Thanks Mike |
| Name: | DAVID B.CANCHOLA |
| Email : | DCANCHOLA@webTV.net |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | Ramon Rodriguez the Discjockey Manager of Gemco Cerritos. |
| Comments: | Keep Unions out of executive Management as they have a way of bringing financial ruin to great one stop shopping Superstores like Gemco. |
| Name: | David Smith |
| Email : | davidgem@knowareland.com |
| Website: | http://www.knowareland.com |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | I started working at the the Airline store in Houston, Texas in the fall of '76 while I was going to the University of Houston. My family had shopped there for years. Started in the Men's department. I did a lot of the displays for the men's, and childrens departments. My managers were Robert Rodriguez (he was working for Kroger's on 11th street and Shepard in Houston back in '98 the last I saw him) and Jim Endy. I worked with Rose, Rose (2 at the same time, funny huh?), Les, Cheryl, and loads of others. Then I transferred to the domestics department and worked with Pat, Darrell, Diane and another girl (can't remember her name). I remember spending some nights getting ready for the "Big Wigs" coming from California. We had to get all the departments looking perfect for their visits, so some of us would spend all night at the store stocking the shelves, doing displays, cleaning... then going home to take a shower and going back to the store an hour later for when the store opened. I remember having a lot of fun with everybody, sometimes we would go out after work to the lounge at the hotel in the Galleria or other places to listen to the band "Sharon Cohen and Her Tacky Band". Picnics, Parties...etc. Diane and I used to play tennis all the time when we weren't working, that was when I was in better shape. |
| Comments: | I
now have my own business, designed and now sell a tool for satellite
dish installers and foresters. I work on computers, install, service
and train people.
I really miss the friends I had at Gemco and would like to hear from anyone that I worked with. I will try to find some of the pictures I and others took while I was working there and send them to you. Thanks for the wonderful site, it brings back a lot of memories. |
| Name: | DAVID B.CANCHOLA |
| Email : | DCANCHOLA@webTV.net |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | In Loving Memory of GRACE M.BRINK 1915-2003
Hardworker,Kindhearted,and Retired Gemco Employee she will be Missed. |
| Comments: | None |
| Name: | Jim Antoniou |
| Email : | mmmnope@whatever.com |
| Favorite "GEMCO" memory: | I
grew up in the San Diego area and as a kid practically lived at the La
Mesa Gemco. I believe it was at the corner of University Ave and La
Mesa Blvd. There was a Round Table Pizza next door and I first played
"Spacer Invaders" there--when the game was brand new! We used to ride
our bikes up the winding hill along Normal Ave. to Gemco's mall. And
knockwursts at the wonderful Oktoberfest they had annually up the
street on La Mesa Blvd. I remember we broke the stage when we got up to
dance and pretend we were crazy Germans. The La Mesa PD gave us crap
for peeing in public, but never did anything because they had to deal
with all the drunks--It was the best! Lots of memories tied up in that
area, good and bad. Gemco was one of the best memories. We always bought our groceries at Gemco--I'll never forget the lines! Always seemed packed. And, of course, I lingered for hours in the toy section. I don't know how many times my mother would have me and my sister paged to come up to the front because invariably we always disappeared to toys, sporting goods, or music sections. In those days no one was afraid of kidnappings. Funny to read guestbook entries from those who despised Target after they bought Gemco. We too didn't shop at Target for years after Gemco disappeared. Now it's probably our favorite department store, especially since I really cannot stand White Trash Heaven, aka Wal-Mart. It's a real shame Gemco is gone, but, well, business is business I suppose. We still have our memories, right? |
| Comments: | Wonderful site, great memories. I'd like to see more pictures of the interior and exteriors of the original stores if anyone has them. |
| Name: | Ken Rupin |
| Email : | krupin@comcast.net |
| Comments: | I worked at San Gabriel, California GEMCO Grocery Department 1965 to 1971. Managers "Jerry", Dave Noble,Keith White. Paid for College and a 1968 GTO. Still remember that 28cent gas!! Best memory was the sloshed Grocery Manager who got fired during the Holidays for singing and paging "Shorty" over the Grocery PA. |
| Name: | Cheryl Berns (Reimbold) |
| Email : | secforce146@juno.com |
| Comments: | I
was a receptionist at the Simi Valley store from 1977 to 1984. I am now
a grandmother and still enjoy spending time with a few former Gemco
employees, Susan Grizzle, Mary Darling (Bess), etc. My son, James,
informed me of this site. |
| Name: | Cheryl Berns (Reimbold) |
| Name: | Mike A. Hill |
| Email : | mike@ccaberdeen.org |
| Comments: | I worked at Gemco in Escondido way back in 1983. Wow, how time flies. Life is but a vapor, eh? Anyone out there ever work at that store? I worked in the Grocery Department. |
| Name: | DMC |
| Email : | dmc9663@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Are there any people who worked at the Gemco on Glendale Ave in Phoenix? Do you have any pictures of the old store? |
| Name: | Christine Minx |
| Email : | baskets@usa.com |
| Comments: | I've lived in Ohio since 1976, but in the early 70s my mom and I would grocery shop at Gemco. I remember her showing a card at the desk and wondering why she had to do that. I also remember always asking for a real harmonica that they sold at a desk near the checkout, if I remember correctly. Then one day she actually bought it for me and I was so excited! I don't know which store it was, since I was only 6 years old, but we lived in Covina, so I suppose it was whichever store was closest to or in that town. It's been so long since I've been back to southern CA that I didn't even know Gemco wasn't there anymore. Thanks for the info. |
| Name: | Armida Loya |
| Email : | armidaloya@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Hi Everyone,
I worked at Huntington Beach Gemco back in the late 70's to late 80's. Boy are there memories. I've seen a few people and still keep in touch. I talked to Rob Brown last week and had contact with Tommy Sedano until a couple of years ago. I also talked to Glen Syphert last year. Really would be cool to see everyone again. I'll try to get in touch with Grocery side for the reunion. Armida Loya |
| Name: | Scott Williams - Huntington Beach Gemco 1980-1986 |
| Email : | Titanme@aol.com |
| Comments: | Hello all HB Gemco Employee's. I recently got together with some old friends from HB and we want to put together a reunion party in May 2004. I cant believe its been 18 years. Please send me an Email when you read this and pass on the info to any HB Gemco folks. A big hello to Tim Kersey... Send me a message and we will get together. I'm still in Orange County and hope to hear from you all. Scott Williams- Titanme@aol.com |
| Name: | Kelly Fenoglio |
| Email : | kellyfeno@aol.com |
| Comments: | We
are looking for anyone who worked in the Huntington Beach store from
the early to late 80's...... In contact with Karen Murphy, Scott
Williams and Lynette Hart!
We want to here from you...... |
| Name: | Scott Williams-Huntington Beach Gemco 1980-1986 |
| Email : | Titanme@aol.com |
| Comments: | Hello to all my former co-workers at the Huntington Beach store. We are trying to put together a re-union party in May 2004. If anyone is reading this message, Email me at Titanme@aol.com. I miss everyone from that wonderful time in our lives. Parties, Xmas Parties and P&P nights at Mike McIsaac's apartment. Anyone know where Mike is???? As Karen Murphy put it to me recently " To Be 18 Again". Those were the best years of our young lives. I cherish them so. I worked in the Domestics Department ( 1980-1986) with Lynette Hart and hung out with Karen, Lynette and Kelly Fenolio. I love them all so much. I am currently a Police Officer in Orange County. Email me ASAP. Scott Williams |
| Name: | Scott Williams-Huntington Beach Gemco 1980-1986 |
| Email : | Titanme@aol.com |
| Comments: | Hello to all my former co-workers at the Huntington Beach store. We are trying to put together a re-union party in May 2004. If anyone is reading this message, Email me at Titanme@aol.com. I miss everyone from that wonderful time in our lives. Parties, Xmas Parties and P&P nights at Mike McIsaac's apartment. Anyone know where Mike is???? As Karen Murphy put it to me recently " To Be 18 Again". Those were the best years of our young lives. I cherish them so. I worked in the Domestics Department ( 1980-1986) with Lynette Hart and hung out with Karen, Lynette and Kelly Fenolio. I love them all so much. I am currently a Police Officer in Orange County. Email me ASAP. Scott Williams |
| Name: | Joel Berger |
| Email : | djberger48@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Started at Lucky LaMirada in 62, right out of the Army. Tramsferred to Gemco Fullerton in 68. Worked with Gary G., Gary O., Craig Stevenson, & Bobbie. Than to La Puente,than Woodland Hills, than to Texas. When Texas shut down in 83, went with Wal-Mart. Retired Sept. 03. Best people, best times were at Gemco. |
| Name: | Joel Berger |
| Email : | djberger48@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | I went to work for Luckys in 62, right out of the army. In 68 I transferred to Gemco helping to open the Fullerton Store. From there, I went to La Puente, Woodland Hills, and than to Texas. We closed the texas stores at the end of 83. I went to work for Wal-Mart in texas in 84 and retired Sept. of last year. 21 years with Lucky stores, 20 with Wal-Mart. Lots of fond memories from Gemco. Would love to hear from any of you. |
| Name: | David B.Canchola |
| Email : | DCANCHOLA@webTV.net |
| Comments: | Its finally time for all of us to celebrate WalMart is going to open 40 of its Supercenter stores in California so i believe we should thank WalMart for filling the void that Gemco has left behind and hope that the WalMart Supercenters will be around for a good long time. |
| Name: | Tina Farmer |
| Email : | tina_farmer@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | What a trip to find this site! I started with Gemco in 1980
in Torrence Ca. transfered to Huntington Beach in late 82 stayed there until 86 when I married Omar the Wharehouse receiver. Later transfered to the San Bernardino store where I was on the last day we closed the place down. Lots of fun times working with Gemco folks, I wish I was still there! |
| Name: | Jeff Peeler |
| Email : | jfpeel@aol.com |
| Comments: | I worked at Lucky #222, inside the Gemco sotre in National City, CA. |
| Name: | Tim Kersey |
| Email : | kerz64@charter.net |
| Comments: | I worked for 5 years at the Huntington Beach store in California from about 1984 to 1991. I started as a "29" - cart boy, or more affectionately known as a "courtesy clerk". I then was hired into the Audio / Jewelry Dept. and worked under Bob(at a loss for his last name) and Ken Catow. Dick Decalb and Dave Doomey were the general managers at the time. I worked with the following people in Jewelry : Dee, Nancy, Phil Lockman, Jenny Cauliflower, Valerie Buxton, and a couple of others I can't remember! I have such fond memories at that place (my first "real" job) Remember LeGran? (Gemco's own jewelry brand). I remember the big "makeover" phase when they went from brown to bright blue, the new look that finally was our demise. I heard "too much expansion too quick" and that money just ran dry before Gemco could cover the cost of bringing on a whole new look for a very dated retail department store chain. There is probably so much more to the story than that, but I know it sure felt like a family member had passed away when the doors were finally closed. I so despised the Target logo for years, likening it to a communist icon. I still have my smock and misc. pins that were given to us to wear during the holidays and special sales events. Remember the little pin that was awarded for helping a member beyond the call of duty? I will have to post it. I have many pictures of past Christmas partys and all of the not so candid shots of us waisting film while we explained all of the many features of the SLR cameras to unsuspecting members! Hope to hear from somebody else from H.B., Southern Calif. |
| Name: | Joy |
| Email : | fuddgirl315@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I worked in the San Leandro store (510) at the front desk 1976 - 1977. It was my first job, still in high school and I loved it. Made a number of friends there, unfortuneately we lost touch later in the years. Thank you for the web site - it's great. |
| Name: | Bob Pritz |
| Email : | bobpritz@earthlink.net |
| Comments: | Worked for Memco from 75 till the closing in 83 at the Fairfax, Annandale and Alexandria Virginia stores. My wife worked there as well. We had a close knit group of people working there from the Tuedsay night bowling league to the Saturday night parking lot parties. Memco ruled!! |
| Name: | David B.Canchola |
| Email : | DCANCHOLA@webTV.net |
| Website: | http://N/A |
| Comments: | The original Discount Department store to have everything under one roof and paved the way for other
Supercenters like Gemco was White Front most people have seemed to have forgotten that White Front even existed but White Front was the original Supercenter that began the Superstore era and Fedco was the original Membership Department Superstore today the only remanent that remains of the White Front department store chain is Toys "R" Us. |
| Name: | David Cachola |
| Email : | DCANCHOLA@webTV.net |
| Comments: | Keep employee unions out mamagement because that where
a majority of fraud and embezellment take place and this was the end result of letting union senior excutives run a great company like Gemco Deparment stores to the ground! |
| Name: | Frank Steckel |
| Email : | franksteck@earthlink.net |
| Comments: | Glad to see a Gemco Site! People can keep in touch. After all Gemco was one large family.
I Started in the Pico Rivera Warehouse (Ardens at one time) Then Gardena store- Mens Dept. Cerritos-Mens Dept. Fountain Valley-Mens Dept. Long Beach (Signal Hill)-Mens Dept. Opened Bellflower-Mens, Womens, Childrens, Domestics Depts. Dept. Head trainee Granda Hills-Softgoods Mrg. #4 Opened Simi Valley-Softgoods Mrg. #4 Opened North Hollywood-Softgoods Mrg. #4 San Gabriel-Softgoods Mrg. #4 Opened Close-Out Corner La Habra (Clearance Outlet) 1 0f 2 Mrgs. Pomona-Hardgoods Mrg. #3 Las Vegas & Arizona - Softgoods Specialist Concessions in the 4-Wonderworlds. Opened the 2- Vegas Gemcos. Opened the 2-Tucson stores & the Maryville store. Southern Ca. - Softgoods Specialist Opened Bakersfield Opened Rowland Heights At one given time in the districts, I had-- CAthedral City, Indio, San Bernardino, Riverside, Victorville, Fountain Vally, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, La Mirada, La Puente, Cerritos, Anaheim, Buena Park, Glendora, Lancaster, Santa Marie, Ventura, Rancho Cucumonga,Yorba Linda, Northridge, Woodland Hills, San Gabriel. I know I missed a few. (Gray cells Shrinking) Would enjoy to hear from old time friends. I had been with JCPenney for about 14 years. Visual Merchandise Mrg. Just retired, went back to work part-time. |
| Name: | Frank Steckel |
| Email : | franksteck@earthlink.net |
| Comments: | Glad to see a Gemco Site! People can keep in touch. After all Gemco was one large family.
I Started in the Pico Rivera Warehouse (Ardens at one time) Then Gardena store- Mens Dept. Fountain Valley-Mens Dept. Long Beach (Signal Hill)-Mens Dept. Opened Bellflower-Mens, Womens, Childrens, Domestics Depts. Dept. Head trainee Granda Hills-Softgoods Mrg. #4 Opened Simi Valley-Softgoods Mrg. #4 Opened North Hollywood-Softgoods Mrg. #4 San Gabriel-Softgoods Mrg. #4 Opened Close-Out Corner La Habra (Clearance Outlet) 1 0f 2 Mrgs. Pomona-Hardgoods Mrg. #3 Las Vegas & Arizona - Softgoods Specialist Concessions in the 4-Wonderworlds. Opened the 2- Vegas Gemcos. Opened the 2-Tucson stores & the Maryville store. Southern Ca. - Softgoods Specialist Opened Bakersfield Opened Rowland Heights At one given time in the districts, I had-- CAthedral City, Indio, San Bernardino, Riverside, Victorville, Fountain Vally, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, La Mirada, La Puente, Cerritos, Anaheim, Buena Park, Glendora, Lancaster, Santa Marie, Ventura, Rancho Cucumonga,Yorba Linda, Northridge, Woodland Hills, San Gabriel. I know I missed a few. (Gray cells Shrinking) Would enjoy to hear from old time friends. I had been with JCPenney for about 14 years. Visual Merchandise Mrg. Just retired, went back to work part-time. |
| Name: | Charlene |
| Email : | CharChelle2003@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I worked at the Colma-Daly City Store back in 1986/87. I grew up shopping with my mother at Gemco. Couple of years ago I was notified by mail by the union that former "Gemco" employees had money stashed away somewhere with the union. Did you receive anything notification about this? |
| Name: | Cell Academician |
| Email : | cellacademician@xxhotmailxxspamno.com |
| Comments: | I was looking at the Yahoo map for Van Nuys, CA,
and they still show Gemco on the map. Yahoo got their maps from a very out of date source, as I often find roads that no longer exist on their maps as well as them missing current roads. I'll never forget walking into the Redwood City Gemco in a bad mood and not showing my card. Someone ran after me demanding to see it, and when I showed it they asked why I hadn't showed it and I responded that the whole thing was silly. I got a classic response, "sir, most people are proud to be Gemco members." A pick-up line that always broke the ice humorously, was, "hi, are you a Gemco Life Member?" |
| Name: | DMC |
| Email : | dmc9663@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | It
was great to find this site! Does anybody have any pictures they can
upload of the Gemco located at 19th ave and Bethany Home Rd in Phoenix?
I grew up there in the early 70's and would love to hear any history or
see any pictures from there!!
|
| Name: | David B.Canchola |
| Email : | DCANCHOLA@webTV.net |
| Website: | http:// N/A |
| Comments: | Someone mentioned about a reopening of Gemco Membership
Superstores. Well i seriously doubt that will ever happen i wish it would we need a store like Gemco around again because the one stop superstores have all just about become extinct but like i said i seriously doubt anyone will start a chain of superstores like Gemco anytime soon or ever! |
| Name: | Paul Johnson |
| Email : | pcjohnson_1@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | I had 13 years working in various positions in 4 different stores. La Puente, East Fullerton, La Mirada, and Downey. For the most part I only worked with really great people. I would like to renew contact with them. |
| Name: | Charles Badland |
| Email : | badland@neuro.fsu.edu |
| Website: | http://www.neuro.fsu.edu/staff/badland/index.htm |
| Comments: | Yeah,
I second that. A Gemco was built pretty much just behind our house out
in the desert in Lancaster when I was in seventh grade. Mom would go
shopping there almost everyday. Me and my friends would hop the fence
in our backyard and cross down through a dry river ditch to get to the
store. For a while the Lancaster Gemco gave out tickets to kids who'ld
bring in shopping carts from the parking lot. One ticket for every
cart. At the beginning of each month they would have a drawing for a
free bike. About five of us formed a cart returning cartel to
monopolize the system. We got three free bikes before management caught
on. I also remember loving those awful fried hamburgers at the snack bar and going through the dumpster behind the store looking for whatever twelve-year olds look for. (Things I sure don't want my kid doing.) I ended up working there at the Lancaster store right after high school and worked six years at the Anaheim and Cerritos stores while attending Cal State Fullerton. Good memories. |
| Name: | Roy, Gemco webster |
| Comments: | Mike, thanks for sharing your boyhood memories at Gemco with us. |
| Name: | Mike |
| Comments: | You know, it's silly how sentimental a stupid store can be. I have the fondest memories as a child growing up in Gemco. As a young boy, that store was a dream land. Many a sleepless night I had dreaming about some silly toy I wanted to buy. As I grew the toys changed to bicycles and pellet guns. I can still remember my dad and I picking out our Christmas tree late at night in the Doweny Ca. store. Or walking the isles in the Lucky grocery store while dad was in the automotive section and my older sister was checking out the new Led Zep. album in the music section. Memories memories, don't we all wish we could go back again if just for a little while. |
| Name: | terry dravetsky |
| Email : | gdravetsky@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Was employed by Gemco for 18 years+ in Sacramento and Modesto |
| Name: | Larry 'Lex' Wahl |
| Email : | lex_wahl@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I
worked at the Gemco in Fullerton for 2+ years (1983). Started at the
carts (that was tough work--especially on weekends). Then went to
cashier, then to the hardware department. Shortly after that, we went
on strike: all three of us. The rest of the store worked through. I had
a wonderful time on the picket lines, because to cover the shortage of
people on the line they had me hire friends to picket with me. When the
strike ended and I ended up back inside, things got a little odd, so I
quit. Au revoir, Lex |
| Name: | Dawn Goodson |
| Email : | dawncalifornia@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | My mom worked for Gemco for many years when I was a little girl at the Glendora store. I have fond memories of visiting her at work. I remember the store was HUGE andseemingly carried every product known to human kind. Did anyone on here work at the Glendora store? |
| Name: | Ryan D. Downs |
| Email : | ryanddowns@hotmail.com |
| Website: | http://www.skywest.com/ |
| Comments: | I
remember growing up in Burbank, California (we moved to Buhl, Id when I
was 8 y/o in 1984) and my Mom taking me to one around there (had a big
arch at the front entrance that towered above me). What I remember the
most about my Mom and I shopping in the children's dept. were the
(seemingly) endless racks of children's wear with the Grrranimals brand
name tag hanging from them. (By the way, visit SkyWest's website for wonderful job opporotunities around the country!) |
| Name: | Tim Pogue |
| Email : | fsnatra@msn.com |
| Comments: | I
was turned on to this site by a true friend,we are still friends after
over 25 years,behold Tim Bokath, and the world famous Pete
Chilstrom,were discovered like Jimmy Hoffa was'nt, I about fell on the
floor (again)!Best wishes to all ,I never left Vegas after two nice
stores closed up here,one is in a really depressed shopping center, the
other became a Burlington Coat Factory.I went into grocery for a year
after Tom Kelly pissed me off to no end(that prick).Bartended for 12
years went into "REHAB"
just kidding now I work at Caesars Palace.I hit big in 1997 with the Swing Music revival bought a house and finally married at the ripe age of 43.E-MAIL anytime,Tim |
| Name: | Tim Pogue |
| Email : | fsnatra@msn.com |
| Comments: | I
was turned on to this site by a true friend,we are still friends after
over 25 years,behold Tim Bokath, and the world famous Pete
Chilstrom,were discovered like Jimmy Hoffa was'nt, I about fell on the
floor (again)!Best wishes to all ,I never left Vegas after two nice
stores closed up here,one in in a really depressed shopping center, the
other became a Burlington Coat Factory.I went into grocery for a year
after Tom Kelly pissed me off to no end(that prick).Bartended for 12
years went into "REHAB"
just kidding now I work at Caesars Palace.I hit big in 1997 with the Swing Music revival bought a house and finally married at the ripe age of 43.E-MAIL anytime,Tim |
| Name: | A corporate employee |
| Comments: | Regarding
Canchola's theory that the Union was the demise of Gemco, think again!
I was management in Buena Park (and really can't believe I'm defending
the union! but hey!) and witnessed Gemco's demise over a period of
years. In addition to the continued, unrelenting fraud, corruption, and embezzlement at the hands of Gemco's Senior Management in Buena Park, the non-foods warehouse was split between Gecmo and Lucky. More merchandise (big dollar merchandise) escaped that warehouse than was ever sold in certain stores. These two things are what DIRECTLY contributed to the demise of Gemco. |
| Name: | Judy Rosales |
| Email : | KrazyJude@aol.com |
| Comments: | WOW....Can't
believe I found this website! Just messing around, typed in Gemco Dept
Store, and found this. I first started working at Gemco in 1975, right
out of highschool, a long time ago! Worked at both Riverside stores,
and also San Bernardino. I worked there until 1985. Anyone out there
from any of these stores? Would love to find some old friends....
Thanks, Judy |
| Name: | maga |
| Email : | maga@mugu.com |
| Comments: | i don,t reach here ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh |
| Name: | He who won in the end. |
| Email : | yeah@right.com |
| Comments: | I was working at a Gemco in Texas in 1979, when I was unfairly terminated by Woody Grey.
I retaliated by organizing a multi-store theft ring of Gemco employees and ex-employees, which stole well over $70,000 in merchandise, usually by packing it in Igloo cooler boxes and walking them right out the front door! With the money, I invested in a store of my own, which now thrives. After the Gemcos went belly up, I bought some of the fixtures for my shop. I still have some of them in service there. Ha, ha! |
| Name: | Babette Jackson |
| Email : | amcnpwr@charter.net |
| Comments: | I worked in the Chico, CA #814 store from 1982 through 1986. |
| Name: | Penni (Pankratz) Coggeshall |
| Email : | nana2swtp@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I worked at Gemco in "Lancaster, CA" in 1976'77'. Great place to work. I met and married Howard Coggeshall in 79'. Then it became a great place to shop and bring the kids to visit "daddy!" Miss those days very much! |
| Name: | EDDIE L. ROBERSON |
| Email : | jogun@earthlink.net |
| Comments: | I BOUGHT A LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP IN 1986
AND I HAVE HEARD THAT THERE IS TALK ABOUT A REOPENING OF THE DEPARTMENT STORES. IF THIS TRUE .HOW WILL THIS AFFECT MY MEMBERSHIP. |
| Name: | Darryl Heine |
| Email : | Dheine71@aol.com |
| Comments: | I never worked at a Gemco a/k/a Memco store, but my mother used to take me shopping there in the Gemco owned Memco store in Niles, Illinois that used to be across from Golf Mill Mall (when we lived in Illinois 1971-1973) and the Gemco owned Memco store in Rockville, Maryland (when we lived in Maryland 1973-1979). Memco was the East and Midwest version of Gemco. It was named Memco so it wouldn't be confused with an East coast store chain called GEM. Like Gemco, Memco was owned by Lucky (and carried Lady Lee and Harvest Day brands and even carried the Richfood brand). I remember during Halloween season when Memco sold Halloween costumes and Halloween candy and other Halloween decorations and whatnot, the Memco Rockville, Maryland store would move the toy department to the patio department. I even like the snack bar in the Memco store that served hot dogs, french fries, soft pretzels, soft drinks, and Icee. The Memco store was part of a plaza that was next door to a restaurant called The Family Fish House (Gee, I wonder if from 1978-1980's a few Gemco stores in the state of California had a Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza Time Theatre restaurant next door to the Gemco store?). The Memco in Rockville, Maryland closed down in the early 1980's and was taken over for a few years to an East Coast K-mart rival store called Bradlee's. The only time I saw a few Gemco stores was in Feburary 1979 when I vacationed in the Los Angeles, California area (home to Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm) though I never went inside one although I thought it was the same as Memco. I knew the Eagle stores in the Chicago area were originally owned by Lucky. How I miss the glory days of Memco and Gemco even with your Memco/Gemco Membership card you have to show as you enter or check out or something like that. - And I close this guestbook entry with the Memco/Gemco slogan as the Memco/Gemco TV commercials used to say - "Do you belong? You belong at Memco/Gemco". |
| Name: | heidi ullmann |
| Email : | hflwrchld@aol.com |
| Comments: | worked in the fullerton store (81-86) would like to hear from some old friends........ |
| Name: | David Canchola |
| Email : | DCANCHOLA@webTV.net |
| Website: | http:// N/A |
| Comments: | I
believe that worker unions are the main factor that contributed to the
demise of the one stop shopping discount super department stores we all
loved so much.
Superstore Retailers like White Front,Two Guys,The Treasury,FedMart,Gemco,and most recently Fedco all had a Union presence and all of them are out of business mainly for that specific reason if these Stores had been non union like WalMart is today some of these chains might still be around if another Membership one stop shopping discount store or Warehouse is invented it should be non union! |
| Name: | dixie geary |
| Email : | dixceechyc@aol.com |
| Comments: | I work the Fountain valley
store (508) from 1972-86 |
| Name: | Patricia Castillo |
| Email : | pcastillo@veatchcarlson.com |
| Comments: | I
started working at the Gemco Store in San Gabriel 505 fresh out of high
school in 1969! Worked there until the fall of 1984. Worked as
receptionist, cashier, and department head of housewares, men's,
children's and ladies departments. After Gemco I worked for Farmers
Insurance for 18 years and am now working at a private law firm in Los
Angeles. My Gemco days were the greatest. Great people, both fellow
employees and customers. Does any one remember the old price
code...THINK GEMCO? |
| Name: | Bob Friedowitz |
| Email : | bofry@aol.com |
| Comments: | I started working at Gemco in 1968 as a pharmacy clerk. My base store was Fullerton, Harbor & Imperial, but I traveled around at many of the other stores. I worked there until 1971 when I got married and moved to San Francisco to go to pharmacy school. When I graduated in 1975, I began my career as pharmacy manager of Gemco, Santa Ana, 17th & Grand where I worked until the store closed. I then worked at Lucky pharmacy in Orange until 1992 when I decided to make a change in my career. My days at Gemco where some of the best of my life. I still miss the atmosphere and the people at Gemco. There will never be another store like Gemco!!! |
| Name: | Mary and Rick Gillett |
| Email : | chopin1830@aol.com |
| Comments: | Rick
and I worked at the Woodland Hills store, Rick from 1969 to 1972 in the
grocery dept. I worked from 1970 to 1976 first in the credit office and
then transfered to the pharmacy. Rick and I married in 1974, soon to be
29 years of marriage and still going strong. Would love to hear from other Woodland Hills Gemcoites. We had a great time. |
| Name: | pete Chilstrom |
| Email : | afm71402@cs.com |
| Comments: | I
worked at Gemco from 1969 to 1986. I last worked in Tucson, began at La
Puente, then to Glendora, La Mirada, Pomona, San Gabriel, and Anaheim.
Write me! |
| Name: | Bobbi Gardner/Mertz |
| Email : | mertzbobbi@aol.com |
| Comments: | HI EVERYONE. WHAT A GREAT WEB SITE. I WAS A GEMCO BRAT WAY WAY BACK WHEN GEMCO FULLERTON FIRST OPENED. I OPENED AS A MEMBERSHIP GIRL. HOWS THAT FOR STARTING AT THE BOTTOM. I AM NOW A ALBERTSONS GM MANAGER. MY MANY MEMORIES AND GREAT PEOPLE THAT I HAVE MET IS TO LARGE TO LIST. MY FIRST TEAM OF MANAGERS WAS THE GREATEST. GARY GEICOME (CAN'T SPELL THAT NAME ) GARY OJANDIK IAM SURE THAT IS SPELLED WRONG TO. , JOEL BERGER.GLENN AMICK WAS THERE AND WALT TATE IN GROCERY.I TRANSFERED TO LUCKY IN 1980 AND I JUST KEEP GOING. I CAN'T BELIEVE IAM STILL IN THE BUSINESS. I LEARNED ABOUT THIS WEB SITE FROM JACKIE HENMAN.HEY GIRLS AND GUYS REMEMBER THOSE PAPER DRESSES WE HAD TO WEAR HA HA |
| Name: | Corinne Duarte |
| Email : | corinne307@aol.com |
| Comments: | I worked for Gemco since I was a teenager (VERY long time ago...LOL). My mom (Lillian Nienhouse) worked at the first Gemco Store in Anaheim, CA (Gemco 501) from the time it opened. I worked at the same store for about 8 years...until just before it was sold (or whatever it was? Why did Gemco's go away? They were great stores! Target doesn't even come close!!). Most of my Gemco years were spent in Children's Wear and Variety...and the credit office. I sure miss my youth...Gemco was a big part of it. Corinne |
| Name: | Nanci Ailinger |
| Email : | ailinger.nc@ghc.org |
| Comments: | When I was in Jr. High in 1981, my dad got me the coolest digital clock radio, from Gemco, in Sacramento. It had adjustable snooze from 5-60 minutes, and adjustable sleep from 5-90 minutes. It had 4 radio pre-set buttons, & 2 alarms that could be set for music, beep or music & beep. I still have it. I don't know what I'd do without it. I've never seen another one like it. |
| Name: | Hailey |
| Comments: | I use to shop at the Northridge store in the 80s when I was a teenager. My friends would by clothes there. |
| Name: | J.M. |
| Email : | secretagent_90640@yahoo.com |
| Website: | http://www.open-ira.com |
| Comments: | Gemco La Habra/Fullerton
I stumbled on this site by accident. A word of advice. If you want help with your investments or want help planning your retirement or chidren's education, visit www.open-ira.com. It is worth a look. It's a free site. |
| Name: | DON "The Emissary" SERIBUTRA |
| Email : | seributra_d@yahoo.com |
| Website: | http://groups.yahoo.com/group/westfestpuristsorganization |
| Comments: | I
recall that Gemco once operated in the Greater Houston, TX region until
1986, and I recall the Fondren/Beechnut location (Sharpstown area),
which was once a Gemco, became a Sam's Wholesale Club (a.k.a. Sam's
Club), a branch of the Wal-Mart franchise.
There are 3 former Gemcos in the Houston which have switched over - one of them became a Fiesta grocery store (Interstate 45 @ Airline Drive), a flea market (Interstate 45 @ Airport Blvd), and the Fondren/Beechnut location - the former Gemco is now owned by the Houston Independent School District - the building was rehabbed. |
| Name: | Don Turman |
| Email : | turman41@aol.com |
| Comments: | Glad to see that someone is trying to keep everyone in touch, Great job!
Don Turman Torrance Gemco 1973 to 1986 If anyone has contact with Scott Davis or Steve Nicole or Terry Wertz, please have them contact me at the above E-Mail Address |
| Name: | Ken Caplan |
| Email : | Shalomtou@aol.com |
| Comments: | worked from 1978 to 1983 San Jose/Hillsdale and San Jose/silvercreek stores
Monday off lets go to the beach! AHH the memories |
| Name: | Joni Evans |
| Email : | evansj@ch.morgan-hill.ca.gov |
| Comments: | Anyone from the Mountain View store out there? I haven't seen anyone in years! I worked in the Credit
Office for over four years and didn't leave until the last day--wasn't it December 13? |
| Name: | Joni Evans |
| Email : | jhiker_2000@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I worked in the Credit Office at the Mountain View store. I stayed until the day they locked the place up. I've lost touch with everyone I worked with, but miss them all. |
| Name: | Sue Blount (Moore) |
| Email : | sioux_zeque@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I worked for 13 years at the Gemco Store in San Leandro (#510)up 'till the last day. I was a receptionist (can I see your membership card please?) - that was my favorite job. I think of Gemco often and would like to hear from anybody that worked at San Leandro. |
| Name: | Marc Martinez |
| Email : | marc.martinez@ktvu.com |
| Comments: | I used to work at Glendora, Pomona, and back to Glendora from 1981-1986. I have been working in
television since 1988. I now work at the fox affiliate in the bay area, and live in san ramon. where is gary stel, kathy frey, karen wilfong, liz madden, joel yochem, carol spencer, marla morein, randy fauntz, irene maryt et. al???? email me at marc.martinez@ktvu.com |