Like it or not, stores tend to come and go as time passes, even the ones that are well-loved. Today, with the overwhelming popularity of online shopping, we are sure to see even more of our favorites disappear. Thankfully, a few nostalgic stores from our childhood in Cincinnati remain, but most of those on our list have gone off to beloved Cincinnati store heaven. If you grew up in Cincinnati, these 11 stores will undoubtedly stir up all kinds of fond memories.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/

1. Pogue's Facebook/H&S Pogue Company of Cincinnati The H & S Pogue Company, commonly called Pogue's, was long known as Cincinnati's finest department store. It was the type of place that you would dress up to visit, enjoy a special meal at one of the classy dining options and end the evening with ice cream on the famous bridge, overlooking the crowds below.

2. Johnny's Toys Facebook/Tech Castle As a Cincinnati kid, birthdays were extra special thanks to this magical little key that would come in the mail, addressed to the birthday boy or girl. You would take this key to one of the two local Johnny's Toys toy stores and open the door to the magnificent castle that was filled with toys and surprises. Thankfully, this past spring the tradition was brought back to life by Tech Castle, which took over the former Latonia, Kentucky Johnny's Toys location.

3. Frank's Nursery and Crafts GoogleMaps Once located on Harrison Avenue in Cheviot, this Frank's was THE westside destination for plants and craft items. If it were still open today, it would surely be a Pinterest-lover's dream, but unfortunately we will have to relive its charm only through our memories.

4. Shillitos David Mays As Cincinnati's first department store, it is probably one of the most recognized and beloved names of stores from the Queen City's past. Thankfully, the name and historic building still live on today with the creation of modern lofts, but it will always be remembered for its classic department store nostalgia and, of course, it’s magic at Christmas time.

5. Swallen's Flickr/Firesign Swallen's was a chain of retail shops that originated right here in Cincinnati. The store had just about everything and was part of most Cincinnatians' weekly shopping trips for decades, until the stores all closed in 1995.

6. Media Play Flickr/AdamL212 Be honest...how many hours did you spend browsing the CD collection at Media Play? Or maybe you saved up your money to buy the latest video game. Media Play, of course, became less relevant with the rise of digital music, but we can still reminisce about the time spent wandering its music-filled aisles.

7. Gold Circle Wikimedia Gold Circle is one of those places that when you mention it to someone who grew up in Cincinnati, they'll respond, "Oh my, I forgot about that place!" But then you'll spend the next 30 minutes reliving memories of shopping at this beloved department store.

8. Aglamesis Brothers Facebook/Aglamesis Bro's Ice Cream and Candy Whenever you walk into Aglamesis on Madison, that sweet, sugary smell takes you right back to childhood. Their delicious ice cream and candies are the stuff of dreams and generations continue to make this sweet shop a part of growing up in Cincinnati.

9. King Arthur's Court Toys Facebook/King Arthur's Court Toys When you're a kid, there's nothing better than peaking in the windows of a small toy store, trying to catch a glimpse of the treasures inside. But the inside of King Arthur's Court Toys, also on Madison, holds endless childhood memories and continues to be the source of them today.

10. Cappel's Yelp/Brad B. Thankfully, you can still relive your novelty store memories at one of the few remaining Cappel's locations throughout Cincinnati. In business for over 70 years, Cappel's has long been Cincinnati's favorite costume shop and it's always been a childhood destination to check out the various masks, costumes, and accessories.