Schwab, a standout landmark located amidst the vibrant energy of Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee. At a glance, it is an unassuming two-story emporium representing Memphis's past in the most incredibly detailed way. But delve a little deeper, and visitors soon understand why A. Schwab is an essential point of interest on any Memphis itinerary. It's not merely a store, but a silent storyteller, a museum, and a nostalgic window into a bygone era that shaped modern Memphis.
Since its establishment in 1876 by Abraham Joseph Schwab, an immigrant from Poland, A. Schwab continues to be an enduring symbol of the city's heritage. It sprawls majestically over two floors and 22,000 square feet of retail space, making it the only remaining original business on Beale Street. The store has been preserved meticulously, walking the line between commercial enterprise and a love letter to Memphis's past. As you step inside, the history of this wonderful store reveals itself in the vintage signs, antique shelves and products that have been there since its establishment.
The ground floor is an eclectic hodgepodge of everything from local food stuffs, retro candies, and magic potions, to vintage taxidermy, clothing, and Fedora hats. But the wonders don't end there. Ascend the wooden staircase to the second floor, and behold a makeshift museum that recreates a timeline of Memphis history. The second floor is complete with an old soda fountain, bales of cotton, High John The Conqueror roots, patent medicines and a player piano, creating an atmosphere filled with nostalgia and memories.
Perhaps the most unexpected highlight is Schwab's 'dry goods' section, which correspond to the oldest types of merchandise the store used to sell. Ranging from 19th-century Household items to work clothes, books about Memphis history, and more. Visitors are frequently fascinated by the old-fashioned toys section and the enchanting selection of voodoo items. A. Schwab even features a vast variety of locally made crafts and arts, making it a vibrant platform for local artisans to showcase their talent.
In conclusion, A. Schwab is a true gem and quintessentially Memphis. It's a living, breathing snippet of the old world that serves as a nod to history while effortlessly embracing the new. The charm of A. Schwab is not just in its diverse range of products but in its ability to make people travel back in time, to relive an age they never experienced. As such, it's the perfect place to visit for tourists seeking a substantial, enriching dose of Memphis's vivid cultural tapestry. A trip to Beale Street wouldn't be complete without exploring the irresistible appeal of A. Schwab, a point of interest that's as integral to Memphis's rich story as the blues.
