In the early days, everything at The Ramble Rack was do-it-yourself, even the ads.
Nowadays, outlet stores and discount centers are common features of any town’s retail landscape. But in the 1960s, the concept was still a novel one, especially in a small town like Marion.
In 1963, after years of dreams, delays, and being required to jump through hoops to get a bank loan, Ellen Brown and her sister-in-law opened The Ramble Rack. Soon, just about every mother within a 50-mile radius (and beyond) made the pilgrimage to Marion to shop for back-to-school outfits, Easter dresses, play clothes and grown-up clothes. Mrs Brown recalls her husband reminding her at one point, “You never know until you try.” She did try and was successful for 25 years.
Listen to the story here:
