Sears and Roebuck, 2010 E Hillsborough Ave

Exterior of Sears. 1962. Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System

In 1928, Sears and Roebuck opened its first retail location in the city in Tampa Heights following successful catalog sales. They lasted there for about a year before moving their operation to a larger store at 801 N Florida Avenue at Polk Street in 1929.

Needing an even larger space, in 1957, they moved to the behemoth 190,000-square-foot store at 2010 E Hillsboro Ave. The larger complex allowed for more retail departments, a service station, a garden shop, and auto repair. Initially, reports state that 600 employees staffed the new unit. The modern exterior had a pleated roof design and rows of free parking. Families would spend the day shopping for merchandise and getting treats at Karnival Korner, and kids would fantasize about the abundant toys on Santa’s lap during the holidays.

As retail expanded into more suburban areas and indoor malls sprang up, demand for freestanding stores decreased. In 1976, Sears closed this outlet, expanding into several malls in the Bay Area. The Hillsborough County School Board acquired the property and converted it into the David G Irwin area Vocational Technical Center, AKA Erwin Technical College, which opened in 1980. The school continues to partner with local industry to develop career certificate programs, adult education, and technical training.

Sears Store and Service Station aerial, 2010 E. Hillsborough Ave. Date unknown. Gandy Collection, courtesy of the University of South Florida Digital Collection.