Auerbach's on 300 South and State Street was a classic department store. It was located just east of the Paris. Wasn't Santa on the top floor... was it the fifth floor...with all the toys? It seemed like there were five floors and a basement, but I'm not sure.... this is what sticks in my mind but maybe it's something else. Remember the parking garage with the spiral exit ramp out onto Post Office Place? If you're really old you'll remember the elevator operators sitting on a small round stainless stool with a red cushion built in, closing the gate in the elevator and announcing each floor.
First Floor
Mostly perfume and gloves as I recall...
I remember people waiting in the heated vestibules during the winter until their particular bus came. Buses and a few taxis crammed onto the curb on the 3rd South entrances. I have no idea where Men's Clothing was located; seems like this floor but maybe not.
Third Floor
Wasn't this the fancy ladies wear floor with the raised area that had the red carpeting? Full of housecoats and dresses and petticoats and bras etc. I never went to this floor.
Basement
All the bargains and the restaurant with the goldfish pond. (I think this is the basement but I guess it could be any floor...)
