Hi there! Thanks for checking out my flickr photostream and profile! I am Retail Retell, and I aim to tell about and share pics of retail in the Mid-South, which I call home. One article termed the sort of activity my friends and I engage in as the work of "The Archivists of Extinction"; I think the term "retail historian" works just as well. Whatever you want to call us, our work may seem mundane and unnecessary to some, but hopefully you'll come to see it as we do: an effort to preserve what's around us before it's gone.

The subjects I focus on range anywhere from department stores to restaurants and most any type of retail in-between, but in particular, I like exploring and photographing grocery stores. In all cases, though, what does it for me is that combination of appreciating the graphic design elements of the interior décor packages, as well as their architectural counterparts on the exterior of buildings; making sure the place is photographically recorded, especially if it's endangered; and simply the enjoyment of capturing it all for posterity, hoping someone reminiscent of a past business long in the future will be able to happen upon my pictures of it and be taken back in time. Beyond just taking these photos, I've really grown to love writing about the pictures I take, viewing similar retail photos from the community here on flickr, and discussing the subjects, photography itself, and "retail psychology" with the many great friends I've made on this site. Of note, our "retail community" extends beyond flickr, so be sure to look for all of the various other blogs and websites on which great content is hosted!

In addition to this account, I run the Mid-South Retail Blog, and have developed an interest in researching retail history for the discovery of more information on, and past images of, local stores or restaurants (that other re might come in here!). I post weekly to flickr and monthly to my blog (with that schedule subject to expand or shrink as necessary), and always welcome comments at either venue.

I appreciate your support, and it is my hope that my photos and descriptions inspire you to have fun exploring the retail world wherever you are! :)