What is service merchandise?

Service Merchandise was a retail chain that operated in the United States from 1960 to 2002. It was known for its unique showroom concept, where customers would browse items on display and then order them through a catalog or a touchscreen computer system.

The company started as a catalog showroom retailer, offering a wide range of products including jewelry, electronics, appliances, home goods, and more. Customers could visit a Service Merchandise showroom to view and handle products, then place an order for delivery to their home. The company also offered a lifetime guarantee on all products sold.

Service Merchandise was successful in the 1980s and early 1990s, but faced financial difficulties in the late 1990s due to competition from discount retailers and the growing popularity of e-commerce. The company filed for bankruptcy in 1999 and ultimately closed all of its stores in 2002.

Despite its closure, Service Merchandise is still remembered fondly by many for its unique shopping experience and wide selection of products. Some former employees and customers have even created websites and social media groups to celebrate the history of the chain.