Step Back in Time: Cento Shoes in Indianapolis in 1971
It was 1971, and Cento Shoes opened its doors on Meridian Street in Indianapolis, Indiana. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary this year, we wanted to take a stroll down memory lane and explore what the world was like when we first began. From the popular music of the time to the cost of gas, let's discover what life was like in Indianapolis in 1971.
Music was a huge part of the 70s, and in 1971, the top hits were "Joy to the World" by Three Dog Night, "Maggie May" by Rod Stewart, and "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees. However, rock music was not the only popular genre. Soul music was also at the top with classics such as "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers and "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye. In Indianapolis, the popular local radio station was WIFE, which played a mix of these hits and provided the soundtrack to many of our customer's lives.
If you were shopping in downtown Indianapolis in 1971, you would have gone to department stores like L.S. Ayres and William H. Block. Ayres was a beloved chain that had been around since the 1800s, and Block's was known for its bargain basement deals. You could also find popular clothing stores like Desmond's and Shillito's. However, if you wanted the best selection of shoes, you made your way to Cento Shoes on Meridian Street.
In 1971, the cost of gas was only $.40 a gallon. That's right, you read that correctly! To put it into perspective, that's like paying $2.50 today. Can you imagine filling up your tank for less than $10? It's hard to believe, but it's true. The price of gas was determined by the OPEC oil embargo that began in 1973, and prices spiked to almost $1 in the following years.
As the 70s progressed, fashion became more bold and unconventional. This trend was influenced by music and social movements, such as the women's liberation movement. In terms of footwear, platform shoes were all the rage. Cento Shoes carried a wide selection of these trendy shoes, and our customers loved wearing them with their bell-bottom pants and flowy tops.
Looking back on 1971 in Indianapolis, it's clear that the world was different in many ways. Music, fashion, and shopping experiences were all unique to the time. Cento Shoes was proud to be a part of this era and to offer our customers the best selection of shoes available. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we look forward to continuing to serve our loyal customers and bringing the latest fashion trends to Indianapolis.
