It’s been 20 years to the month since Mayfaire Town Center opened in Wilmington. The development off Military Cutoff Road features an array of shops, restaurants, a cinema and housing.
Rewind back another 32 years, and Wilmington businesses would’ve called it ‘Mayfair.’
According to the May 19, 1972, edition of the Wilmington Morning Star, a host of local businesses united for a Thursday-Saturday push called Mayfair Days Sales. Led by the Wilmington Merchants Association, it was presented to bring more people from nearby places to the Port City.
An editorial noted “traditionally, these early Spring days are choice ones for shoppers in Wilmington stores.”
While “many values and bargains” were offered, there was also a “Lucky Shoppers” event where people could win $1,000 in prizes donated “by some 80 merchants.”
Businesses who promoted Mayfair Days Sales in the newspaper included Blue Bell Factory Outlet (men’s and women’s clothing) on Oleander Drive, The Sterling House at Hanover Center, Golding’s at U.S. 17 shopping center and many downtown places.
Those include Foy-Roe & Company (downtown and Hanover Center), Belk-Beery, Barefoots & Jackson Furniture Company, LaMode women’s clothing, Ed Fleishman & Bros. clothing, Sutton-Council Furniture Company, Justin’s clothing and Freeman Shoe Company.