Hills Department Store was a beloved US discount chain known for family shopping, low prices, and its food court, but it couldn't compete with Walmart and Target, was sold to Ames in 1999, and eventually faded away as Ames liquidated in the early 2000s, leaving behind nostalgic memories for many customers. The stores offered everything from apparel to electronics, often featuring layaway, and their closure left a void in many towns, with former locations often sitting vacant for years.

Key Aspects of the Hills Experience:

Products: Clothing, home goods, electronics, toys, school supplies (like Trapper Keepers).

Atmosphere: Large stores, low prices, familiar red & white branding, and popular snack counters/food courts.

Shopping Convenience: Offered layaway plans, making purchases accessible for families.

Why Hills Disappeared:

Competition: Walmart and Target's massive expansion in the late 1990s made it difficult for chains like Hills to compete on price and scale.

Acquisition & Collapse: Hills was bought by Ames Department Stores in 1999, but Ames itself faced financial trouble and liquidated in 2002, taking Hills down with it.