Today we celebrate and reflect on the Grand Opening of Woolworth, the now historic building on Pacific Avenue in Tacoma, Washington a milestone that brought new life and energy to downtown Tacoma on November 2, 1950. The event invited city dignitaries, local business leaders, and eager shoppers into the newly opened four-story store of Woolworth, located near the heart of the city. We imagine the red carpet rolled out, ribbons fluttering, and the shine of the giant ribbon-cutting scissors held by honored guests.
On that day in 1950, the downtown pulse of Tacoma heightened as the store’s doors opened. Local personalities—city council members, chamber of commerce officials, and business magnates—lined up to witness the ceremony. We picture the moment when the mayor, in his crisp suit, grasped the giant ribbon-cutting scissors and cut a bold span of ribbon, as the assembled crowd applauded. On each side of the entrance, staff held rosettes of custom ribbons, and alongside them hung elegant draperies of logo branded ribbons, bearing the Woolworth name and Tacoma hallmarks.
From our vantage, we see the entrance framed with richly colored custom ribbons—reds, golds, and royal blues—entwined around the columns and doorframe. Above the entrance, the sign shone: WOOLWORTH, a beacon of modern retail in Tacoma. The logo branded ribbons bore the company’s emblem and the date of the opening, instilling a sense of occasion. It was the perfect moment for photographs: two executives holding the giant ribbon-cutting scissors, the ribbon taut between them, while staff held long cascades of custom ribbons behind them, and the crowd spilled onto the stairs.
Inside, the store’s interior was laid out with an event carpet (though not noted in the contemporary accounts, we imagine it based on the grandeur) leading into the central atrium. Flanking this carpet were stanchions and rope, and displays festooned with custom ribbons, and above them—on the balcony—swags of logo branded ribbons heralded the brand’s arrival in Tacoma. Though the historical record focuses on the date and opening, we fill in the narrative to show how modern ceremonial décor would mirror that era’s excitement.
In our world of ceremonial design, we draw inspiration from the glamorous spectacles of vintage era grand openings like the 1950 opening of the Woolworth building in Tacoma, Washington. We provide today the tools to recapture that flair: giant ribbon-cutting scissors crafted in gleaming silver or gold finishes, specifically designed for such grand store openings. Alongside them we offer a full line of custom ribbons—satin, grosgrain, sheer—available in widths from 1.5″ to an impressive 12″ extra-wide format, perfect for dramatic entrances. Each ribbon can be printed with logos, dates, or special messages, making them truly logo branded ribbons for your event. We also supply event carpets to lead the way into your celebration, adding depth and luxury underfoot.
At CeremonialSupplies.com, we honor both the past and the future of events. Our catalogue includes premium-crafted giant ribbon-cutting scissors, elegant custom ribbons, and bold logo branded ribbons that elevate any opening ceremony. We also carry event carpets, ceremonial flags, military medals, embroidered logo clothing, branded tablecloths and chair covers, and elegant chair sashes, wedding and birthday ribbon decorations—including full branding options—stanchions and rope, shovel display stands, and many more decoration essentials and props to make your event memorable. And, plenty of grand opening and launch event accessories!
As we recall the historic Grand Opening of Woolworth on Pacific Avenue in Tacoma, we imagine the festive tones of the day: cameras flashing, the hiss of streamers falling, and the crisp snip of the giant ribbon-cutting scissors. The custom ribbons and logo branded ribbons fluttered in the wind outside the building, while inside the event carpet guided first guests into the new store. That spirit of celebration lives on in our ceremonies today. To bring that same sense of history, elegance, and spectacle to your next grand opening, we invite you to explore CeremonialSupplies.com. Visit our online chat or click here for a quote—and let us help you recreate a moment worthy of Tacoma’s proud retail past.