This Large adobe structure built in 1880 is the oldest department store in Arizona still operating from the same location.
This Photograph Courtesy of Harry O. Parks
This photograph Courtesy of Harry O. Parks
Arizona's Oldest Store
Willcox Commercial Store "Safest place to trade since 1880"
WILLCOX COMMERCIAL
180 N RAILROAD AVENUE, WILLCOX ARIZONA 85643
This Photograph by Ralph L. Winegarner
The Willcox Commercial is the oldest store in it's original location in Arizona. The Commercial offers a glimpse into the past while allowing you to shop for items of the present. The Commercial was established in 1880. The actual building built in the early 1880's. The Commercial was important to the Southern Pacific railroad in the early days with sending freight to Fort Grant, Fort Bowie and Globe. The Commercial is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.The Commercial has served many people. Rex Allen and Tanya Tucker shopped here, as well as Geronimo (in the early days of the Commercial). One interesting story about Geronimo at the Commercial was that Geronimo had a sweet tooth. He would buy sugar here but only in the 1 lb. bags. He knew what 1 lb. would feel like and he didn't trust the white clerks with any other size containers.
Although Geronimo felt he could not trust the Commercial's employees, today's Commercial is a store you can trust and it's employees are always glad to help the customers.
Just as the Commercial was well-stocked with supplies needed during the development time of the southwest, The Willcox Commercial has a wide range of products that cover you from head to toe, from Bailey hats to Durango boots. It also has jackets & shirts by Carhart and boots & shoes by Redwing. The Commercial sends dry cleaning and ships UPS. The Commercial is also an official dealer of Wrangler, the official sponsor of the PRCA.
The Willcox Commercial is located on historic Railroad Avenue, along with the Rex Allen Museum, in downtown Willcox.