Collection context
Summary
Background
- Scope and content:
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The materials for this collection were created from 1957-2000. This collection consists of photographs, publications, and achievements related to FEDCO and their partners.The bulk of this collection are trophies and awards. A series of the FEDCO reporter and sale books are also included within this collection. Lastly, documents pertaining to staff schedules and other FEDCO documentation.
- Biographical / historical:
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The Federal Employees’ Distributing Company (FEDCO), was a non-profit organization department store which provided customers with a one stop shop experience. Based in Santa Fe Springs and opened in 1948, Fedco was considered to be one of the most successful superstores of its time. The company was founded by 800 Los Angeles postal workers who sought relief from the post war economy. Fedco had 13 retail stores in Southern California, most of which were located in the Los Angeles area. Locations included Ontario, San Diego, San Bernardino, Costa Mesa, Cerritos, La Cienga, and Baldwin Hills. To gain access and purchase FEDCO’s merchandise, a membership was required. In just 5 years of operation Fedco acquired more than 50,000 members. Members received a subscription to the Fedco Reporter, special discounts of items, and FEDCO related news. Through the 1980s and 1990s FEDCO could not compete with other superstores such as Walmart, Target, Kmart, Costco, Best Buy, and Macy’s. Limited only to the Southern California area surrounding Los Angeles, Fedco could not compete with its nationwide competitors resulting in the company to declare bankruptcy in 1999. The Dayton Hudson Corporation bought the company for $120 million and replaced the 13 Fedco retail buildings with Target. Throughout FEDCO’s 50 years of operation they have won numerous awards from various corporations such as Duracell, Disney, and Kodak.
About this collection guide
- Date Prepared:
- 1957-2000
- Date Encoded:
- This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on April 17, 2025, 11:29 a.m.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
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Access is available by appointment for Cal State LA student and faculty researchers as well as independent researchers.
- Terms of access:
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Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher.
- Preferred citation:
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Federal Employees' Distributing Company (FEDCO) Collection. California State University, Los Angeles
- Location of this collection:
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5151 State University DriveLos Angeles, CA 90032-8300, US
- Contact: