I worked in the Penneys store in the 50's in a small ND town. Wards had fabric but Penneys was the best quality and we (Mom and I) never bought fabric in Woolworths. The Penneys fabric dept was so bright and well lighted that the fabric was beautiful. I remember Mr. Penney coming to visit and every bolt had to be in a perfect line "so that the customers would get agood impression and know we had good quality dry goods." I made all of my clothes in high school and college. The employee discount sure helped.