All the big department stores had a fabric department.. It was great fun to go looking for fabric for a new dress or summer outfit.. they had fabric, notions, patterns, sewing machines.. and people who knew how to sew and could help you.. it was so nice.
And remnents, oh my.. You could buy a remnent that was a small piece, or you could find pieces with a few yards in them.. Most of my school clothes were made from remnents.. and when they cut fabric for you, they always overcut so that you could straighten your yardage without coming up short.. Now they cut it any old way and you had better add on enough to make sure you have enough after you've straightened it..
The whole world was different then. Companies cared that their customers were given value and service, they wanted your business and they wanted a good name. We live in a different world now.