If you’re a fan of Christmas movies, then you’ve probably seen National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. This classic holiday film is full of iconic scenes, memorable one-liners, and some truly hilarious moments.
One of the most memorable scenes in the movie takes place at a department store where Clark Griswold goes shopping for some last-minute gifts. But what department store is in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is the Department Store in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?
The department store that Clark Griswold visits in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is called “Gimbels.” This fictional store was created specifically for the movie and was not based on any real-life department stores.
History of Gimbels
While Gimbels may not have been a real department store, it was inspired by several real-life retailers. The name “Gimbels” is actually a nod to a famous chain of department stores that operated in the United States from 1887 to 1987. The original Gimbels was founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and eventually grew into a nationwide chain with locations in major cities like New York City and Philadelphia.
In addition to Gimbels, the fictional department store in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation also draws inspiration from other iconic retailers like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s. The elaborate holiday displays, bustling crowds, and over-the-top decorations all contribute to the film’s portrayal of a quintessential American department store during the holiday season.
Clark Griswold Goes Shopping at Gimbels
In one of the most memorable scenes from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) heads to Gimbels to do some last-minute Christmas shopping for his family. As soon as he enters the store, he is immediately overwhelmed by the chaos and crowds of holiday shoppers.
Despite the madness, Clark is determined to find the perfect gifts for his loved ones. He navigates his way through the store, dodging other shoppers and narrowly avoiding disaster at every turn. Along the way, he has several hilarious encounters with store employees and fellow customers.
One of the most iconic moments in the scene is when Clark gets stuck in a department store display. As he struggles to free himself, he accidentally knocks over several other displays, causing even more chaos and confusion.
The Legacy of Gimbels in Pop Culture
While Gimbels may not have been a real department store, its inclusion in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation has cemented its place in pop culture history. The film has become a beloved holiday classic, and the scenes set at Gimbels are some of the most memorable and hilarious moments in the entire movie.
In addition to its role in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Gimbels has also been referenced or parodied in several other TV shows and movies over the years. Its legacy as an iconic American department store lives on even though it never actually existed outside of fiction.
The Bottom Line
The department store that Clark Griswold visits in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is called “Gimbels.” While it was not based on any real-life retailer, Gimbels draws inspiration from several iconic American department stores like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s. The scenes set at Gimbels are some of the most memorable moments from this classic holiday film and have helped to cement its place as a beloved holiday classic for generations to come.