I miss those larger-than-life department stores, too. In Philly, I remember taking the train from Trevose station to Reading Terminal, and then walking to Gimbels for their Charles Dickens Victorian display, and then to John Wanamakers for their fantastic train layout and toy department, with the grand finale being their spectacular light show. I was told at one time they had a working monorail that kids could ride in, but I don't remember that. The train layout I later learned was set up by the original Nicholaus Smith train shop.
Today, we have Boscov's - which is a nice department store with good prices and that old-time customer service...and they do setup a Dept. 56/Lemax display, and sell trains.
They did, Paul. As a young child, I begged my parents to let me ride it. The line was long and I think my parents were tired, but I got to ride it one time. By the following year, I was getting too old, they said.....LOL