The title of America’s oldest department store typically goes to Lord & Taylor, which was founded in 1826 in New York City.
Originally a dry goods store, it grew over the years into a full-fledged department store. Lord & Taylor is renowned for its long history and was one of the first to introduce the concept of a department store to the American shopping experience.
However, if you’re referring to the oldest department store still operating under its original name and concept, Lord & Taylor has largely been out of operation since its parent company filed for bankruptcy, and many of its locations have closed or been sold.
As of now, Macy’s (founded in 1858) is one of the most recognizable department store chains still in business and operating across the U.S., particularly known for its flagship store in Herald Square, New York City.
Following a challenging 2020, marked by Kobe Bryant’s tragic death, the COVID-19 pandemic, and civil unrest, traditional retailers struggled.
Lord & Taylor, America’s oldest department store, couldn’t survive the economic hit and is now closing all 38 stores.
Acquired by the French company Le Tote Inc. in 2019, Lord & Taylor filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to mounting financial pressures, initially planning to keep 14 locations open.
In 2006, Kaufmann’s was acquired by Macy’s, and the Kaufmann’s name was eventually phased out. Today, Macy’s operates in the former Kaufmann’s locations, but the Kaufmann’s legacy is still fondly remembered by many in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region.
