8 Oldest U.S. Department Stores That No Longer Exist (And 8 That Are Still Around)

Once bustling hubs of shopping and social life, department stores have long been icons of American retail history.

These grand establishments were the places where families gathered, and fashion trends were born. As times changed, many of these giants faded, while others adapted and continue to thrive.

Journey through time as we explore 8 storied department stores that have vanished and 8 resilient ones that have stood their ground, all with a tale to tell.

1. Wanamaker’s

Wanamaker’s, launched in 1861, stood as a Philadelphia marvel and the first true U.S. department store. Shoppers marveled at its grand pipe organ, and its holiday light shows gained legendary status. This retail haven drew tourists from near and far, cementing its place as a local icon.

However, fate turned unkind. After numerous mergers and rebrands, Macy’s claimed the Wanamaker name in the ’90s, yet its legacy endures in the city’s history.

2. Marshall Field’s

Marshall Field’s, born in 1852, brought Chicago unmatched luxury and elegance. Its flagship offered a sanctuary for fashion lovers, with Frango mints emerging as a sweet city symbol. This emporium set a gold standard for customer service that others envied.

Yet, by 2006, Macy’s engulfed it, leaving a nostalgic void. Even now, Chicagoans cherish its grandeur and the memories it forged.

3. Abraham & Straus

Abraham & Straus, established in 1865, shone as Brooklyn’s pride, delivering upscale shopping experiences. Renowned for its vast array of top-tier goods and stellar service, A&S turned retail into a paradise. Its influence shaped Brooklyn’s cultural and economic fabric.

However, as retail giants grew, it faltered. The Federated Department Stores chain eventually claimed it, erasing the name by the late ‘90s and closing an era in the borough.

4. The Bon Marché

The Bon Marché, founded in 1890, was a gem in Seattle, known for its classy reputation and diverse goods. Generations of Seattleites fondly remember its elegant displays. The store was more than just a shopping spot; it was a cultural hub.

But the winds of change swept through, and in the early 2000s, it became part of Macy’s. Although its unique identity was lost, the memories linger in the hearts of those who once walked its floors.

5. Filene’s

Since its start in 1881, Filene’s reigned as Boston’s treasure, famed for its legendary “Basement” sales. This New England icon transformed shopping into a thrilling hunt for deals, with “Last Minute Sale” discounts sparking excitement. Bargain-seekers thrived on the adventure.

However, in 2006, Macy’s took over, phasing out the name. Though gone, the spirit of the Basement’s deal-hunting lingers as a cherished memory for those who roamed its aisles.

6. Jordan Marsh

Established in 1841, Jordan Marsh was one of America’s oldest department stores, famous for its innovative retail tactics. Shoppers flocked for its legendary blueberry muffins, swearing by their deliciousness. The store was a pioneer in creating a captivating shopping experience.

However, as retail competition intensified, Jordan Marsh was absorbed by larger chains. By 1996, its identity faded, yet its impact on Boston’s shopping culture remains an enduring chapter in retail history.

7. Higbee’s

Founded in 1860, Higbee’s in Cleveland was a beloved holiday destination, enchanting visitors with its magical window displays. Its Christmas presence was so iconic that it featured in the classic film “A Christmas Story.”

Sadly, the store was acquired by Dillard’s in 1992, and its familiar name faded from the retail scene, but the holiday magic it inspired lives on in memories.

8. Gimbels

Established in 1842, Gimbels was a retail force, famously known for its holiday displays and rivalry with Macy’s during the Thanksgiving Day parade. Despite never surpassing Macy’s, Gimbels was cherished for its festive windows that captivated the city.

However, decades of fierce competition took their toll, leading to a decline. By 1987, Gimbels closed its doors, closing a chapter in retail history yet leaving behind a legacy of festive charm and retail rivalry.

9. Macy’s

Macy’s, launched in 1858, began as a modest New York shop that grew into the largest U.S. department store chain. Its famous holiday parades and vast customer reach cement its status as a retail icon.

Embracing online platforms and sustainability efforts, Macy’s keeps pace with modern demands while preserving its historic charm. As a cornerstone of American retail, it endures, drawing millions to its Herald Square flagship, where tradition meets today’s trends.

10. Bloomingdale’s

Born in 1861, Bloomingdale’s started as a modest dry goods outlet and blossomed into a New York luxury retail pioneer. Renowned for exclusive designer brands and lavish displays, it holds firm as a high-end shopping haven.

Now under Macy’s wing, Bloomingdale’s persists by blending the latest fashion with its storied past. Its knack for merging tradition with modern flair keeps it a beloved fixture in the evolving retail scene.

11. Saks Fifth Avenue

Since its debut in 1867, Saks Fifth Avenue has epitomized luxury and top-notch customer service. Its glamorous Fifth Avenue flagship stands as a fashion sanctuary, showcasing cutting-edge designer trends.

Saks endures by refreshing its offerings, staying rooted in luxury while meeting modern tastes. Whether in New York or beyond, it shines as a beacon of style and sophistication, securing its place in the luxury retail realm.

12. Nordstrom

Nordstrom, established in 1901 in Seattle, evolved from a shoe store to a national department store powerhouse. Renowned for its exceptional customer service, Nordstrom offers high-quality products and a curated shopping experience.

It has successfully navigated the digital age by embracing e-commerce and innovative retail solutions. Nordstrom’s commitment to excellence ensures its continued success, with a loyal customer base that appreciates both its in-store and online offerings.

13. Dillard’s

Since its founding in 1938, Dillard’s has been a Southern favorite, known for its classic clothing and strong presence in malls across the U.S. While it may not boast the flash of some national chains, Dillard’s focuses on value and family-oriented service.

Its community ties and ability to adapt to consumer needs have kept it relevant despite changes in the retail landscape, making it a cherished staple in the regions it serves.

14. Neiman Marcus

Neiman Marcus, started in 1907 in Texas, caters to luxury lovers with high-end fashion, cosmetics, and home goods. Despite a 2020 bankruptcy, it rebounded by enhancing its premium online shopping platform.

Neiman Marcus holds its ground as a luxury leader through quality, innovation, and customer focus. Its blend of elegance and modern strategies sustains its appeal, captivating discerning shoppers worldwide.

15. Bergdorf Goodman

Bergdorf Goodman, founded in 1899, is nestled in Manhattan’s luxury zone, an elite destination for the affluent. Known for its exclusive offerings, Bergdorf’s caters to those seeking the best in fashion and elegance.

It stays relevant by continually adapting to retail changes, offering personalized services and maintaining its high-end allure. With a rich history and a commitment to luxury, Bergdorf Goodman remains a symbol of sophistication and style.

16. Boscov’s

Founded in 1914, Boscov’s is one of the few family-owned department stores left, staying true to its roots in Pennsylvania. While many others have fallen, Boscov’s thrives by offering great deals and focusing on its loyal customer base.

Its commitment to community and personalized service ensures its continued relevance in the retail market. Boscov’s ability to adapt while maintaining family values makes it a beloved institution in the areas it serves.