11 Department Store Escalators That Felt Like an Adventure
Long before online shopping took over, department stores were grand places filled with wonder, and the escalators inside them were part of the magic. Whether you were heading up to toys or down to shoes, the ride itself felt like a tiny journey.
- Tricia Quitales
- 3 min read
Before malls and fast shipping, department stores were worlds to explore, and their escalators were the gateways to new treasures. The clack of old wooden steps, the whirring motors, and the view from above made even an ordinary shopping trip feel special. Let’s revisit 11 department store escalators that turned a simple trip into a real adventure.
1. Macy’s Herald Square (New York City)
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The wooden escalators at Macy’s Herald Square creaked and clacked with every step. Riding them felt like stepping back in time to a grander era, making even a simple visit feel like a historical journey.
2. Marshall Field’s (Chicago)
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Marshall Field’s escalators carried shoppers to floors filled with glittering treasures. The store’s art deco design added a special shine to every ride. Going up or down felt like entering a new chapter of a story.
3. Bloomingdale’s (New York City)
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Bloomingdale’s escalators zipped shoppers between floors of cutting-edge fashion and bustling energy. Each ride felt like a preview of what exciting find was waiting ahead. The bright lights and buzz made the escalator ride thrilling on its own.
4. Gimbels (Philadelphia)
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Gimbels had escalators that seemed to go on forever, especially in the busy holiday seasons. The hum of the motor and the excitement of big sales made every ride electric. Children especially loved the feeling of rising above the crowds.
5. Sears, Roebuck and Co. (Nationwide)
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At Sears, the escalators connected everything from tools to toys in giant buildings. Kids often played on the handrails while parents clutched shopping bags tightly. It was a simple, slightly rebellious fun that you never forgot.
6. Wanamaker’s (Philadelphia)
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Wanamaker’s grand escalators gave you a clear view of the magnificent open court and the famous pipe organ. Riding up felt like being part of something fancy and huge. Shoppers often paused just to take in the stunning sights around them.
7. JCPenney (Various Locations)
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The escalators at JCPenney stores brought you from clothes to home goods in a few smooth seconds. They weren’t flashy, but the excitement of a new purchase made the short ride sweet. Escalators were the quick bridge to the next big find.
8. Dillard’s (Southern U.S.)
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At Dillard’s, wide escalators carried shoppers through polished floors and stylish displays. The calm hum and gentle ride felt elegant compared to the busy mall chaos. Moving between departments felt like gliding through a fashion parade.
9. Lord & Taylor (New York City)
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Lord & Taylor’s escalators paired old-world charm with high-end shopping. The soft lighting and ornate details made even the escalator feel stylish. Each ride promised another floor filled with beauty and surprises.
10. Hudson’s (Detroit)
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Hudson’s famous escalators connected a city within a building, stretching across 25 floors. Getting on an escalator there meant you could find yourself in anything from sporting goods to a massive toy department. It was a vertical adventure every time.
11. Nordstrom (Various Locations)
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Nordstrom’s sleek, shiny escalators offered smooth rides with a sense of calm sophistication. Riding up felt like getting ready for something refined and elegant. Even the background music seemed to add a soundtrack to the journey between floors.