13 Department Stores That Disappeared After 100+ Years in Business
These department stores survived for more than a century, but even their long histories could not save them from fading away.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Department stores once stood as pillars of community shopping experiences, offering everything from fashion to home goods under one roof. Over time, many of these retail giants succumbed to changing consumer behaviors, economic challenges, and the rise of e-commerce. Join us on a journey through retail history, remembering the stores that once defined shopping in America.
1. Marshall Field’s
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Founded in 1852, Marshall Field’s became synonymous with luxury shopping in Chicago. Known for its customer service and the iconic Tiffany ceiling, the store was a pioneer in retail innovation. Despite its success, it was acquired by Macy’s in 2005, leading to the retirement of the Marshall Field’s name.
2. Lord & Taylor
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Established in 1826, Lord & Taylor was the first department store in the U.S., setting standards for fashion retail. Its flagship store on Fifth Avenue became a New York City icon. After nearly two centuries, the brand closed its remaining stores in 2021, marking the end of an era.
3. Bon-Ton
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Bon-Ton began in 1898 in York, Pennsylvania, and expanded to operate numerous regional department stores across the Midwest and Northeast. Despite its strong local presence, Bon-Ton filed for bankruptcy in 2018, leading to the closure of all its stores.
4. Hudson’s
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Founded in 1881, Hudson’s became the second-largest department store in the U.S., with its Detroit flagship occupying an entire city block. The store was a symbol of Detroit’s prosperity but closed in 1983 due to declining urban retail traffic.
5. Abraham & Straus
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Abraham & Straus, established in 1865, was a cornerstone of Brooklyn’s retail scene. Known for its vast selection and customer service, it eventually merged into Macy’s in the 1990s, leading to the phasing out of the A&S brand.
6. Strawbridge & Clothier
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Operating since 1868, Strawbridge & Clothier was a family-owned department store that became a Philadelphia institution. Its commitment to quality and community engagement kept it thriving until it was sold in the 1990s, eventually becoming part of Macy’s.
7. Rich’s
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Founded in 1867, Rich’s was more than a department store; it was a cultural touchstone in Atlanta. Known for its holiday traditions and community involvement, Rich’s merged with Macy’s in 2005, ending its independent operations.
8. Foley’s
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Established in 1900, Foley’s grew to become a major department store chain in Texas and surrounding states. Known for its customer service and community events, Foley’s was absorbed into Macy’s in 2006, retiring the Foley’s name.
9. Hecht’s
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Hecht’s began in 1857 and became a prominent department store chain in the Mid-Atlantic region. Its focus on fashion and home goods made it a favorite among shoppers until it was rebranded as Macy’s in 2006.
10. Elder-Beerman
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Founded in 1883, Elder-Beerman served communities in Ohio and surrounding states. Known for its personalized service, the chain struggled in the changing retail landscape and closed its remaining stores in 2018 after its parent company’s bankruptcy.
11. Gottschalks
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Gottschalks started in 1904 in Fresno, California, and expanded throughout the western U.S. Known for serving smaller markets, the chain filed for bankruptcy in 2009, leading to the closure of all its stores.
12. Jamesway
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Jamesway was founded in 1961, but its parent company had roots stretching back over a century in retail. It became a go-to for bargain shoppers in the Northeast, especially in smaller towns. Despite a loyal customer base, it filed for bankruptcy in 1995 and closed all locations.
13. The Bon Marché
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Founded in 1890, The Bon Marché served as the Northwest’s primary department store chain for over a century. Known for its regional flair and customer loyalty, it eventually merged into Macy’s in the early 2000s, retiring the beloved name.