15 Classic Department Stores That No Longer Exist
Once bustling shopping destinations, these iconic department stores have disappeared over the years.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Department stores dominated American retail for many years. They provide everything from home products to fashion in one location, yet many cherished stores had to close as a result of shifting consumer preferences, financial difficulties, and the growth of e-commerce. These 15 iconic department stores are now only relics from their heyday.
1. Sears
yannkemper on Wikimedia Commons
Sears was once the go-to retailer for appliances, tools, and clothing, but years of mismanagement and declining sales led to its downfall. It pioneered the mail-order catalog but struggled to compete with modern retail.
2. JCPenney (Fading Away)
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JCPenney was a staple in malls across America, known for its affordable fashion and home goods. Despite numerous attempts to reinvent itself, the retailer filed for bankruptcy in 2020 and has drastically reduced its store count.
3. Montgomery Ward
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Once a retail powerhouse, Montgomery Ward was one of the first department stores to bring shopping to the masses through catalogs. After decades of success, financial struggles led to its closure in 2001.
4. Macy’s (Shrinking Presence)
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While Macy’s still exists, many of its iconic locations have shut down in recent years. Economic downturns and online competition have forced the company to scale back dramatically.
5. Marshall Field’s
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A beloved Chicago institution, Marshall Field’s was known for its high-end shopping experience and famous holiday window displays. It was acquired by Macy’s in 2006, leading to its rebranding and the loss of its historic name.
6. Gimbels
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As one of Macy’s biggest competitors, Gimbels was a major player in department store history. Best known for inspiring the rivalry in Miracle on 34th Street, the chain closed in 1987 after struggling with declining sales.
7. Woolworth’s
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Originally a five-and-dime store, Woolworth’s evolved into a full-fledged department store chain. Known for its lunch counters and affordable goods, it couldn’t keep up with big-box retailers.
8. Bon-Ton
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A regional favorite in the Midwest and Northeast, Bon-Ton operated under various names, such as Carson’s and Elder-Beerman. Financial struggles led to its bankruptcy in 2018, which closed all locations.
9. Bamberger’s
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Before becoming part of Macy’s, Bamberger’s was a well-loved department store in New Jersey and beyond. It had a reputation for quality merchandise and great customer service.
10. Ames
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Ames started as a discount department store chain catering to budget-conscious shoppers. After acquiring Hills Department Stores, it overextended itself and went bankrupt in 2002.
11. Hills
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Hills was known for its toy section, affordable prices, and in-store popcorn. Despite a loyal customer base, Ames acquired it in the late 1990s.
12. Rich’s
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A Southern favorite, Rich’s was an upscale department store based in Atlanta. It merged with Macy’s in the early 2000s, causing its name to disappear.
13. Mervyn’s
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Once a staple on the West Coast, Mervyn’s offered mid-priced clothing and home goods. It failed to compete with larger retailers like Target and filed for bankruptcy in 2008.
14. Zayre
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Zayre was a popular discount department store in the 1970s and ‘80s, known for its budget-friendly deals. It eventually transitioned into TJ Maxx and other brands before disappearing completely in the 1990s.
15. Parisian
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An upscale department store primarily found in the South, Parisian was known for its stylish fashion offerings. Belk acquired it in the mid-2000s, and its name was phased out.