America’s oldest department store, Lord & Taylor, is closing all 38 locations after nearly 200 years in business. Founded in 1824, the iconic retailer filed for bankruptcy in 2020 amid the pandemic and shifting consumer trends toward online shopping. Initially planning to keep some,
stores open, the company ultimately opted for a full liquidation. The pandemic also impacted other major retailers, including Brooks Brothers, J.C. Penney, and Neiman Marcus, forcing closures or restructurings. Lord & Taylor’s closure marks the end of an era and reflects the evolving challenges in the retail industry.
