Top 10 Department Stores in the USA
Department stores have long been a cornerstone of American retail, offering a diverse array of products ranging from clothing and cosmetics to home goods and electronics. The landscape of department stores in the United States has evolved over time, influenced by changing consumer preferences, economic shifts, and technological advancements. Below is a comprehensive look at ten of the top department stores in the USA, each known for its unique strengths and contributions to the retail industry.
1. Macy’s
History and Background
Macy’s, founded in 1858 by Rowland Hussey Macy, is one of the oldest and most iconic department stores in the United States. The original store was located in Haverhill, Massachusetts, but the company soon moved to New York City, where it became a prominent retail establishment. Macy’s flagship store, located at Herald Square in Manhattan, is one of the largest and most famous department stores in the world. The store covers an entire city block and boasts more than 2 million square feet of retail space.
Market Position and Offerings
Macy’s is known for its extensive selection of products, including clothing, home goods, cosmetics, and accessories. The store features a wide range of brands, from affordable fashion to high-end designers. Macy’s is also known for its annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, which has been a New York City tradition since 1924.
In recent years, Macy’s has faced challenges due to the rise of e-commerce and changing shopping habits. The company has responded by enhancing its online presence and implementing an omnichannel strategy that integrates its physical stores with digital platforms. Macy’s has also focused on improving its customer experience, offering services such as personal shopping and in-store pickup for online orders.
Unique Features
- Flagship Store: Macy’s Herald Square is not just a retail store; it is a landmark with a rich history and cultural significance. The store’s holiday window displays are a major attraction during the Christmas season.
- Loyalty Program: Macy’s Star Rewards program offers customers various benefits, including discounts, exclusive offers, and access to special events.
- Community Involvement: Macy’s is involved in various charitable initiatives and community outreach programs, supporting causes such as education, health, and the arts.
2. Nordstrom
History and Background
Nordstrom was founded in 1901 by John W. Nordstrom and Carl F. Wallin as a small shoe store in Seattle, Washington. Over the years, the company expanded its offerings and grew into a leading department store chain known for its high-quality merchandise and exceptional customer service. Today, Nordstrom operates numerous stores across the United States and Canada, including flagship locations in major cities.
Market Position and Offerings
Nordstrom is renowned for its upscale selection of clothing, shoes, accessories, and beauty products. The store offers a curated selection of designer brands and high-end merchandise, catering to customers who seek premium quality and style. Nordstrom’s commitment to customer service is a key differentiator, with a focus on personalized shopping experiences and a generous return policy.
In addition to its brick-and-mortar stores, Nordstrom has a strong online presence, with a user-friendly website and mobile app that offer a seamless shopping experience. The company has also embraced omnichannel retailing, allowing customers to shop online and pick up their orders in-store.
Unique Features
- Customer Service: Nordstrom is known for its exceptional customer service, with well-trained staff who provide personalized assistance and a hassle-free return policy.
- Nordstrom Rack: The company’s off-price division, Nordstrom Rack, offers discounted merchandise from Nordstrom stores and other brands, providing value-conscious shoppers with access to high-quality products at lower prices.
- Personal Styling: Nordstrom offers personal styling services, including one-on-one consultations with fashion experts who help customers select clothing and accessories that suit their individual styles.
3. Bloomingdale’s
History and Background
Bloomingdale’s was founded in 1861 by brothers Joseph and Lyman Bloomingdale as a small store selling women’s clothing and accessories in New York City. The store quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality merchandise and exceptional customer service. Bloomingdale’s is now part of Macy’s, Inc. but maintains its distinct identity and upscale positioning within the department store sector.
Market Position and Offerings
Bloomingdale’s is known for its fashionable clothing, luxury brands, and exclusive merchandise. The store offers a wide range of products, including apparel, accessories, beauty products, and home goods. Bloomingdale’s is particularly recognized for its designer collections and high-end fashion, catering to customers who seek the latest trends and premium quality.
In addition to its physical stores, Bloomingdale’s has a strong online presence, with an e-commerce platform that provides customers with access to its extensive product selection and exclusive online offers.
Unique Features
- Flagship Store: Bloomingdale’s flagship store, located on 59th Street in New York City, is a renowned shopping destination and architectural landmark.
- The Bloomingdale’s Brand: Bloomingdale’s is known for its distinctive black and white shopping bags and its commitment to offering exclusive products and designer collaborations.
- Loyalty Program: The Bloomingdale’s Loyallist program offers rewards, exclusive offers, and early access to sales for loyal customers.
4. Saks Fifth Avenue
History and Background
Saks Fifth Avenue was founded in 1924 by Horace Saks and Bernard Gimbel as a luxury department store in New York City. The store quickly established itself as a premier destination for high-end fashion and luxury goods. Saks Fifth Avenue is known for its elegant store design and upscale merchandise, catering to affluent customers seeking premium quality and style.
Market Position and Offerings
Saks Fifth Avenue offers a wide range of high-end clothing, accessories, beauty products, and home goods. The store features an extensive selection of designer brands and luxury merchandise, including exclusive collections and limited-edition items. Saks Fifth Avenue is renowned for its sophisticated shopping environment and exceptional customer service.
In addition to its flagship location on Fifth Avenue in New York City, Saks Fifth Avenue operates stores in major cities across the United States and Canada. The company also has a strong online presence, with an e-commerce platform that offers customers access to its luxury product selection and personalized shopping services.
Unique Features
- Flagship Store: The Saks Fifth Avenue flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City is an iconic retail destination, known for its stunning holiday window displays and luxurious shopping experience.
- Saks Off 5th: The company’s off-price division, Saks Off 5th, offers discounted designer merchandise and luxury goods at lower prices, catering to value-conscious shoppers.
- Exclusive Collections: Saks Fifth Avenue frequently collaborates with designers to create exclusive collections and limited-edition products, offering customers unique and high-fashion items.
5. JCPenney
History and Background
JCPenney was founded in 1902 by James Cash Penney as a single dry goods store in Kemmerer, Wyoming. The company grew rapidly and became one of the largest department store chains in the United States. JCPenney is known for its wide range of products and affordable prices, catering to a broad customer base.
Market Position and Offerings
JCPenney offers a diverse selection of clothing, home goods, electronics, and beauty products. The store provides value-conscious shoppers with access to a wide range of merchandise at competitive prices. JCPenney is also known for its frequent sales and promotions, making it a popular destination for bargain hunters.
In recent years, JCPenney has faced challenges due to the rise of e-commerce and changing consumer preferences. The company has been working to revitalize its brand and improve its financial performance through store renovations, a focus on digital transformation, and strategic partnerships.
Unique Features
- In-Store Services: JCPenney offers various in-store services, including portrait studios, optical centers, and salon services, providing customers with a range of convenient options.
- Value Pricing: JCPenney is known for its everyday low prices and frequent promotions, offering customers affordable options for a wide range of products.
- Community Involvement: The company is involved in various charitable initiatives and community programs, supporting causes such as education, health, and social welfare.
6. Kohl’s
History and Background
Kohl’s was founded in 1962 by Maxwell Kohl as a small grocery store in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The company later shifted its focus to retail and opened its first department store in 1962. Today, Kohl’s is one of the largest department store chains in the United States, with a significant presence across the country.
Market Position and Offerings
Kohl’s is known for its value pricing and wide range of products, including clothing, home goods, and electronics. The store offers a variety of brands, from affordable everyday items to more upscale merchandise. Kohl’s frequently runs sales and promotions, making it a popular destination for shoppers seeking good deals.
In addition to its physical stores, Kohl’s has a strong online presence, with an e-commerce platform that provides customers with access to its product selection and convenient shopping options. The company has also embraced digital technologies, including a mobile app that offers features such as coupons and personalized recommendations.
Unique Features
- Kohl’s Cash: Kohl’s loyalty program, Kohl’s Cash, allows customers to earn and redeem cash rewards on their purchases, providing additional savings and incentives.
- Store Brands: Kohl’s offers a range of exclusive store brands, including Simply Vera by Vera Wang and LC Lauren Conrad, providing customers with unique and affordable fashion options.
- Environmental Initiatives: Kohl’s is committed to sustainability and has implemented various environmental initiatives, including energy-efficient store designs and eco-friendly product offerings.
7. Dillard’s
History and Background
Dillard’s was founded in 1938 by William T. Dillard as a single store in Little Rock, Arkansas. The company has since grown into a prominent department store chain with locations across the southern and western United States. Dillard’s is known for its high-quality merchandise and customer service.
Market Position and Offerings
Dillard’s offers a diverse range of products, including clothing, cosmetics, home goods, and accessories. The store provides customers with a mix of national and exclusive brands, catering to various tastes and preferences. Dillard’s is known for its emphasis on quality and customer service, with a focus on providing a pleasant shopping experience.
In addition to its physical stores, Dillard’s has a growing online presence, offering customers the convenience of shopping from home and access to a wide range of products.
Unique Features
- Product Selection: Dillard’s offers a curated selection of merchandise, including high-quality clothing, home goods, and beauty products from well-known brands and designers.
- Customer Service: The company is known for its attentive customer service and commitment to providing a positive shopping experience.
- Community Engagement: Dillard’s is involved in various charitable initiatives and community programs, supporting causes such as education, health, and social welfare.
8. Neiman Marcus
History and Background
Neiman Marcus was founded in 1907 by Herbert Marcus, Carrie Marcus Neiman, and A.L. Neiman as a luxury department store in Dallas, Texas. The store quickly gained a reputation for its upscale merchandise and exceptional service, catering to affluent customers seeking high-quality fashion and luxury goods.
Market Position and Offerings
Neiman Marcus is known for its exclusive selection of designer clothing, accessories, and beauty products. The store features a range of high-end brands and luxury merchandise, including exclusive collections and limited-edition items. Neiman Marcus is renowned for its sophisticated shopping environment and personalized service.
In addition to its flagship location in Dallas, Neiman Marcus operates stores in major cities across the United States and has a strong online presence, with an e-commerce platform that offers customers access to its luxury product selection and personalized shopping services.
Unique Features
- Flagship Store: The Neiman Marcus flagship store in Dallas is an iconic retail destination, known for its luxurious shopping experience and upscale merchandise.
- Neiman Marcus Last Call: The company’s off-price division, Neiman Marcus Last Call, offers discounted designer merchandise and luxury goods, providing value-conscious shoppers with access to high-quality products at lower prices.
- Exclusive Collections: Neiman Marcus frequently collaborates with designers to create exclusive collections and limited-edition products, offering customers unique and high-fashion items.
9. Lord & Taylor
History and Background
Lord & Taylor was founded in 1826 by Samuel Lord and George Washington Taylor as a small dry goods store in New York City. The company grew to become one of the most well-known department stores in the United States, with a reputation for its classic style and high-quality merchandise.
Market Position and Offerings
Lord & Taylor is known for its elegant clothing, accessories, and home goods. The store offers a range of products, including apparel, beauty products, and home decor, with a focus on classic and timeless style. Lord & Taylor caters to customers seeking sophisticated fashion and quality merchandise.
In recent years, Lord & Taylor has faced challenges due to the rise of e-commerce and changing consumer preferences. The company has been scaling back its physical locations and focusing on its online presence to adapt to the evolving retail landscape.
Unique Features
- Flagship Store: Lord & Taylor’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City was an iconic retail destination, known for its elegant shopping experience and classic style.
- Loyalty Program: The company offers a loyalty program that provides customers with rewards, exclusive offers, and early access to sales.
- Charitable Initiatives: Lord & Taylor is involved in various charitable initiatives and community programs, supporting causes such as education, health, and social welfare.
10. Barneys New York
History and Background
Barneys New York was founded in 1923 by Barney Pressman as a small men’s clothing store in New York City. The store quickly gained a reputation for its high-end fashion and designer merchandise, becoming a leading destination for luxury shopping. Barneys New York has faced financial challenges in recent years but remains known for its upscale and fashion-forward offerings.
Market Position and Offerings
Barneys New York is known for its luxury clothing, accessories, and beauty products. The store features an extensive selection of high-end designer brands and exclusive merchandise, catering to affluent customers seeking the latest trends and premium quality. Barneys New York is renowned for its unique and fashion-forward product selection.
In recent years, the company has faced financial difficulties and has scaled back its physical presence. Barneys New York’s flagship store on Madison Avenue in New York City is a well-known landmark in the fashion industry.
Unique Features
- Designer Collections: Barneys New York offers a curated selection of high-end designer collections and exclusive merchandise, providing customers with access to the latest fashion trends.
- Store Design: The company is known for its innovative store design and visually striking displays, creating a unique and immersive shopping experience.
- Fashion-forward Merchandise: Barneys New York frequently features emerging designers and avant-garde fashion, catering to customers seeking cutting-edge style and luxury.