America’s oldest department store, Lord & Taylor, is making a bold comeback after years of uncertainty. Once a household name in American fashion retail, the nearly 200-year-old brand is reinventing itself to connect with modern shoppers while honoring its storied past.
What is Lord & Taylor known for?
Lord & Taylor has been an American fashion icon since its founding in 1826. Known for its classic yet accessible styles, it served generations of shoppers with high-quality clothing, home goods, and footwear. It was also a trailblazer in American retail, fostering design talent and offering a curated shopping experience that made customers feel special.
In its heyday, Lord & Taylor represented a blend of elegance and practicality, standing apart from ultra-luxury brands and the fast-fashion industry. However, financial struggles, changing shopping habits, and economic pressures forced the retailer to shutter its locations by 2020.
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Why did Lord & Taylor close its stores?
Lord & Taylor’s decline started decades ago as consumer preferences shifted toward online shopping. Ownership changes and financial mismanagement compounded the challenges, and the flagship Fifth Avenue store in New York closed in 2019.
The final blow came during the COVID-19 pandemic when the company, owned by the Saadia Group at the time, liquidated its remaining stores. After nearly two centuries in business, Lord & Taylor appeared to be another casualty of the rapidly changing retail landscape.
How is Lord & Taylor planning its comeback?
Under its new owner, Regal Brands, Lord & Taylor is taking a fresh approach. The company has put together a 75-person team focused on restructuring the brand for a modern audience while staying true to its heritage.
Here is what you can expect from the relaunch:
- E-commerce first: The initial comeback will be digital, focusing on online sales of dresses, footwear, and home goods.
- Personalized service: To set itself apart, Lord & Taylor is introducing U.S.-based customer service for a more tailored shopping experience.
- Physical retail plans: While the first phase focuses on e-commerce, there are plans for pop-up stores and shop-in-shops in the future. These spaces aim to bring back the “fun and entertainment” that retail shopping often lacks today.
- A focus on timeless fashion: Instead of chasing trends, the brand will prioritize durable and stylish pieces that stand the test of time.
Read more: A well-known clothing store chain liquidates and closes all of its stores in Chapter 11 bankruptcy
What makes Lord & Taylor’s revival different?
Lord & Taylor’s revival is not about competing with luxury brands or fast-fashion giants. Instead, it is carving out a space in between, offering elevated fashion that appeals to a broad audience.
Another key part of the comeback is the return of its iconic logo. The classic cursive design is more than just branding – it is a nod to the store’s rich history. “The disposal of the classic logo in 2022 was the biggest betrayal of the brand,” says Sina Yenel, chief strategy officer at Regal Brands.
When can you shop at Lord & Taylor again?
Lord & Taylor’s soft relaunch is already underway online, with new products available for purchase. If you are nostalgic for the days of department store shopping or just curious to see what the brand has to offer, you can explore their offerings now. Plans for physical retail locations are still in development, but pop-ups and smaller shop-in-shops could be on the horizon soon.
Lord & Taylor’s journey has been anything but smooth, but its determination to adapt while honoring its roots is a story worth watching. Whether you are a long-time fan or a new shopper, the store’s comeback is an invitation to rediscover what made it a household name in the first place.
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