topic Why Department Stores Just Aren't Cutting It Anymore in Fashion

Why Department Stores Just Aren't Cutting It Anymore

handygal2 — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 12:28:34 GMT

Department stores such as JC Penney, Sears and Macy's continue to close stores, while specialty stores such as Ulta and Nike, and discount stores like TJ Maxx, thrive. It's about the shopping experiences, and the thrill of the hunt, among other factors.

Here's the link to an interesting article:

http://usat.ly/2mgbBP4

Re: Why Department Stores Just Aren't Cutting It Anymore

violann — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 12:37:51 GMT

I LONG for a place (or a TIME-LOL) where and when I could take a leisurely walk through a beautifully appointed department store, stop at the coffee bar IN THE STORE for a leisurely lunch, get an update on my makeup etc etc etc etc

HOW I MISS THEM! Online shopping worked like a charm during the years my mom was total care. My whole wardrobe was QVC couture.

Then when I had the luxury of a peaceful walk through my favorite department store, it had morphed into an apartment house, fancy retail on the first floor!

I suspect there are more than just I who sorely miss the department store in a TOWN or CITY, not a mall. We're just reluctant to admit that we don't want to do all our shopping at TJ's (I love to shop THERE TOO).

Re: Why Department Stores Just Aren't Cutting It Anymore

StylishLady — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 12:50:01 GMT

Our world changes. Some call it progress. I'm guessing cost has a lot to do with the demise of the large department store. Cost for stocking items, staffing clerks and such, and energy costs for lighting, AC etc. The stores I miss are the larger women's stores where you could go and find styles you like , try them on, and stock your closet with fine outfits and accessories. It was fun just to see what was in the display windows. Remember window shopping?

*sigh*

Re: Why Department Stores Just Aren't Cutting It Anymore

Skyegirl21 — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 12:57:51 GMT

You're right, they can't compete. For me it's mainly the reason of convenience and price. I'm in a rural area in New England and there are no malls/ department stores unless I travel 45 minutes or farther. But the Tjs and Marshalls are 15 minutes away. I seem to always find what I need there and it's always reasonably priced. Last time I was in a Macy's (years ago) I disliked the merchandise and very pricey. That's reality-

Re: Why Department Stores Just Aren't Cutting It Anymore

meglet — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 13:03:05 GMT

In my case, it's that the PTB for Nordstrom, Macy's, Lord and Taylor, Ann Taylor, Talbot's, etc have decided that the area I live in doesn't have people looking for top notch work attire. I'm a teacher, but I love to wear pencil skirts matched up with different options in blazers, good quality sheath dresses with jackets, maybe more what a lawyer would wear. Makes me feel good and I think it helps with classroom management in a very subtle way. I walk into Nordstrom and they have lovely dresses, but not work appropriate. My local mall has closed the Talbots, but when it was open, they carried lots of cords and down vests, things I wouldn't wear on a day to day basis. A few years ago, Banana Republic featured a Mad Men collection with a to-die-for belted skirt suit, but only the main store in Boston carried it. Not spending $250 without trying something on and maybe having the hassle of sending it back. Macy's has a very small Jones New York section. Ann Taylor has changed their quality and uniqueness from years past. The Lord and Taylor in Boston and west of Boston have much more variety and more what I'd like to see, but I'm not spending a whole day trucking into the city and dealing with parking issues.

Re: Why Department Stores Just Aren't Cutting It Anymore

PINKdogWOOD — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 13:10:07 GMT

I do remember window shopping, it was almost as great as waling into the stores.

We just read in our morning newspaper (which also is almost unheard of these days, touching and paper to read it) that JCP is closing. In this area they've been talking about doing this for years. Seemed to have made somewhat a come back, now the demise is here.

I struggle to understand why all of these great stores are closing. Yet just last fall there was a 100 store conglomerate that opened here, 20 miles or so north of the Columbus OH metro. It's called Tanger Outlet, the sister to the one just outside the Cincinnati area that's been there for 7 yrs maybe a bit longer. I've been to that one, so over whelming you need to spend a week's time there.

I don't shop malls anymore, haven't been in years. I don't shop anymore like I used to, don't work anymore, no need for typical work clothes. There are only 3 stores I may go to to buy clothes, 2 or 3 on line (and the q is not one of them), bed,bath,beyond.

I understand though that the majority of the shopping world does it online hence the closing of B&M, sad.

Re: Why Department Stores Just Aren't Cutting It Anymore

Mominohio — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 13:37:22 GMT

@violann wrote:
I LONG for a place (or a TIME-LOL) where and when I could take a leisurely walk through a beautifully appointed department store, stop at the coffee bar IN THE STORE for a leisurely lunch, get an update on my makeup etc etc etc etc

HOW I MISS THEM! Online shopping worked like a charm during the years my mom was total care. My whole wardrobe was QVC couture.

Then when I had the luxury of a peaceful walk through my favorite department store, it had morphed into an apartment house, fancy retail on the first floor!

I suspect there are more than just I who sorely miss the department store in a TOWN or CITY, not a mall. We're just reluctant to admit that we don't want to do all our shopping at TJ's (I love to shop THERE TOO).

Yep! Maybe it's an age thing @violann, but I miss the nice department stores we had in even our smaller town, back in the day.

First, they were 'downtown', then moved to the mall, in their glorious three story world of enchantment. The top floor had beautiful furniture, carpeting, crystal, china, silver, top quality linens etc. The middle floor was full of fine children's clothing, huge departments for luggage and kitchen wares. Then the main floor was expansive areas of fine jewelry, enticing fragrance, and endless men's and women's clothing. The handbag department alone took up as much space as fragrance!

I miss the three restaurants that were inside the store, a white table cloth establishment on the third floor with a view of the skyline, right down to the sandwich shop tucked into the main level back entrance to the store.

I miss the sales clerks, who had done this same kind of work for 20 or 30 years, and knew their product inside and out. The ladies in the lingerie department could fit you for a bra with such expertise. The folks in furniture knew all about the construction of each brand, and who's fabrics were the best wearing.

There was opulence (at least for this small town rural based area), many more choices than those same stores offer in the same mall today, and SERVICE, something that is all but gone.

I miss the big selection, being able to see and handle the product, and talk with folks who's job it was, to know the product inside and out. I think that is one reason Q still does well. It is one of the few places that you get to see someone demonstrate the product, discuss it's features, describe what it will do, explain the company etc.

Most places today, you have to just read the back of the box, as the employees have no idea about the product. They are simply trained to show you where the items you are looking for are located and run the register to take your money.

The women in the clothing departments are just there to keep the dressing rooms cleaned out and put up new stock. The displays aren't anything like they used to be, the assistance on what color, cut, style might be good for your short stature, wider hips, long legs etc. is non existent.

Oh, I too, LONG for that same place!

Re: Why Department Stores Just Aren't Cutting It Anymore

drizzellla — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 13:42:59 GMT

I used to work in retail. And I can fully understand why stores are closing. Retail is a tough business. We had people walking out of the store with entire diplays (and not paying for it), people returning stuff after they wore it for months, or stealing stuff and wanting to return it for money, and opening packages just to play with the item and then put it back on the shelf. And my favorite - using a display of plush characters as a bathroom.

We threw out so much stuff - and this was a small store. If we dealt with that, I can't imagine what a large department store deals with.

Re: Why Department Stores Just Aren't Cutting It Anymore

geezerette — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 13:45:20 GMT

You got it @Mominohio! We used to spend an entire day at those opulent department stores. It was entertainment. Browsing, maybe a purchase or two, a meal and exercise all in one. Leisurely talking with one another--nobody looking at a cell phone. Ahh, the good old days!

Re: Why Department Stores Just Aren't Cutting It Anymore

Group 5 minus 1 — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 13:48:25 GMT

DH and I were trying to remember how long it has been since we have been to a mall. Probably years!

Re: Why Department Stores Just Aren't Cutting It Anymore

SilleeMee — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 13:58:20 GMT

There is a mall here in my city that is scheduled for demolition. I'm sure this will cause other retailers in the area to go under as well.

Re: Why Department Stores Just Aren't Cutting It Anymore

Wahoogaz — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 14:41:44 GMT

Department stores started losing my business years ago when someone decided big enclosed malls were a bad thing and strip malls all over the place were a better idea. Sorry, I'd rather park once and walk inside the mall to go to all the stores I want to go to ... not park, shop in one store, get back in the car and drive another 2 miles to another store I want to go to, find another parking spot, shop, get back in the car , etc.

Another thing that turned me off ... the decision by so many stores to go with (mostly) cheaply made 'celebrity' lines of clothing instead of the quality brands they used to carry. I'm not buying anything because a famous person's name is on it.

Kohl's, Marshall's and Ross are about the only stores I actually go in anymore ... otherwise, I'm shopping online.

Re: Why Department Stores Just Aren't Cutting It Anymore

151949 — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 14:44:00 GMT

I go to the mall about once a year. I enjoy it but not something I would do often. The mall rents are so high that the merchandise is all overpriced.

I too remember,when I was in high school, meeting my girlfriends on a Saturday afternoon at the big downtown department store.Then we would go to all 3 of the stores within walking distance and shop. Usually my Mom would give me her card and allow me to buy one item under a certain amount - usually in the basement.

Re: Why Department Stores Just Aren't Cutting It Anymore

Carmie — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 14:46:54 GMT

Among all the other things mentioned, people don't dress up anymore. The American uniform is jeans and casual clothing,

We don't replace clothing as often as the worn out look is considered okay. Some jeans are sold with holes in them already.

Gone are the days when people dressed up to travel, go to work, to school and to worship.

In my local stores, the inventory is all of the same. They all carry the usage brands. No unique stuff anymore.

On top of all of that, people aren't spending money on clothing. Almost everyone has cut back.

In my area, there are too many stores. I have two Macy's within 15 minutes of where I live. I don't get that at all.

Re: Why Department Stores Just Aren't Cutting It Anymore

Trix — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 15:02:48 GMT

@handygal2 wrote:
Department stores such as JC Penney, Sears and Macy's continue to close stores, while specialty stores such as Ulta and Nike, and discount stores like TJ Maxx, thrive. It's about the shopping experiences, and the thrill of the hunt, among other factors.

Here's the link to an interesting article:

http://usat.ly/2mgbBP4

@handygal2, Some of the specialty stores are having rough times too, but most of them have a better online presence than department stores do, so that may save them. Your mention of Nike made me think of something which department store owners had concern about back in the 80s. That is the brands which they rely on for inventory opening their own shops across the country. The thinking was if a customer can go directly to Nike, Coach, etc. for the merchandise why would they come to us. In fact, it was the beginning of customers stepping away from department stores as these specialty brand stores offered the full experience of shopping a particular brand--not just a few select items. When places like Best Buy, Lowes and Home Depot appeared offering appliances, and other electronics, and home goods which department stores still had the consumer monopoly on that was another big loss of business. The discount stores (TJ Maxx, etc.), and in recent years online retail appear to be the final nail in the coffin for the brick & mortar department store. I believe the ones which do survive will have far fewer stores spread across the country.

Re: Why Department Stores Just Aren't Cutting It Anymore

Oostende — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 15:03:02 GMT

Count me as another one who doesn't shop department stores anymore. In fact, I just posted this exact observation on the Nordstrom thread a day or two ago.

It seems to me that by trying to be all things to all people department stores wind up appealing to no one.

My favorite store is Banana Republic. Their pants are long enough for me (I need a 34 inch inseam without heels), their shirts are well made and fitted through the waist, with darts to accomodate my bust, and I can generally find something I like. Oh, and their sleeve length is long enough for me.

J Crew will fit me up top occasionally, but their pants run shorter, unless I can find a tall, and their sleeves are too short on most regular shirts. In other words, they cater to a different, shorter client overall than I am.

What I am getting at is that I don't have time to roam an entire department store to try on things that don't suit me anyway.

I've had some success with INC in Macy's but that is very hit or miss.

Specialty stores have overtaken the department stores by appealing to a more specific client, I think.

Re: Why Department Stores Just Aren't Cutting It Anymore

151949 — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 15:31:47 GMT

@Carmie I agree with everything you said . I am always amazed at how many people come to church, go to funerals or to work in t shirt and shorts. Often those shorts & tees look like they have been around a long time as well.

Re: Why Department Stores Just Aren't Cutting It Anymore

Katcat1 — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 15:38:47 GMT

It was a very SAD day when Marshall Field & Co. was sold to Macy's. I truly miss that store. Yes, we are living in different times. JCPenney use to thrive back in the day. So many people will be losing jobs. Whole Foods is closing a lot of stores too. I do know that Macy's advertises a lot of good sales and the store by me is always busy. Although, I do not shop there often. What I believe is happening is the baby boomers are shopping more online with more choices.

Re: Why Department Stores Just Aren't Cutting It Anymore

depglass — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 18:13:23 GMT

After wandering around stores for years and not being able to find sales help (Kohl's, Younkers, Marshall Fields) I threw in the towel and shop online. I still remember trying to view a locked up Coach handbag and no one on the floor had a key. Just try to get a sales catalog out of one of these stores, even if you have a charge. No tears from me when they close.

Re: Why Department Stores Just Aren't Cutting It Anymore

SilleeMee — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 18:55:26 GMT

I remember the days when you'd walk into a department store and get hounded by the store clerks. They were everywhere, in every department. You couldn't shake them off. Now I miss that. Those days are long gone, sad to say.