After two centuries in business, Lord & Taylor, America’s oldest department store, is shutting its doors for good.

Founded in 1826, the retailer became a landmark in American shopping culture, famous for its elegant Fifth Avenue flagship and its role in shaping department store history. For decades, Lord & Taylor was where families shopped for wedding dresses, prom gowns, and career-defining suits.

But after years of financial struggles, increased online competition, and changing consumer habits, the company has announced that all of its remaining stores will be closed permanently. Liquidation sales have already begun, marking the end of an era.

For many, the closure of Lord & Taylor is more than the loss of a retailer—it’s the closing of a piece of American history.