DEPARTMENT STORE DAY

DEPARTMENT STORE DAY

On October 16, Department Store Day celebrates a retail institution that transformed how we shop and became a cornerstone of city life. It’s a day to appreciate the innovation, spectacle, and unique experiences that department stores brought to the world—many of which we still enjoy today.

#DepartmentStoreDay

From their rise in the 19th century, department stores were more than just places to buy goods; they were destinations. They offered a safe, clean, and elegant environment where a growing middle class could browse a vast world of products under one magnificent roof. Founders like Marshall Field, John Wanamaker, and Harry Gordon Selfridge weren't just merchants; they were showmen who understood that shopping should be an event.

The "fun part" of the department store has always been the experience itself. They were pioneers of customer service and retail theater, introducing concepts that are now standard. Many department stores were the first to introduce revolutionary conveniences like escalators, elevators, and air conditioning to the public. They also established customer-focused policies like fixed pricing (no haggling needed!) and the money-back guarantee, building a new level of trust with shoppers.

A Grande Experience

Department store windows were transformed into magical stages. Elaborate, artistic displays lured passersby with the latest fashions and fantastical scenes, especially during the holidays, turning the sidewalk into a free public art gallery. Inside, shoppers were treated to an adventure. Grand clocks became famous meeting points. Cosmetics counters offered glamorous makeovers and spritzes of the latest perfumes. Many stores featured elegant tea rooms or restaurants, offering a refined break from a day of browsing.

Department stores invented much of the holiday magic we cherish today. From creating enchanting toy departments to hosting Santa's Grotto for children, they became the heart of the holiday season. This tradition was famously immortalized by Macy's, which organized its first Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924 to kick off the Christmas shopping season.

While the retail landscape has changed, many still cherish the tactile experience of a department store—the ability to see the latest styles, test new electronics, and receive personal assistance, turning an online search into a real-life, satisfying decision.

HOW TO OBSERVE DEPARTMENT STORE DAY

Take a trip  down memory lane by visiting your favorite department store, even if it's just to browse. Ride the escalators, admire the architecture, and soak in the unique atmosphere. While there, Treat yourself to lunch at the store’s cafe or get a sample at a beauty counter. Explore the history of department stores to learn more about the great retail pioneers by watching documentaries like The Store or Secrets of Selfridges. 

Share your favorite memories, a great find, or a photo of a beautiful store display on social media using the hashtag #DepartmentStoreDay.

DEPARTMENT STORE DAY HISTORY

National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this retail holiday.

Department Store FAQ

Q. Are department stores on the decline?
A. Yes. Despite rising retail sales, department store closures continue. Recent economic stressors only add to their growing stress.

Q. What is the leading department store in the United States?
A. According to Statista, Macy's sales topped all the others in 2020.

Q. What is the oldest department store still in operation in a brick-and-mortar location?
A. Until 2021, the answer would have been Lord & Taylor. The business opened in 1821 and survived for 200 years. It is still in operation, but only online. Macy's, which opened its first store in 1858, takes the new title. At the beginning of 2021, it had 544 locations.