Best Department Stores in 2021

There are even famous department stores that are actually tourist attractions. People travel from all over to see them. For example, the biggest Macy’s in the world is located in Manhattan, New York City. It truly is a tourists’ favorite. Some customers prefer a more boujee environment and visit luxury department stores.

These stores have a high-end climate with specialty products. There really is a store for everyone, and they all have their own unique qualities that make them different. Right now, there are around 3,800 department stores in the United States alone! Discover the best department stores that 2021 has to offer.

What are Department Stores?

Department stores are retail establishments that offer a large array of consumable goods. Typically, customers can get the majority of items that they need at these stores. Although groceries are sometimes offered, they are typically not. Therefore, customers make the grocery shopping trip separate. Dept stores often include the following:

• Clothing and wearable items
• Furniture and household goods
• Home and kitchen appliances
• Toys and childcare products
• Cosmetics, health, and beauty products
• Houseware goods
• Gardening and outdoor supplies
• Toiletries and hygiene items
• Sporting goods and recreational products
• Do it yourself, arts, and crafts products
• Home indoor and outdoor paint
• Hardware and tools
• Food and beverage
• Books, magazines, and newspaper
• Jewelry and accessories
• Electronics
• Stationery and paper products
• Photographic equipment and film
• Baby products
• Products for pets

Department stores have one of two ways to check out. Regular department stores have their customers check out towards the front of the store. If it is an upscale department store, there will be a sales counter within each department. These stores can also be one of many within a larger retail chain, while others are independent retailers.

Department stores came to be in the 1800s. They originated from the flea markets of Paris. People visited these markets to get anything that they wanted. It was simply expected that they would have what they were looking for. This style eventually spread in a way that did not include second-hand products.

Eventually, the US department stores that we all love and cherish were formed. American department stores have since become very popular and one of the most frequented types of stores in the states. You can find department stores sales online for even better prices!

Best Department Stores in the USA

Many people describe the best stores as the most popular. These top department stores tend to be national and regional corporate chains. As these stores developed, they soon became core institutions that American lives revolved around. They are a symbol of order and stability. They defined a way of life while furnishing the necessities and the luxuries that it entailed. Here are some of the biggest and most popular corporate chain department stores in the United States.

JCPenney

JCPenney is definitely one of the most popular options. It has clothing for all ages and has become a household brand. Its affordability makes it a good choice.

Kohl’s

Kohl’s is a fan favorite of many mothers. It has affordable prices and is one of the best clothing department stores. Kohl’s offers many weekly and monthly discounts through their rewards programs.

Macy’s

It is arguably one of the most well-known brands and consists of Macy’s, Macy’s Backstage, Bloomingdale’s, and Bloomingdale’s Outlet Store. Bloomingdale’s is a more sophisticated, upscale version of Macy’s, Macy’s Backstage, and Bloomingdale’s. The Outlet Store just holds discounted products from their counterparts.

Neiman Marcus Group

The Group consists of Neiman Marcus, Neiman Marcus Last Call, and Bergdorf Goodman. All three stemmed from the same root but are slight variations. Neiman Marcus Last Call features products that are at the end of their season. They are typically listed at a discounted price.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom, Inc. consists of Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack. Regular Nordstrom stores are a fan favorite to middle and upper-middle-class families. Norstrom Rack has many Nordstrom products at a discounted price. It is basically its own clearance section

Hudson Bay Company

This chain is definitely a high-end retail store. They have very high-quality products and charge a good bit for their products. They are considered a luxury store and one of the most expensive stores to shop at.

Sears

Sears stores had eventually gone out of business, but they consist of Kmart stores as well. The Kmart brand used to be viewed as the current Walmart. Over the years, its brand had slowly become a store where one can expect low affordable prices and discounts.

Top High-End Department Stores

As stated earlier, many consumers prefer a more luxurious environment. Even though department stores originated as a way for the common person to buy what they need at an affordable price, the time has moved forward. Department stores come in all shapes and sizes. 

Nowadays, many boutique high-end stores have turned their brand into luxury department stores. This was a smart move because being surrounded by a large number of expensive items makes your shopping experience even more lavish. Here is a list of high-end department stores located in the United States.

Barney’s NY

Barney’s is located on the Upper East Side of New York and is known for its extravagant window displays during the holidays. They have staff dress for the dimes to sell you their expensive suits and bags.

Atelier Beaute Chanel

Chanel is also located in New York. This is a beauty concept store that is focused on the discovery and plays for a new generation of luxury shoppers. This abstract experience is personalized for each guest including a perfume bar and makeup and skincare station.

Burberry

The brand needs no introduction because its name is so well-known in the high fashion community. The store itself is gorgeous and allows its consumers to feel like they are paying for the experience.

There are many more luxury brands that have created department stores to suit their brands. You just need to discover them for yourself in the hidden gems of the country.

Conclusion

Department stores are an American staple. From the cheap department stores to the most expensive department stores, there is something for everyone to enjoy. American department stores will be around forever, and you never have to settle on a single one. Find your favorites!