About Us

In 1826, two visionary entrepreneurs, Samuel Lord and George Washington Taylor, opened a small dry goods store in Lower Manhattan. Their goal was simple: to offer high-quality products and exceptional customer service. This modest start would be the foundation for one of America's oldest and most beloved department stores.

By 1834, the store had moved to Grand Street, stepping into a rapidly growing New York retail industry. This move marked Lord & Taylor’s transition from a neighborhood shop to one of the city’s first major retail establishments, setting the stage for its reputation as a household name.

As the city developed, Lord & Taylor expanded its footprint with its first flagship store on Broadway and Grand Street. This location embodied the luxury and elegance that the brand stood for, appealing to New York's elite and defining the shopping experience of the era.

In 1914, Lord & Taylor expanded beyond its original location to open its iconic flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. A magnificent Beaux-Arts building, the new store became a symbol of luxury and elegance. The store’s grandeur reflected the brand’s commitment to providing a high-end shopping experience.

During World War II, American fashion began to take center stage, and Lord & Taylor was at the forefront of this cultural shift. In 1945, Lord & Taylor pioneered the concept of “franchise shops,” creating curated sections within its stores to provide a more tailored customer experience.

In 1956 The company expands beyond New York City. This move reflects the shifting trends of the post-war era, catering to customers in suburban areas.

In the 1960s, Lord & Taylor expanded its presence across the United States. The brand embraced the spirit of the era by launching new product lines, including accessories, shoes, and home goods. Its expansion into major cities nationwide helped solidify Lord & Taylor as one of the most recognized department stores in the country.

The 1970s brought a new level of artistry to Lord & Taylor, as the brand transformed window displays into captivating showcases. Particularly during the holiday season, these displays drew visitors from near and far, redefining the relationship between art and retail.

In 1986, Lord & Taylor was acquired by the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), a Canadian retail giant. This acquisition brought new resources and opportunities for growth, allowing the brand to enhance its presence both in the U.S. and globally. The partnership further cemented Lord & Taylor’s reputation as a premier destination for luxury shopping.

As the new millennium arrived, the brand launched its online store, offering customers a seamless shopping experience from the comfort of their homes. “ In 2020, Lord & Taylor had to make a bold decision due to the effects of COVID-19, closing its physical stores and transitioning to a fully digital model. This pivot allowed the brand to adapt to modern consumer habits while preserving its iconic identity.

Today, Lord & Taylor by nearly 200 years of history, continues to serve a new generation of shoppers across the U.S. and beyond who value both the brand's heritage and the convenience of modern shopping.