1. Sears
You might have thought Sears had vanished entirely, but this legendary retailer hasn’t given up the fight. While only a few dozen stores remain across the U.S., you can still find the familiar Sears logo in certain malls.
2. Boscov’s
This family-owned store has been around for over 100 years, and while it’s often overlooked, Boscov’s is still holding strong in Pennsylvania and a handful of other states. With its old-school department store vibe, it’s a nostalgic trip for shoppers.
3. Belk
Belk is a Southern staple that many might assume has faded into history. But the store, founded in 1888, is still around in over a dozen states, offering its traditional blend of clothing, home goods, and Southern charm.
4. Stage Stores (rebranded as Gordmans)
Though Stage Stores officially filed for bankruptcy in 2020, many of its locations were rebranded as Gordmans, giving it a second life. These stores focus more on discounted products but still carry that department store feel.
5. Bon-Ton
Bon-Ton was thought to be lost to the retail graveyard, but a few locations have quietly reopened since its 2018 bankruptcy. A niche selection of loyal customers keeps this small revival alive, though it’s not the powerhouse it once was.
6. Goody’s
Goody’s was a go-to for budget-friendly clothing in small-town America. Although it went through bankruptcy and closures, a few locations rebranded under the Gordmans umbrella and are still operating in rural areas.
7. JCPenney
JCPenney has been around for over a century, and though it’s been through its share of struggles and downsizing, it’s still kicking. The chain is working hard to stay relevant with updated stores and an expanded online presence.
8. Elder-Beerman
Elder-Beerman may not have the clout it once did, but like Bon-Ton, a few stores have reopened since its bankruptcy. It’s far from its glory days, but for those who remember shopping there, it’s a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era.
9. Bealls
Bealls (not to be confused with the Florida-based chain of the same name) still operates a handful of stores in Texas. Known for affordable fashion, it’s a low-key survivor in the department store world, especially in rural markets.
10. Von Maur
Von Maur is a Midwest gem that many outside the region might not recognize. It’s a department store known for high-end fashion and great customer service, and it’s somehow managed to keep growing despite the retail industry’s challenges.
11. Century 21
After filing for bankruptcy and closing all locations in 2020, Century 21 made a surprising comeback with the reopening of its flagship store in New York City. For die-hard fans of the iconic discount department store, it was a welcome surprise.
12. Bergner’s
Much like Bon-Ton and Elder-Beerman, Bergner’s was part of the same retail family that collapsed in 2018. However, a few stores have quietly reopened under new ownership, serving a very niche market with loyal customers.
13. Macy’s
While Macy’s is far from forgotten, it’s worth mentioning because it’s one of the few traditional department stores still standing strong. Despite store closures, they’ve held onto iconic locations like Herald Square in New York City, keeping the brand alive.
14. Younkers
Once part of the Bon-Ton empire, Younkers was thought to be lost forever. But like its sister stores, a few Younkers locations have come back to life, offering a slice of nostalgia for Midwestern shoppers.
15. Kmart
Kmart feels like a relic of the past, yet there are still a handful of Kmart stores scattered across the U.S. and territories. Though a far cry from its heyday, Kmart’s continued existence is a quirky reminder of retail’s resilience.
16 Dillard’s
Dillard’s might not be on everyone’s radar anymore, but it’s quietly thriving in shopping malls across the South and Midwest. They still offer everything from fashion to beauty, and their loyal customer base keeps coming back.
