Lord & Taylor

{{Infobox company

| name = Lord & Taylor

| logo = Lord and Taylor.svg

| logo_alt =

| logo_caption =

| image = Former Lord & Taylor Building (48105832886).jpg

| image_size = 250px

| image_alt =

| image_caption = Exterior of the Lord & Taylor Building (former flagship store) in Midtown Manhattan (2018)

| type = Subsidiary

| industry = Retail

| genre = Department stores

| founded = {{Start date and age|1826}} in New York City, New York, United States

| founder = Samuel Lord

| defunct = {{End date and age|2021|2|27}} (physical stores)

| fate = Chapter 11 bankruptcy and liquidation; intellectual property sold for web store relaunch

| hq_location = 225 Liberty Street, New York City, New York, United States

| num_locations = {{plain list|

86 (at peak, 2000s)
38 (at closure, 2021)

}}

| num_locations_year =

| area_served = Northeastern United States

| key_people =

| products = {{flat list|

Clothing
footwear
jewelry
beauty products
fragrances
bedding
housewares

}}

| website = {{URL|lordandtaylor.com}}

| footnotes =

}}

Lord & Taylor was an American department store chain founded in 1826 by Samuel Lord. It had 86 full-line stores in the Northeastern United States at its peak in the 2000s, and 38 locations at the time of its liquidation in 2021. The Lord & Taylor Building flagship store in Midtown Manhattan operated from 1914 until 2019, and was designated a New York City Landmark in 2007. The chain was owned by many companies in its existence, including Associated Dry Goods from 1916–1986, The May Department Stores Company from 1986–2005, Federated Department Stores from 2005–2006, NRDC Equity Partners from 2006–2008, Hudson's Bay Company from 2008–2019, and Le Tote from 2019–2021. The intellectual property was sold to the Saadia Group, which attempted to relaunch the brand as a web store. Saadia went into default in March 2024, and the intellectual property was acquired by Regal Brands Global that September.{{Cite web |author=Jordan Valinsky |title=Lord & Taylor is closing all of its stores after 194 years in business |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/27/business/lord-and-taylor-store-closures-bankruptcy/index.html|access-date=May 2, 2021 |website=CNN |date=August 27, 2020}}{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/28/business/lord-taylor-sale-le-tote/index.html |title=Iconic but troubled Lord & Taylor sold to clothing rental subscription company Le Tote |work=CNN |date=August 28, 2019}}{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-lord-taylor-liquidation-exclusive-idUSKBN22H2SJ |title=Exclusive: Lord & Taylor to liquidate its stores as soon as they reopen – sources |last=DiNapoli |first=Jessica |work=Reuters |date=May 5, 2020 |access-date=May 19, 2020}}{{Cite web |title=Saadia Group Plans to Buy Lord & Taylor's Assets for $12 Million |url=https://news.bloomberglaw.com/bankruptcy-law/saadia-group-plans-to-buy-lord-taylors-assets-for-12-million|access-date=May 2, 2021 |website=Bloomberg Law |language=en}}{{Cite press release |last=Taylor |first=Lord & |title=The Saadia Group Announces the Official Digital Launch of Lord & Taylor |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-saadia-group-announces-the-official-digital-launch-of-lord--taylor-301270838.html|access-date=May 2, 2021 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}

History

=Under the Lord family, 1826–1916=

File:Lord & Taylor, business in Westchester. LOC gsc.5a14758.tif Birdcage restaurant in 1948]]

File:Lord & Taylor, business in Westchester. LOC gsc.5a14787.jpg

English-born Samuel Lord started a dry goods business in New York City in 1824 and opened the original store that would become Lord & Taylor in 1826, on Catherine Street in what is now Two Bridges, Manhattan. The shop stocked hosiery, misses' wear, and cashmere shawls.{{cite gotham}} His wife's cousin, George Washington Taylor, joined in 1834, and the store was named Lord & Taylor. The store continued to grow: it annexed 49 Catherine Street in 1832 and moved six years later to 61–63 Catherine Street.{{cite book |title=The History of Lord & Taylor, 1826–2001 |publisher=Guinn Company |year=2001 |location=New York |pages=5, 11, 13, 14, 16–17, 19, 21–23, 25, 34, 37, 39}} James S. Taylor, Lord's brother-in-law, replaced George Taylor in 1845. The company erected a new building at Grand and Chrystie Streets in 1853 and moved into that location the following year.{{cite web |url=https://www.ancestry.com/boards/surnames.lord/43.153/mb.ashx |title=America's Successful Men of Affairs:An Encyclopedia of Contemporaneous Biography (Samuel Lord entry) |date=1895 |website=Ancestry.com |publisher=Tribune |volume=1 |page=403 |location=New York| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730024738/https://www.ancestry.com/boards/surnames.lord/43.153/mb.ashx| archive-date=July 30, 2017| url-status=live| access-date=May 5, 2017}} Lord later named his son John T. Lord and his employee John S. Lyle as partners in the enterprise.

On August 29, 1859, Lord & Taylor opened a second store on Broadway at Grand Street in the modern-day SoHo neighborhood, keeping the older store open. The new store was described as a "five-story marble emporium" and was among Broadway's first major new department stores since the A.T. Stewart building at 280 Broadway was completed in 1846. At the same time, Lord & Taylor started participating in wholesaling. Lord retired in 1862. Samuel Lord Jr. and George Washington Taylor Lord succeeded the original partners in leading the company.

In 1870, the Broadway store moved uptown to a new cast-iron building at Broadway and 20th Street, in the area known as the "Ladies' Mile". This store was designed by James H. Giles and included one of the first steam-powered passenger elevators. The new store expanded around 1890 by annexing a building to the east.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/10779070/attractive_to_shoppers_lord_taylor/ |title=Attractive to Shoppers (Lord & Taylor) |date=October 15, 1891 |work=The New York Times| access-date=May 5, 2017 |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com {{open access}}}} Lord & Taylor faced economic troubles after the Panic of 1873, though the original partners gave the company "a large loan" in 1879. By 1894, the company was fast-growing and would open stores on Fifth Avenue in 1903 and 1906. The downtown store continued to function, expanded through to Forsyth Street and advertised until at least 1887 as a new building. Samuel Lord's estate sold the Grand Street store in 1901.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/10780598/lord_taylor_advertisement_showing/ |title=Lord & Taylor (Advertisement) |date=March 10, 1879 |work=The New York Times| access-date=May 5, 2017 |via=Newspapers.com {{open access}}}}{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PbZNAQAAMAAJ&q=lord+and+taylor+%22forsyth+st%22&pg=PA331 |title=The Christian Union |publisher=J.B. Ford & Company |date=April 17, 1878 |location=New York |page=331 |via=Google Books}}{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oeJOAAAAYAAJ&q=lord+and+taylor+%22forsyth+st%22&pg=PA616 |title=The Evening Post Record of Real Estate Sales in Greater New York |date=January 1, 1901}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/10781490/dresses_furs_and_bonnets_lord/ |title=Dresses, Furs, and Bonnets (Lord & Taylor) |date=October 8, 1880 |newspaper=The New York Times| access-date=May 5, 2017 |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com {{open access}}}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/10781714/our_new_building_lord_taylor/ |title=Our New Building – Lord & Taylor |date=December 5, 1887 |newspaper=The New York Times| access-date=May 5, 2017 |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com {{open access}}}}Morrone, Francis (December 27, 2007) [http://www.nysun.com/arts/landmark-department-store/68609/ "A Landmark Department Store"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628064142/https://www.nysun.com/arts/landmark-department-store/68609/ |date=June 28, 2021 }} The New York Sun{{Cite news |url=http://observer.com/2006/09/dear-lord-taylor-retails-resting-place/ |title=Dear Lord & Taylor, Retail's Resting Place |date=September 11, 2006 |work=Observer|access-date=May 23, 2018 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |url=https://vintagefashionguild.org/label-resource/lord-taylor/ |title=Vintage Fashion Guild : Label Resource : Lord & Taylor |website=vintagefashionguild.org |language=en|access-date=May 23, 2018}}

The Lord & Taylor Building, the Starrett & van Vleck-designed Fifth Avenue store and headquarters opened between 38th and 39th streets on February 24, 1914.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/10781998/fifth_avenues_wonderful_evolution_as/ |title=Fifth Avenue's Wonderful Evolution As Shopping Center |date=February 22, 1914 |work=The New York Times| access-date=May 5, 2017 |page=71 |via=Newspapers.com {{open access}}}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/10782080/the_new_store_opens_tuesday_lord/ |title=The New Store Opens Tuesday (Lord & Taylor) |date=February 22, 1914 |work=The New York Times| access-date=May 5, 2017 |page=5}} It touted many modern improvements, including an electric delivery vehicle garage; elevator and hidden conveyor systems for moving goods, people, showcases, and trash, and for loading and unloading trucks; and an on-site electrical generation and heating system. The Broadway store was quickly sold after the new store opened on March 26.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/10782387/lord_taylors_old_corner_sold/ |title=Lord & Taylor's Old Corner Sold |date=March 27, 1914 |work=The New York Times| access-date=May 5, 2017 |page=18 |via=Newspapers.com {{open access}}}} The new store became a New York City Landmark on October 30, 2007.Percival, Marianne (October 30, 2007) [http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/reports/Lord_and_Taylor.pdf Lord & Taylor Building Designation Report] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206210247/http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/reports/Lord_and_Taylor.pdf |date=February 6, 2017 }} New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. pp. 1–2.

Lord & Taylor announced in November 1915 that it would sell off its wholesale business.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1915/11/27/archives/lord-taylor-quit-wholesale-field-directors-authorize-sale-of-that.html |title=Lord & Taylor Quit Wholesale Field; Directors Authorize Sale of That Branch of Their Business, and J. H. Emery May Buy It. To Extend Retail Trade Final Assent Must Come from Stockholders, Who Are to Meet on Next Tuesday. |date=November 27, 1915 |work=The New York Times|access-date=October 11, 2019 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

=Under Associated Dry Goods, 1916–1986=

File:Lord & Taylor, business in Eastchester. LOC gsc.5a28229.tif

File:Lord & Taylor - Boca Raton.jpg store in Boca Raton, Florida, in 2019]]

A founding unit of Associated Dry Goods, Lord & Taylor was considered to be its crown jewel.

In 1945, Dorothy Shaver became the first woman to head a major retail establishment in the United States as president of Lord & Taylor.{{cite web |url=http://amhistory.si.edu/archives/WIB-tour/dorothy_shaver.pdf |title=Dorothy Shaver (1893–1959), The First Lady of Retailing |publisher=National Museum of American History Archives Center |access-date=May 6, 2017 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305023026/http://amhistory.si.edu/archives/WIB-tour/dorothy_shaver.pdf |url-status=dead}} As vice president working with the well-known design firm of Raymond Loewy Associates, she opened what is credited as the first-ever branch store, in Manhasset, New York. Unlike earlier forays into the suburbs that consisted of smaller boutique-style shops, this merchandising effort became the model for modern suburban shopping. The store consisted of 66 individual shops. Lord & Taylor's relationship with Raymond Loewy Associates continued until 1969, following the construction of the Stamford, Connecticut store (designed by Loewy Vice President Andrew Geller).{{Cite web |url=http://cooperalumni.org/alumni-profile-andrew-geller-ar49-and-shirley-geller-a44/ |title=Cooper Union Alumni Association {{!}} Alumni Profile: Andrew Geller, AR'49, and Shirley Geller, A'44|website=cooperalumni.org|date=September 21, 2015|language=en-US|access-date=May 23, 2018}} Many of Lord & Taylor's special services, including personal shoppers, were introduced while Shaver presided.{{cite magazine |first=Stephanie |last=Amerian |date=June 1, 2009 |title=Fifth Avenue's First Lady: Dorothy Shaver |url=https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7w18h2jx |journal=CSW Update Newsletter}} During this period she introduced the Andrew Geller handwritten logo and the American Beauty Rose as icons of the store. Shaver died in 1959.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/06/29/archives/miss-shaver-dead-led-lord-taylor-dorothy-shaver-is-dead-at-66.html |title=Miss Shaver Dead; Led Lord & Taylor; Dorothy Shaver Is Dead at 66; Headed Lord & Taylor Since' 45 |date=June 29, 1959 |work=The New York Times|access-date=May 23, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite magazine |url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,886788,00.html |title=Retail Trade: Fifth Avenue's First Lady |date=December 31, 1945 |magazine=Time|access-date=May 23, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0040-781X}}

William J. Lippincott was elected chairman and chief executive in 1972. His obituary in The New York Times read: "In his years as president and chairman, Lord & Taylor moved beyond its traditional territory in the northeast to open stores in Atlanta, Houston, and Dallas and four stores in Illinois."{{Cite web |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2003/07/28/daily44.html |title=Metro Atlanta Lord & Taylor stores closing |website=Atlanta Business Chronicle|access-date=May 23, 2018}}{{cite news |title=W. J. Lippincott, 73; Headed Lord & Taylor |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/07/obituaries/w-j-lippincott-73-headed-lord-taylor.html |newspaper=The New York Times |page=B17 |date=May 7, 1992| access-date=January 2, 2018}} A management shakeup ousted him in 1976.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/01/11/archives/new-lord-taylor-team-plans-expansion-new-team-at-lord-taylor.html |title=New Lord & Taylor Team Plans Expansion |date=January 11, 1972 |work=The New York Times|access-date=May 23, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

Under the leadership of CEO Joseph E. Brooks during the 1970s, the company aggressively expanded into Texas, Illinois, and Michigan; throughout the 1980s, South Florida saw 11 stores opened in quick succession.

=Under May Department Stores Company, 1986–2005=

When the May Company acquired ADG in 1986, it was assumed that May bought it just for the luxury division.{{Cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-10-16-fi-5818-story.html |title=Hilsberg to Run May Division |date=October 16, 1986 |work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=May 23, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0458-3035}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1986/10/04/associated-merges-with-may/ |title=Associated Merges With May |work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=May 23, 2018 |language=en}}

The chain partially withdrew from the oil-shocked Texas and southern Florida markets in 1989–1990 after its 1986 acquisition by May.{{Cite news |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1990/11/19/Mervyns-to-acquire-five-Lord-Taylor-stores-in-Florida/3597658990800/ |title=Mervyn's to acquire five Lord & Taylor stores in Florida |work=UPI|access-date=May 23, 2018 |language=en}} Under May, the upscale Hahne & Co., Wanamaker's, and Woodward & Lothrop chains were refitted and converted into Lord & Taylor.{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1995/08/29/at-woodies-taking-stock-before-a-final-sales-blitz/525795dd-39b3-4c00-a0aa-112da1e63930/ |title=At Woodies, Taking Stock Before a Final Sales Blitz |last=Pressler |first=Margaret Webb |date=August 29, 1995 |newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=May 23, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/1997/08/11/editorial3.html |title=Hello, Lord & Taylor |website=Philadelphia Business Journal|access-date=May 23, 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/01/12/business/lord-taylor-to-bolster-presence-in-new-jersey.html |title=Lord & Taylor to Bolster Presence in New Jersey |last=Barmash |first=Isadore |work=The New York Times |date=January 12, 1989 |access-date=May 23, 2018 |language=en}}{{clear left}}

Jane T. Elfers became Lord & Taylor's second female president in June 2000.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/08/13/business/private-sector-loosening-up-at-lord-taylor.html |title=Private Sector; Loosening Up at Lord & Taylor |last=Kaufman |first=Leslie |date=August 13, 2000 |work=The New York Times|access-date=May 23, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Former Neiman Marcus executive, Brendan Hoffman replaced her in October 2008, when Elfer's contract had expired.{{cite news |url=https://money.cnn.com/2008/09/26/news/companies/lord_taylor.fortune/ |work=CNN |title=Shakeup at Lord & Taylor |date=September 26, 2008| access-date=May 11, 2010 |first=Suzanne |last=Kapner| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211135424/http://money.cnn.com/2008/09/26/news/companies/lord_taylor.fortune/| archive-date=December 11, 2008 }} A third female president, Bonnie Brooks, took over in 2011, and a fourth female president, Liz Rodbell, took over in 2013.{{Cite news |url=https://www.limcollege.edu/life-at-lim/news/2017-commencement-speaker-liz-rodbell-president-hudson%E2%80%99s-bay-and-lord-taylor |title=2017 Commencement Speaker: Liz Rodbell, President of Hudson's Bay and Lord & Taylor|access-date=May 23, 2018 |language=en|archive-date=May 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524080914/https://www.limcollege.edu/life-at-lim/news/2017-commencement-speaker-liz-rodbell-president-hudson%E2%80%99s-bay-and-lord-taylor|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news |url=http://business.financialpost.com/news/retail-marketing/bonnie-brooks-adds-top-job-at-lord-taylor |title=Bonnie Brooks adds top job at Lord & Taylor |date=January 23, 2012 |work=Financial Post|access-date=May 23, 2018 |language=en-US}}

=Under Federated Department Stores, 2005–2006=

File:Veterans Day 2008, NYC (3033556544).jpg flagship store on Fifth Avenue in 2008]]

Federated Department Stores acquired May Department Stores in 2005.{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/the-rise-and-fall-of-lord-and-taylor-history-photos-2020-8|title=The rise and fall of Lord & Taylor, one of the country's oldest and most beloved department stores|first=Bethany|last=Biron|website=Business Insider}} On January 12, 2006, Federated chairman, president, and CEO Terry Lundgren announced that Lord & Taylor would be sold by the end of the year.{{Cite news |url=http://wwd.com/business-news/financial/retail-s-changing-world-federated-opts-to-put-lord-taylor-on-block-549318/ |title=Retail's Changing World: Federated Opts to Put Lord & Taylor on Block |last1=Edelson |first1=David |last2=Moin |first2=Sharon |date=January 13, 2006 |work=WWD|access-date=May 23, 2018 |language=en-US}} Federated announced on March 10, 2006, that six Lord & Taylor locations would be sold or downscale into Macy's.{{cite news |url=http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2006/03/06/daily51.html |title=Lord & Taylor closing at Galleria, West County malls |newspaper=St. Louis Business Journal |date=March 10, 2006 |last=Tritto |first=Christopher| access-date=January 2, 2018}} The legendary Center City, Philadelphia store, the former flagship of the John Wanamaker chain, opened after a one-month renovation as Macy's City Center on August 1, 2006.

=Under NRDC Equity Partners, 2006–2008=

On June 22, 2006, NRDC Equity Partners, LLC announced it would purchase Lord & Taylor for $1.2 billion after Federated converted and sold the previously announced locations; the sale was completed in October 2006.{{cite press release |url=http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=84477&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=875337&highlight= |title=Federated Agrees to Sell Lord & Taylor to NRDC Equity Partners; Transaction Expected to Close in Third Quarter of 2006 |publisher=Federated Department Stores, Inc. |date=June 22, 2006}} Federated continued to service Lord & Taylor consumer credit accounts in an agreement with NRDC under the terms of its sale until mid-2007.{{cite web |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/676892/federated-sells-lord-taylor-nrdc |title=Federated Sells Lord & Taylor to NRDC |date=October 4, 2006}}

=Under Hudson's Bay Company, 2008–2019=

File:Lord and Taylor.jpg at 424 Fifth Avenue]]

File:Lord & Taylor, business at 38th St. and 5th Ave., New York City. LOC gsc.5a21408.tif

On July 16, 2008, NRDC Equity Partners announced that it had purchased the 338-year-old Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) for an undisclosed price to expand internationally and positioned Lord & Taylor under HBC. The combined HBC, as of February 2018, consisted of Hudson's Bay and Home Outfitters in Canada, Galeria Kaufhof in Germany, and Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue in the United States.{{Cite news |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150930005898/en/Hudson%E2%80%99s-Bay-Company-Completes-Acquisition-GALERIA-Holding |title=Hudson's Bay Company Completes Acquisition of Galeria Holding|access-date=May 23, 2018 |language=en}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/nrdc-equity-partners-announces-the-acquisition-of-hudsons-bay-company-536455441.html |title=NRDC Equity Partners announces the acquisition of Hudson's Bay Company |website=www.newswire.ca |language=en|access-date=May 23, 2018|archive-date=March 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301104128/https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/nrdc-equity-partners-announces-the-acquisition-of-hudsons-bay-company-536455441.html|url-status=dead}}

HBC committed to spending an additional $250 million upgrading stores. The Fifth Avenue flagship store received a $150 million (${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=150000000|start_year=2010}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) update in 2010.{{cite web |url=http://theshophound.typepad.com/the_shophound/2013/03/retail-renewal-more-renovations-in-store-for-lord-taylor-on-fifth-avenue-.html |title=Retail Renewal: More Renovations In Store For Lord & Taylor On Fifth Avenue |website=The Shophound |date=March 27, 2013 |access-date=May 6, 2017}} In 2011, an ultra-modern concept store opened in Westchester County at the new Ridge Hill Mall. During this time, locations such as Manhasset, Garden City, Bala Cynwyd, Eastchester, and Stamford all saw ultra-modern style renovations and upgrades. In 2012, a large outpost opened at The Mall at Rockingham Park. In 2013, a contemporary-style outpost opened at Mizner Park in Boca Raton, Florida. In 2014, a $20 million (${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=20000000|start_year=2014}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) contemporary outpost, modeled after the Boca Raton location, opened at Crossgates Mall near Albany, NY. Around this time, a store was announced to open alongside Saks Fifth Avenue in the luxury wing of the American Dream Mall. In March 2017, Lord & Taylor partnered with Brideside.com to launch an in-store bridal shop.In April 2017, Lord & Taylor completed a $12 million (${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=12000000|start_year=2017}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) renovation plan at the Fifth Avenue store.{{cite news |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/newyork/news/2017/04/03/lord-taylor-may-turn-its-103-yearold-landmark.html |url-access=subscription |title=Lord & Taylor may turn its 103-year-old landmark store into a steel-and-glass skyscraper |newspaper=New York Business Journal |last=Noto |first=Anthony |date=April 3, 2017| access-date=January 2, 2018}} In October 2017, after an attempt made to build a skyscraper above the Fifth Avenue store, it was announced the building would be sold in a joint partnership to WeWork for $850 million (${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=850000000|start_year=2017}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}). WeWork was set to occupy the uppermost floors of the building, with the rest remaining a flagship space for Lord & Taylor. This was part of a trend on Wall Street to maximize profits and real estate value.{{cite web |url=http://abc7ny.com/business/lord-and-taylor-sells-landmark-fifth-avenue-store/2562179/ |title=Lord & Taylor sells landmark Fifth Avenue store to WeWork |website=ABC7 New York |date=October 24, 2017|access-date=May 23, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180524003612/http://abc7ny.com/business/lord-and-taylor-sells-landmark-fifth-avenue-store/2562179/ |archive-date= May 24, 2018}} In February 2019, the sale completed for $725 million (${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=725000000|start_year=2019}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) in cash and the remainder in equity, forming a joint venture with Lord & Taylor as minority owners. Industry observers connected the sale of the flagship store to intense activist investors and opportunity seen to monetize real estate at HBC.{{Cite web |url=https://www.glossy.co/retail-redux/how-hudsons-bay-company-looks-to-to-pay-off-its-debt-and-revitalize-its-stores |first1=Danny |last1=Parisi |title=How Hudson's Bay Company looks to pay off its debt and revitalize its stores |date=January 4, 2019 |website=Glossy |language=en|access-date=January 5, 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190211005142/en/HBC-Closes-Sale-Lord-Taylor-Avenue-Building |title=HBC Closes Sale of the Lord & Taylor Fifth Avenue Building |date=February 11, 2019 |work=Business Wire|access-date=February 13, 2019}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2017/11/16/lord-taylor-closing-annapolis-store.html|access-date=February 10, 2021 |website=Baltimore Business Journal |date=November 16, 2017 |first1=Ryan |last1=Sharrow |url-access=subscription |title=Lord & Taylor closing Westfield Annapolis store}}{{Cite web |date=December 6, 2017 |title=Lord & Taylor closing its Old Orchard store in April |url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20171206/NEWS07/171209913/lord-taylor-closing-its-old-orchard-store-in-suburban-chicago |url-access=subscription |first1=Brigid |last1=Sweeney |access-date=November 4, 2020 |website=Crain's Chicago Business |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=December 7, 2017 |title=Lord & Taylor Closing Old Orchard Store Permanently |url=https://patch.com/illinois/skokie/lord-taylor-closing-old-orchard-store-permanently |first1=Jonah |last1=Meadows |access-date=November 4, 2020 |website=Skokie, IL Patch |language=en}}{{Cite web |author= |title=Lord & Taylor to close Old Orchard mall store, lay off 119 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-lord-taylor-westfield-old-orchard-20171206-story.html|access-date=November 4, 2020 |website=Chicago Tribune |date=December 7, 2017}}{{Cite web |title=Old Orchard's Lord & Taylor To Close |url=https://jwcdaily.com/2017/12/07/old-orchards-lord-taylor-to-close/|access-date=November 4, 2020 |website=DailyNorthShore |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Mikus |first=Kim |date=December 7, 2017 |title=Lord and Taylor to close at Old Orchard mall |url=https://www.dailyherald.com/business/20171207/lord-and-taylor-to-close-at-old-orchard-mall|access-date=November 4, 2020 |website=Daily Herald |language=en-US}}

On April 1, 2018, the Hudson's Bay Company gave notice of the theft of customers' credit and debit cards due to a hacking incident. A hacking group known as JokerStash or Fin7 attempted to sell the information from five million stolen customer credentials on dark web sites during the last week of March 2018. The company noted that most compromised records were from Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue customers. The Hudson's Bay Company noted that customers would not be liable for any charges incurred due to this breach, and they will offer no-cost credit report monitoring and identity protection services.{{cite news |last=O'Brien |first=Matt |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2018/04/01/data-breach-hits-saks-fifth-avenue-lord-taylor-stores/vpnLqmgqVQ6bQghmvWhzAL/story.html |title=Data breach hits Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor stores |work=The Boston Globe |publisher=Associated Press |date=April 1, 2018 |access-date=April 1, 2018 |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327172408/https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2018/04/01/data-breach-hits-saks-fifth-avenue-lord-taylor-stores/vpnLqmgqVQ6bQghmvWhzAL/story.html |url-status=dead}}

In May 2018, Walmart began carrying Lord & Taylor fashions on their website to modernize Walmart and position it more upscale. This was a bold move praised by many as being innovative.{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/13/wal-mart-set-to-launch-lord-taylor-fashion-store-online.html |first1=Lauren |last1=Thomas |title=Wal-Mart strikes deal with Lord & Taylor, growing in fashion against Amazon |website=CNBC |date=November 13, 2017|access-date=May 23, 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/06/05/hudsons-bay-lord-taylor-stores-nyc-fifth-avenue/672197002/ |date=June 5, 2018 |first1=Nathan |last1=Bomey |title=Hudson's Bay to close up to 10 Lord & Taylor stores, including Fifth Avenue in New York |website=USA Today |access-date=June 5, 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://abc7ny.com/business/flagship-lord-and-taylor-store-officially-closes-its-doors/5004618/ |website=ABC7 New York |title=Flagship Lord and Taylor store officially closes in Manhattan |date=January 3, 2019|access-date=February 20, 2020}}

=Under Le Tote, 2019–2020=

File:L&T Tysons Corner July 2015 - 1 (19619875655).jpg store in 2015]]

In August 2019, Le Tote, Inc. purchased the retailer for {{CAD|99.5}} million ($75 million) in cash on closing and an additional {{CAD|33.2}} million ($25 million) two years later. HBC was to get a 25% equity stake in Le Tote.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/05/06/hudsons-bay-to-review-strategic-alternatives-for-lord-taylor.html |title=Hudson's Bay to review strategic alternatives for Lord & Taylor |last=Lucas |first=Amelia |date=May 6, 2019 |website=CNBC |language=en|access-date=May 6, 2019}}{{Cite news |url=https://ca.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idCAKCN1VI1LV-OCABS |title=Hudson's Bay to sell Lord + Taylor for $100 million |newspaper=Reuters |date=August 29, 2019 |last1=Dowsett |first1=Sonya |first2=Jessica |last2=DiNapoli |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925142840/https://ca.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idCAKCN1VI1LV-OCABS |archive-date= September 25, 2020}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/28/business/lord-taylor-sold-le-tote.html |url-access=subscription |title=Lord & Taylor Will Be Sold to Le Tote, a Clothing Rental Start-Up |last=Maheshwari |first=Sapna |date=August 28, 2019 |work=The New York Times|access-date=September 3, 2019 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} The buyer would retain the stores' inventory, with an estimated value of {{CAD|284.2}} million. The deal, expected to close before year-end, required HBC to pay the stores' rent for at least three years, at an estimated {{CAD|77}} million ($58 million) cash per year.{{Cite web |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190828005408/en/HBC-Le-Tote-Enter-Agreement-Acquisition-Lord |title=HBC and Le Tote Enter Into Agreement for Acquisition of Lord + Taylor |date=August 28, 2019 |website=Business Wire |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231001122609/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190828005408/en/HBC-Le-Tote-Enter-Agreement-Acquisition-Lord |archive-date= October 1, 2023}}{{Cite news |url=https://business.financialpost.com/news/retail-marketing/not-a-clean-exit-hudsons-bay-sells-lord-taylor-for-133-million |title=Not a 'clean exit': Hudson's Bay sells historic Lord & Taylor for $133 million |newspaper=Financial Post |date=August 28, 2019 |last1=Edmiston |first1=Jake |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203141031/https://business.financialpost.com/news/retail-marketing/not-a-clean-exit-hudsons-bay-sells-lord-taylor-for-133-million |archive-date= December 3, 2019}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/28/business/lord-taylor-sale-le-tote/index.html |title=Iconic but troubled Lord & Taylor sold to clothing rental subscription company Le Tote |author=Chris Isidore and Nathaniel Meyersohn |website=CNN |date=August 28, 2019|access-date=September 3, 2019}} The acquisition was completed in November 2019.{{Cite web |url=https://chainstoreage.com/done-deal-le-tote-completes-lord-taylor-acquisition-names-new-president |title=Done Deal: Le Tote completes Lord & Taylor acquisition; names new president |website=Chain Store Age |date=November 8, 2019 |language=en|access-date=November 11, 2019}}

In November 2019, the sale to Le Tote was finalized and it was reported that all 38 Lord & Taylor brick-and-mortar locations would transfer ownership.{{Cite web |url=https://www.voguebusiness.com/consumers/inside-le-tote-lord-and-taylor-integration-hudsons-bay-company |title=Inside Le Tote's $100 million bet to rebuild Lord & Taylor |last=Milnes |first=Hilary |date=November 8, 2019 |website=www.voguebusiness.com |language=en|access-date=January 6, 2020}}{{cite news |work=Financial Post |url=https://business.financialpost.com/news/retail-marketing/hudsons-bay-selling-lord-taylor-department-store-for-100-million-to-le-tote |title=Hudson's Bay selling Lord & Taylor for $100 million to Le Tote}}

==Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic==

File:Lord & Taylor - Danbury Fair Mall Danbury, CT October 2019 (49554555912).jpg store in 2019]]

File:Lord & Taylor - Livingston Mall Livingston, NJ February 2020 (49553964678).jpg store in 2020]]

File:Lord & Taylor Manhasset, NY 37 (51206727602).jpg store on Long Island in 2020]]

Lord & Taylor's stores were forced to close due to executive state orders by the local and state governments on non-essential retail by Wednesday, March 18, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. While it took some time for the locations to reopen to the public, some of its closed U.S. stores were looted following the murder of George Floyd.{{Cite web |url=https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/police-fire/looters-damage-businesses-in-friendship-heights-sunday-night/ |title=Looters damage businesses in Friendship Heights Sunday night |date=June 1, 2020}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.boston.com/news/local-news-2/2020/06/01/boston-businesses-looted-vandalized-list |title=A running list of the Boston businesses that have been vandalized, looted | Boston.com |website=www.boston.com}}{{Cite news |url=https://wjla.com/news/local/video-friendship-heights-cvs-robbed-looted-during-protests |title=Looters steal gobs of Rx medicine from CVS in Friendship Heights, many others stores hit |first1=Kevin |last1=Lewis |date=May 31, 2020 |website=WJLA}}

Lord & Taylor began the process of reopening on Friday, May 15, 2020, with two of its locations in Florida and New Hampshire allowed to reopen.{{cite news |last1=Lisicky |first1=Michael |title=There Is Still A Little Life Left In Lord & Taylor, Two Locations Reopen |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaellisicky/2020/05/22/there-is-still-a-little-life-left-in-lord--taylor-two-locations-reopen/?sh=eef501d13bba |access-date=March 2, 2021 |work=Forbes |date=March 22, 2020 |language=en}} All stores resumed operations by July 3, 2020.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/03/opinion/sunday/lord-taylor-closed.html |title=Opinion | Goodbye to Lord & Taylor, and the Way We Used to Shop |newspaper=The New York Times |date=September 3, 2020 |last1=Seltzer |first1=Sarah M.}}

On August 2, 2020, Lord & Taylor and Le Tote had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.{{cite news |last1=Lisicky |first1=Michael |title=Lord & Taylor Surprises Shoppers With 'Store Closing' Signs At Many Locations, Files For Bankruptcy |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaellisicky/2020/08/02/lord--taylor-surprises-sunday-shoppers-with-store-closing-signs-at-many-locations/ |access-date=August 2, 2020 |work=Forbes |date=August 2, 2020 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Clark |first1=Evan |title=Le Tote, Lord & Taylor File Bankruptcy |url=https://wwd.com/business-news/financial/le-tote-lord-taylor-file-bankruptcy-chapter-11-1203692453/ |access-date=August 2, 2020 |work=Women's Wear Daily |date=August 2, 2020 |language=en}} On August 3, it was reported that the company would simultaneously solicit bids for its Le Tote and Lord & Taylor businesses.{{cite press release |author1=Hilco Global |author-link1=Hilco Global |title=Le Tote And Lord + Taylor To Continue Sale Process And Commence Store Closings At Certain Stores Through Voluntary Chapter 11 Filing |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/le-tote-and-lord--taylor-to-continue-sale-process-and-commence-store-closings-at-certain-stores-through-voluntary-chapter-11-filing-301104760.html |access-date=August 5, 2020 |work=PR Newswire |date=August 3, 2020 |language=en}}{{cite press release |author1=Hilco Merchant Resources, LLC |author-link1=Hilco Global |title=Le Tote and Lord + Taylor Provides Update on Restructuring Process |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/le-tote-and-lord--taylor-provides-update-on-restructuring-process-301115540.html |access-date=August 20, 2020 |work=PR Newswire |language=en |date=August 20, 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Valinsky |first1=Jordan |title=Lord & Taylor is closing all of its stores after 194 years in business |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/27/business/lord-and-taylor-store-closures-bankruptcy/index.html |access-date=August 27, 2020 |work=CNN |date=August 27, 2020}} That very same date, Lord & Taylor announced that it would close 19 stores and then added another 5 locations to the list on August 20.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/08/03/lord-taylor-store-closures-list-chapter-11-bankruptcy/5572005002/|title=More Lord + Taylor stores closing: Liquidation sales are underway as part of company's bankruptcy amid COVID-19|first=Kelly|last=Tyko|website=USA TODAY}} Finally on August 27, Lord & Taylor announced that it would close all of its stores and go out of business after almost 200 years.{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/012c552cef953c44d275fc010867ca9d|title=After nearly 200 years, Lord & Taylor goes out of business|date=August 28, 2020|website=AP News}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/lord-taylor-closing-all-stores-including-2-in-maryland-amid-bankruptcy/|title=Lord + Taylor Closing All Stores, Including 2 In Maryland, Amid Bankruptcy - CBS Baltimore|date=August 27, 2020|website=www.cbsnews.com}} It had 38 stores at the time of the announcement.{{Cite web|url=https://www.syracuse.com/business/2020/08/all-38-lord-taylor-stores-slated-to-close-see-full-list.html|title=All 38 Lord & Taylor stores slated to close; see full list|first=Rick|last=Moriarty|date=August 3, 2020|website=syracuse}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/08/27/lord-taylor-liquidation-sales-closing-all-stores/5643258002/|title=Lord & Taylor going out of business: Store closings, liquidation sales begin|first=Nathan|last=Bomey|website=USA TODAY}}

On October 15, 2020, Saadia Group, LLC announced it would acquire Lord & Taylor which would then transform the retailer into a digital first format.{{Cite web |date=August 28, 2020 |title=Lord & Taylor's final sale: Who will buy all that real estate? |url=https://www.marketplace.org/2020/08/28/lord-taylors-final-sale-who-will-buy-all-that-real-estate/|access-date=October 29, 2020 |website=Marketplace |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Lord & Taylor, Le Tote $12 Million Asset Sale to Saadia Approved |url=https://news.bloomberglaw.com/bankruptcy-law/lord-taylor-le-tote-12-million-asset-sale-to-saadia-approved|access-date=October 29, 2020 |website=Bloomberg Law |language=en}} On Saturday, February 27, 2021, the remaining 19 stores closed.{{Cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaellisicky/2021/02/27/lord--taylor-locks-its-doors-for-the-last-time-after-195-years/ |title=Lord & Taylor Locks Its Doors For The Last Time, After 195 Years |first=Michael |last=Lisicky |website=Forbes}}

= Under the Saadia Group, 2020–2024 =

In October 2020, the investment firm Saadia Group acquired Lord & Taylor; they transformed the retailer into a digital-first format. In fall 2022, an ad campaign called "Fall Fete" debuted alongside a new logo.{{Cite web|url=https://www.retaildive.com/news/lord-taylor-fall-merchandising-new-logo/632427/|title=Online only, Lord & Taylor unveils fall merchandising, new logo|website=Retail Dive}} However, Saadia Group faced financial difficulties leading to a default on their obligations.{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Vicki M. |date=2024-03-01 |title=End of an Era: Layoffs and Lender Lawsuit Augur the Demise of Lord & Taylor |url=https://sourcingjournal.com/topics/retail/lord-taylor-saadia-lender-45-3-mn-court-order-seize-inventory-assets-white-oak-497271/ |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Sourcing Journal |language=en-US}}

= Under Regal Brands Global, 2024–present =

In 2024, Regal Brands Global acquired the intellectual property of Lord & Taylor.{{Cite web |title=Under new ownership, Lord & Taylor revives old logo and comeback dreams |url=https://www.retaildive.com/news/lord-and-taylor-new-ownership-revives-logo-turnaround-comeback/734985/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHITg5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHRshvqBW0Bnb3CT-7JYSjCndbHjhmTMvuUI1tXmsp9l8Pxgu2cj8k5QPBQ_aem_zGIKiMoklxXQZSQIzN0ZRQ |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=Retail Dive |language=en-US}} Business of Fashion reported in December that Regal plans to bring back the brand as an online discount luxury retailer, along with selling licensed Lord & Taylor branded products which will be distributed online and in department stores.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-06 |title=Lord & Taylor Will Relaunch as an Online Off-Price Retailer |url=https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/retail/lord-taylor-will-relaunch-as-an-online-off-price-retailer/ |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=The Business of Fashion |language=en}} There are plans for the return of physical stores, however these are longterm plans.

In early 2025 a licensing agreement was signed with The Kersheh Group for a sleepwear line to be distributed in the United States, and other categories to be distributed in Canada.{{Cite web |title=Lord & Taylor Announces New Licensing Partnership with The Kersheh Group |url=https://www.licenseglobal.com/fashion/lord-taylor-announces-new-licensing-partnership-with-the-kersheh-group |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=www.licenseglobal.com |language=en}}

SaksWorks

In August 2021, it was announced that SaksWorks, a partnership with WeWork and a spinoff of the Saks Fifth Avenue brand, would provide co-working spaces for technology startups and services for other enterprises. It was predicted that SaksWorks would fill about 90% of the former Lord & Taylor brick-and-mortar locations since Hudson's Bay Company still owned the real estate of the properties.{{Cite web |url=https://i95rock.com/york-factory-releases-extensive-plans-to-fill-4-massive-empty-connecticut-spaces-including-danbury/ |title=Innovative Workspace Company Releases Plans to Fill Large Empty Spaces in Connecticut Including Danbury |date=August 5, 2021}}

Logos

File:Lord and Taylor.svg|Logo handwritten by Andrew Geller, used before 2015 and during the Le Tote ownership in 2020, re-used in 2024 under Regal Brands Global ownership

File:Lord & Taylor 2015 logo.svg|A slightly altered Logo introduced by Hudson's Bay Company (former parent company), in use from 2015{{nbnd}}2019

File:Lord & Taylor 2015 logo 2.svg|The 2015{{nbnd}}2019 era logo originally introduced by Hudson's Bay Company (former parent company); was reissued/reused by Saadia Group from 2021{{nbnd}}2022

File:Lord & Taylor 2019 logo.svg|alt=Logo introduced by Hudson's Bay Company (former parent company), in use from 2019{{nbnd}}2020|Logo introduced by Hudson's Bay Company (former parent company), in use from 2019{{nbnd}}2020

File:Lord & Taylor 2022 logo.svg|Logo introduced by Saadia Group, used from 2022-2024

Gallery

File:Lord & Taylor, business in Westchester. LOC gsc.5a14783.jpg|Lord & Taylor in Westchester

File:Lord & Taylor, business in Westchester. LOC gsc.5a14762.jpg|Lord & Taylor in Westchester

File:Lord & Taylor, business in Westchester. LOC gsc.5a14765.jpg|Lord & Taylor in Westchester

File:Lord & Taylor, business in Westchester. LOC gsc.5a14764.tif|Lord & Taylor in Westchester

File:Lord & Taylor, business in Westchester. LOC gsc.5a14770.jpg|Lord & Taylor in Westchester

File:Lord & Taylor, business in Westchester. LOC gsc.5a14775.jpg|Lord & Taylor in Westchester

File:Lord & Taylor, business in Westchester. LOC gsc.5a14779.jpg|Lord & Taylor in Westchester

File:(King1893NYC) pg854 LORD & TAYLOR, ORIGINAL STORE, CATHARINE STREET.jpg|Catharine Street store

File:New York by sunlight and gaslight - a work descriptive of the great American metropolis; its high and low life; its splendors and miseries; its virtu (1882) (14593294599).jpg|20th Street and Broadway

File:Lord and Taylor.jpg|Lord & Taylor Flagship at 424 Fifth Avenue

File:901_Broadway_exterior_view.jpg|Exterior view of the remaining section of the 1870 store at Broadway and 20th Street.