Lord & Taylor
Category: Department Stores [Edit]
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Murray Hill424 5th Avenue
(between 38th St & 39th St)
New York, NY 10018 (212) 391-3344
- Nearest Transit:
42nd St-5th Ave-6th Ave (7, B, D, F, V)
34th St-6th Ave (B, D, F, V, N, Q, R, W)
Grand Central (4, 5, 6, 7, S)
- Price Range: $$$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
32 Reviews for Lord & Taylor
Enormous, quality goods, nice sales, and helpful (and unsnooty) salespeople. Not nearly as crowded and crazy as Macy's, either, albeit slightly more difficult to navigate.
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Hip, SCHMIP: I like it!
Charge customers receive constant coupons.
I love L & T, esp. Kate Hill line of women's sportswear, which has good, simple styles at good, often sale, prices.Got a nice Calvin Klein parka at a great price recently.
And, Tony, I like the building too.
Good (and fairly empty) kids' clothing dept., too.
The place recalls the late, lamented B. Altman & Co.
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I will start off with the positive....great shoe sales. Other than that, whatever. People have GOT to get over themselves.
I had to get a shirt for my husband, who is so not a "suit". We were going to a party. A friend of mine told me to go to L&T to get the "no iron" shirts. We live nearby, so I figured it was a good idea. So, I go in, the first floor is mobbed. I walk over to the escalator and see that the men's floor is at the very top. So I go up. As I go up to each level, I see that it's completely empty....which can be nice in a dept. store.
Well, I get up there and was immediately overcome with this sense of "how did you get in here?" It's as if there was a secret handshake I should've known. I went over to a salesman and asked him about the shirts, and I swear to you he said this: "You should be on the first floor." Now, to be fair, I did ask where to find this particular shirt, and that's where it was. But as he said it, he did this thing to his face. Like, ya' know....twisted it. I kind of just gave him a knowing smirk and continued to walk around the floor, just to piss him off.
Guess I forgot to wear my Prada flats. Oh wait, I forgot to BUY my Prada flats.
The first floor is fun, tourist-y wise. They have cute shopping bags, so buy something just for those. The shoes are great. Everything else, you can get it in Macy's and without the attitude. Ok, Macy's can be nuts, but just don't go to the one on 34th St.
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It's all about the Eastern European ladies here. Seriously.
I used to work only a couple of blocks away from Lord & Taylor's and have dropped way too many dollars over the course of six years, eyeing one beautiful cocktail ring after another. I decided to "meander" in on the way to a meeting while I was in town and just reacquaint myself with their jewelry selection.
This is where the Eastern European ladies behind the counter come in. They don't cajole, they don't flatter. They smile knowingly and say: "You like the ring, eh. It's very pretty, a young girl like you (okay, okay, I know I still look like a kid). Here, let me take it out of the case, and you try it on."
Nobody can hook me in like those old ladies. Forget the young beautiful things selling makeup at Bloomingdales, the elegantly dressed men spritzing perfume at Saks Fifth Avenue...those old ladies of Lord & Taylor. The perfect salesperson isn't the one with the honeyed tongue, it's the one with the grandmotherly demeanor.
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You know, given the location and their history, I just cannot understand how they continue to be so super un-hip... I mean, come on, you are on Fifth Avenue, right in the middle of it all.
You step into the store, and you are back in the 1970s--not even the 1980s, with dated decor, dated/cheap/nondescript selections, old, dingy building that needs some good scrubbing, and sales people who'd rather be taking a nap.
I am not sure what some people here have been smoking to even suggest that this store is in Bloomies' league--but, like any good New Yorker, I know my Bloomies, and L&T is NO BLOOMIES in ANY stretch of imagination.
I love Lord & Taylor because it's upscale like Bloomingdale's but not as much of a mob scene. And of course, it's not a total train wreck like Macy's. Plus, they really do send out those 15% off coupons all the time, so I'm always able to find something I want for a bargain. I got a Michael Stars tunic for $8 on my last visit.
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While shopping in Manhattan last week something told me I should stop by Lord & Taylor. Sure enough I walked out of there with 2 handbags and 3 pairs of shoes and the best part of it all is that they were all on sale. I got a DKNY bag I had been looking for at more than 50% off as well as a Francesco Biasia bag for a fraction of the retail price. Not only were they on sale but the sales associate gave me an additional coupon.
The shoe department is awesome as stated in previous reviews. I pretty much found everything I liked in my size which is generally unusual everywhere else whenever there's a sale. I used to stop by here on my way home when I worked in the City and this was always the case.
Definitely worth checking out!
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One of the most overpriced stores in Manhattan. Yes, of course, you get quality but I'm sure they could sell these items even a little cheaper.
Perhaps their clientele can afford to not look at prices.
Went to this store just once to see what it was all about. Yes, it has a reputation.
Out of town? Pass this store by, unless you have to use the restroom.
Shop at Macys, Conways, or TJ Maxx, or even Marshalls. You will get better buys.
If you are into snob appeal then this is the store for you. Have fun.
Bottom line is that the store is nice , great merchandise but most average people cannot afford to shop there. I read -from other reviewers that they send coupons, but I'm thinking they would have to send fifty to sixty-percent off coupons to bring this store down to earch.
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I was recently reminded this week of how wonderful the shopping experience can be at Lord and Taylors.
sigh..I don't work anywhere near L&T anymore... somewhere my wardrobe and shoe closet just screamed.
I did my entire Christmas shopping in one shot here one year. It was a feat I have since then not been able to accomplish anywhere else.
-The staff is great at their jobs, no attitudes whatsoever and willing to find that size for you.
-The brands here are the same or similar to what you would find at Bloomies.
-Virtually no crowds, except when there's a shoe sale.
Talking about shoe sales, they are a diamond in the rough when they happen.. so keep your eyes peeled and make a beeline here if you're ever looking for those perfect boots. Too bad cause I bought them here last season.
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I normally don't like to rate department stores, but L&T deserves one just for it's women's shoe department. I had the luxury of shopping with a kool chick who works there. I had never been there and I had an agenda for what I was looking for. I found everything and more... The women's shoe department was outta control. They have the BEST collection and I was so happy to find my size (5.5). Not only that, but their sales were amazing.. I'm a big fan of Nordstrom's shoe department, but I do believe L&T is a close first. I'm definitely returning soon.
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Sorry, Bloomie's. I'm still entirely loyal to you, but there's one thing that only Lord & Taylor has that you and all other department stores in Manhattan don't.
It's SEE'S CANDIES.
Lord & Taylors carry the beloved See's assorted chocolates, truffles, nuts and chews, peanut brittles and lollipops that aren't exceptionally gourmet or exclusive (and not even fresh as the ones here have all been pre-boxed and presumably shipped from California), but they're my uber favorite sweets since childhood. We always have a box of See's somewhere in the kitchen.
The first-floor cosmetic department is beautiful, too. In my opinion, the best among all others in the city in terms of the layout, customer service, inventory... The other floors are worth strolling around as well, though for serious shopping, Bloomie's more fun.
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I have always liked this store, regardless of where it's located. The NY store is very elegant, well-put-together, and neat. It's must less frenzied than Macy's is, and has a much more upscale feel. Even better, the prices are not too bad, and they almost always have sales and/or coupons. Just a nice shopping experience.
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Lord & Taylor is a great department store for middle-class hipsters. Sure, as a building, it's a little beat up. But you're not here for the architecture, right? They've got a decent selection; I got some of my goto pieces from Lucky, Mavi, and FCUK here. And with a coupon, it comes out to a fair price. Whether you're looking for a deal or you're just in the mood to casually browse, you can get your shopping on at Lord & Taylor.
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Obviously I'm biased, since I work on their website. But they really do have great sales, even without my employee discount! Sign up for their email list and you'll get 15 or 20% coupons every week. Their dress selection on the 2nd floor is fantastic!!
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One more update:
I added another star because of the excellent service from the personal shopping service that's open to ALL (hint, hint). That and the fact that they had a cashmere sale, and I got a couple of nice sweaters for a very nice price.
UPDATE: original review below...
I went back to Lord & Taylor today with my friend. She was upset with the shabby treatment I had received and we went to return the dress that I had bought for her as a present.
We bumped into someone who I thought was a manager; turned out to be a personal shopper. She asked if we were being helped, and I told her my tale of woe, below.
She scooped me and my friend up, took us to the personal shopping lounge, and assisted us. My friend ended up with THREE nice items. And Lord & Taylor ended up with another star from me. And if you go to L+T's looking to shop, call up and make a reservation with Vicky Ioannou first. She's great, and is the only reason why I'd ever go back. Well, that and the fact that their cashmere is the best woolen deal in town.
***ORIGINAL REVIEW***
Lord & Taylor used to be the kind of place that my Grandmother would feel uncomfortable in - too rich for her blood, she'd say. Today, well, she'd look down on the store.
I went in this past weekend to buy a dress for a friend. I found a nice one. I went to check out.
The salesperson took the dress out of my hand, and put it back on the rack. I looked at her, puzzled, and said: "Um, I'd like to BUY that, ok?"
She looked confused, then embarrassed. She had pigeonholed me as some non-customer, and had been giving me the bum's rush.
This made me feel badly. I looked about as average as average could be, and no different that the tourists thronging about. I still have no idea regarding why she wanted me to leave.
I called to complain. A sympathetic person insisted that they'd get right on this. That was two days ago. So much for customer service...
Yes, everyone thinks L&T is for the old people but I've got to say... it's not. They have a decent selection (and the only place I can find a great selection for mid-priced textured tights because I'm so not paying $15 a pair at Bloomies) The sales people aren't as good as higher end department stores, though they are nice.
Though the one thing that keeps me coming back is the fact that when they put this on a clearance sale it goes for dirt cheap prices. I bought 3 pairs of pants for $15 each, plus I was able to use a 15% off coupon on it too. It's like a bargain hunters dream without the bargain basement look.
The store layout is pretty good, only thing is don't bother with the elevators they are really slow and get jame packed with lazy people only going one floor up.
The website is non existant and I don't think they have plans to fix it up any time soon.
And PS. the bathrooms are always clean ;)
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Lord and Taylor has come a long way in the recent years. This is a great place to find a bargain because there is usually always a sale and a coupon circulating around.
This location is huge with multiple floors. I came here during the winter once because they put a coat I had on hold from another store. It's so easy to get lost in their sale racks -- everything is organized and you're bound to get a few more bucks off than the ticketed price. Be careful with your wallet.
While Lord and Taylor is not upscale on the level of Saks, Barney's or Neiman Marcus, it is certainly trying to attain a higher level than say Macy's. Over the years, they've begun to stock bigger brands like Kate Spade, Coach, Marc Jacobs, BCBG, Hudson, ABS, and so on. Though, it may seem over whelming at times because of its huge size and high traffic, it's always worht checking out and scoring a bargain.
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One of my favorite places to shop. I almost always find exactly what I am looking for, and their sales are usually unbeatable. I happen to like this location, especially in the evenings, as it's not too crowded and you can really shop in peace. Beware of the endless amount of floors, though (I think there are 9... still not as many as Macys).
Their Context & Identity lines used to really impress me but lately they've been kind of drab. I usually go there for the shoes, accessories, lingerie, and outerwear buys.
Very pleasant shopping experience, fun for the whole family.
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I always seem to have great luck here. I find shoes on sale, jeans that fit, and sunglasses that are actually in my price range. The store is neater than Macy's and presented as slightly more upscale.
The only negative I can mention is some irritating sales-help behavior. The shoe department is commission driven and the employees try to poach each others customers. It is a very unattractive practice if you get caught in the middle. Fortunately, the staff usually ignore me and will instead lock onto women who are lugging coach bags.
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If it weren't for receiving a yearly gift certificate at work every Christmas, i wouldn't have come into this store. Ever. I have this preconception, from the looks of it, that its snobby and pricey inside. I was right. None the less, the times i have been coming in to use my certificate i have been received very cordially and warmly by the staff that has helped me. They seem fairly dedicated to provide good service and to find something for you. Even if you cant afford it.
The several levels of store are packed with expensive signature outfits and the like. Seasonally they put some knickknacks here and there sold at a discount... these i get if they suit me. Tonight wasn't the exception. I am pleased with the service i have received as well with the environment of this very elegant and comfortable store. I might not spend my own money here but i have been able to comfortably buy using the afore mentioned certificate. Have a good night people. Don't spend all the money in the same place.
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Came shopping here the other day because I need a dress for an upcoming wedding, and it used to be a great place to go dress shopping for petites. Since the last time i went dress shopping there a couple of years ago, they majorly shrunk their petites dress department. Thankfully I managed to find a dress on the second floor.
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This place rules. Everyone thinks it's for old people, so they never go there. Makes for a much nicer shopping experience.
There's still an old-person section in the back, but their men's department is awesome. Lots of great designers, and awesome sales.
The biggest problem with L&T is their elevators. They make me nauseous.
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best shopping experience i've had since moving to nyc.
the store was clean & extremely organized, the employees were helpful and friendly, and the sales rule. i love the new inventory technique with the shoes - great system!
awesome dress selection, and the sale racks are meticulously categorized by size.
and to top it all off... a cashier noticed that there was a coupon which applied to my purchase, and she got me one and used it, saving me about $30! yeah! totally rad.
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Earlier this year I got caught in one of those lovely torrential downpours that will literally drown you in the space of five minutes. Wind, water, craziness. New Yorkers lost it. I knew I couldn't brave such a storm, so I ducked into the vestibule of the nearest store - it happened to be Lord & Taylor. The rain did not stop and showed no signs of stopping. I decided to suck it up and buy an umbrella - I was in a store, after all.
I didn't want a cheap deal that would break after three uses. I hate wasting money and, in that downpour, it would have lasted 3 minutes. Feeling doomed to paying a high price, I went to the umbrella section. the nicest saleswoman told me where to find the sturdy models and suggested I get one from the men's side if I wanted an oversized one. She pointed out a Totes model that fit all my criteria. I feared to look at the tab. Salespeople always suggest the most expensive items, right? Nope. It was only $22 and highly recommended by the staff.
I've rarely had such a pleasent experience - I went in looking for something, knew the specifics of what I wanted, was led to that thing, and was not pressured into getting something that cost more than I wanted to spend.
A few months later I had to go back because my lovely umbrella had been stolen. Again, I got a very nice salesperson (a man this time) who not only flirted respectfully with me but even went out of his way to give me a little discount (since the new umbrella was a whole $3 more than my last one - oh gasp).
The next time I need an item from a department store I will go here. Maybe the salespeople in umbrellas are particularly nice, but I suspect it's more widespread than that. And I'm pretty sure the prices won't make me cry, either.
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I know it's not exactly hip to shop at department stores, but I love shopping at L&T because of the huge sales and frequent discounts and coupons. You can find edgier "downtownish" labels like Anna Sui as well as more mainstream fare like Free People, Roxy, French Connection, BCBG, DKNY, etc. Their shoe collection on the 2nd floor is great--whoever is their buyer sure knows how to find the best shoes in the collections. Expect Michael Kors, Steven, DKNY, Betsey Johnson, Via Spiga, Coach, Calvin Klein, etc. Not as crowded or crazy as Bloomies (although not as many "hip" designers) but great for good prices.
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Lord & Taylor is the best department store in the city. Located a short hop from Bryant Square Park and a nice walk from the 5th/Rockefeller center madness, L&T is what department stores used to be- departmental with each floors having it's own vibe and targeting a different customer. Want plus size fashions? Head to the 10th floor. Want high designers like Donna Karan and Ralph Lauren blue label, head to the third floor.
Speaking of designers, for some reason a majority of the shopping public think of L&T as the store for little old grannies. Now, that may be true... if granny rocks True Religion jeans and Vivienne Tam tops. Lord & Taylor has a great deal of fashion, although not as much as a place like Bergdorf Goodman. But unlike at Bergdorf, you can shop at Lord &Taylor and have enough cash to pay rent
P.S. the store offers free coupons, available online, for everyone to use , even those of us without a L&T credit card.
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Don't let the old, traditional image fool you. The second floor has great contemporary, stylish designers. The third has the chic, American couturiers. Coupons to help your shopping are abundant, (see emails, mailers, etc.) If you can't get your hands on those, the salespeople are more than happy to help you locate one from fellow shoppers.
Only been shopping here once on my one trip to New York. And I of course forgot to pack underwear and this was the first department store I hit. Big store which is probably norm for NYC. But they had a great lingerie selection without the lack of organization I get at my local Macy's. I found the underwear I wear and a whole new range of colors. Still can't find those colors here, and sadly their website is lacking.
Great department store for women in particular. The merchandise may not always be neat (beware of sale time, which pops around often), but there are bargains to be had.
Sign up for their email savings program (the website is terrible) and print out your coupons before heading to the store - you will save a lot of money.
Be patient in the shoe section.
Hit the children's floor for a variety of styles and prices - there is a little bit less to choose from for boys (but that seems to be the case in most children's sections I find).
I always had a preconceived notion of this store being similar to Sears for some reason, but boy was i wrong! Although it is set up in typical department store fashion, the racks are filled with great finds. They have a ton of well known designers here at discounted prices. A good store for the shopper who wants quality clothes but still needs to pay rent!
I don't know...this place isn't so hip. You can find the same brands at a much more fun, "happening" department store.
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This one-time uber-prestigious department store that catered to Upper East Side ladies who wore hats and gloves for every occasion no longer carries the cachet it once did, but with retail competition at an all-time high you can't blame them for trying to stay in step with the times. Bargain hunters who never would have dreamed of entering the front door now scan newspapers, mailers, and their website - in itself a sign of the changes wrought by moving into the 21st Century - for coupons to clip and keep so they can save up to forty percent on designated days. Big-name designer duds still fill many of the racks, but there's also a large array of lower-priced, contemporary styles for younger working gals - and guys - who brown-bag it every day. It's no longer on a par with Bergdorf Goodman, but it's still quite a few notches above K-Mart in quality and price. Four stars because I remember what it was when it was worthy of five.
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