In the early decades of the 20th century, Market East was considered Philadelphia’s central shopping district. This area was home to a group of department stores, including Strawbridge & Clothier, Gimbels, Lit Brothers, Snellenburg’s, Frank & Seder, and Wanamaker’s, collectively known as the “Big Six.” Department stores in those days were gigantic, and the Big Six collectively contained millions of square feet of retail space. The variety of offerings wasn’t quite on par with Amazon, but it was probably closer than you’d think.

Not only were these department stores huge and well stocked, they were also, in many cases, opulently designed commercial spaces. The thought went, presumably, that a luxurious experience would entice well heeled shoppers to visit more frequently and spend more money. Also, we have to think that there was an aspect of keeping up with the competition that informed some of the high end details in many of these historic department stores.

Alas, times have changed just a bit since Teddy Roosevelt’s administration, and the Big Six have been getting whittled down for decades. Frank & Seder closed in 1953, with Snellenburg’s following less than a decade later. Lit Brothers closed in 1977, and Gimbels moved from their original building to a space in the Gallery Mall in the same year. Even with the new location, Gimbels was gone by the mid-1980s. The Strawbridge family sold out in the mid-1990s, and though the store on Market Street hung around for a few more years. Finally, Wanamaker’s changed to Hecht’s, then Lord & Taylor, and has been a Macy’s since 2006.

Earlier this year, we learned that Macy’s, located in the Wanamaker Building at 1300 Market St., would be closing its doors. This was obviously an unfortunate economic announcement for Center City, representing the loss of a huge commercial tenant in a prominent location. But the closing also has an emotional toll, as Macy’s closing represents the end of a story of department stores on Market Street that dates back over a century. In addition, countless people have developed a real connection to the building, with fond memories of shopping in the store, meeting at the eagle, and/or listening to the historic pipe organ in the Grand Court.

We visited Macy’s today, a few days before it closes, to get one last look at what’s left of the last great Philadelphia department store. It was mostly depressing, thanks to the “Everything Must Go!” vibe. But it was also a remarkable reminder of a big part of Philadelphia’s history, and a window into what the shopping experience was like, generations before we were born. Sure, the Macy’s of 2025 is but a shadow of the grandeur of Wanamaker’s past. But what’s left is still something to see, and it’s something that we’ll miss.

Macy’s closes its doors for good this weekend. We can’t tell you that there’s anything left that’s worth buying, but if you have the chance in the next couple days, we’d recommend one last visit, to say goodbye.