Lerner Shops – Remember Them?
Lerner shops

What Happened to Lerner Shops?

In the world of fashion retail, some names are timeless, carrying stories of innovation, resilience, and style. One of these iconic brands is Lerner Shops, which has made a lasting impact on American fashion. Join us as we explore the history of this beloved retailer.

Lerner shops

The Beginning

The saga of Lerner Shops traces its roots back to 1918 when husband and wife, Samuel A. Lerner and Jessie Lerner, ventured into the world of retail with a single store in New York City.

Their vision was simple yet profound: to offer women fashionable clothing that combined quality, affordability, and accessibility. This ethos would serve as the cornerstone of their burgeoning enterprise

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Lerner Shops: Expansion and Evolution

Driven by a strong commitment to being the best and a deep understanding of changing customer preferences, Lerner grew quickly in the 1900s. By the 1950s, the brand was well-established in retail, with many stores in important areas across the United States.

Lerner shops

One of the pivotal moments in Lerner Shops’ history came in 1958 when the company introduced its signature label, Lerner New York. This move not only solidified its position as a leading fashion retailer but also laid the groundwork for future success.

The brand’s dedication to offering chic, contemporary designs at affordable price points resonated with a diverse clientele, cementing its status as a beloved household name.

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Cultural Impact

Beyond its commercial success, Lerner Shops played a significant role in shaping the cultural fabric of its time. As women’s fashion underwent transformative shifts, propelled by changing social norms and cultural movements, Lerner Shops remained at the forefront, adapting its offerings to cater to the evolving tastes of its clientele

Moreover, Lerner Shops served as a trailblazer in promoting diversity and inclusivity within the fashion industry. By embracing models of different ethnicities and body types in its advertising campaigns, the brand championed a more inclusive vision of beauty, paving the way for greater representation in mainstream fashion.

Lerner shops

Lerner Shops: Re-Branding

While the landscape of retail has undergone seismic changes in the digital age, the legacy of Lerner Shops endures as a testament to the enduring appeal of timeless style and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.

Though the brand underwent various transformations over the years, including rebranding as New York & Company in 1995, its essence remained intact, resonating with loyal patrons and new generations alike.

To shop at New York & Company, click the image below:

NY and Company
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9 responses to “Lerner Shops – Remember Them?”

  1. […] Founded by Mervin G. Morris on July 29, 1949, the first Mervyn’s store in San Lorenzo, California, initially intended to be named “Mervin’s,” adopted the spelling with a “y” for visual appeal. […]

    1. kim ca Avatar
      kim ca

      i remember lerners at chrenshaw and imperial in losangeles

  2. Janet Carlson Avatar
    Janet Carlson

    It was the DISCO era, and I was a disco queen,lol!! I spent half of my paltry paycheck at Lerner’s!!! I would spend hours going through row after row of clothes!! I always found several items I loved. I even saved some and have them in my hope chest today!! One favorite being my beloved parachute pants!!!

  3. CJ in Indiana Avatar
    CJ in Indiana

    I used to love shopping at Lerner & my Mom bought me a lot of nice & affordable fashionable clothes there in high school. I thought they were gone; I had no idea they changed their name to New York & Company…..thanks for that tidbit of info! 😁
    Another store I SO miss is Fashion Bug—-the Fashion Bug version of themself that had the store separated into TWO sides, one for “plus sizes” & the other for “regular sizes” so you had no problem finding your size. BUT their big downfall was their terrible decision to no longer have that split & decided to intermingle all the sizes together. It was terrible! My Mom & I got so fed up trying to find our sizes here & there in the store & we noticed a huge downturn in shoppers in the store as well, no longer lines to wait in to check out due to lack of shoppers. We quit going, wasn’t long after that they were going out of business. They should have left well enough alone!

  4. Gail Buckley Crane Avatar
    Gail Buckley Crane

    Lerner Shops; Casual Corner

  5. Delight D Kilyan Avatar
    Delight D Kilyan

    Shopped at Lerner’s in Chicago when I had my first full-time job after HS graduation in 1962. Bought some beautiful coats (with fur collar and cuffs!) and put things on layaway. Really loved shopping there. So many stores I knew (and loved) have, alas, gone out of business. Will check out New York & Company although I’m a little old lady now.

  6. […] of Wayman AME Church, serving as one of its first ushers and a choir member. She also worked at Lerner’s Department Store as a window dresser and pursued her love of music by taking vocal […]

  7. Nancy Kimball Avatar
    Nancy Kimball

    I bought a beautiful dress coat at the learners in Wa state in 1983. I loved it so much! I actually gave it to a friend of mine a few years ago, it was still in good shape… I had a difficult time letting it go it was like an old friend with good memories. I always felt so pretty in it and fancy!

  8. Izetta Warner Avatar
    Izetta Warner

    yes I do Lerner was my way to go store. I am 5″9 and I sure miss my tall girl slack, blouses and sweaters. Please bring them back. If you have a magazine for your other store I would love to have one Thank you

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