Which department store is the best? Vote now!
USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Thanks to a wide variety of products, a good department store takes some of the stress out of the holidays by offering one-stop shopping for just about everyone on your gift list.
We assembled a panel of shoppers to nominate their favorite department stores throughout the U.S., and now we need your help to crown the best of the best. Which department store is your go-to during the holiday season?
Vote for your top choice once per day until voting ends on Monday, December 2 at noon ET. The winning department stores will be announced on Friday, December 6, in time to finish up your holiday shopping.
Read the official Readers' Choice rules.
Thanks to a wide variety of products, a good department store takes some of the stress out of the holidays by offering one-stop shopping for just about everyone on your gift list.
We assembled a panel of shoppers to nominate their favorite department stores throughout the U.S., and now we need your help to crown the best of the best. Which department store is your go-to during the holiday season?
Vote for your top choice once per day until voting ends on Monday, December 2 at noon ET. The winning department stores will be announced on Friday, December 6, in time to finish up your holiday shopping.
Read the official Readers' Choice rules.
Thanks to a wide variety of products, a good department store takes some of the stress out of the holidays by offering one-stop shopping for just about everyone on your gift list.
We assembled a panel of shoppers to... Read More
Best Department Store Nominees
Belk
Nearly 300 Belk department stores are found across 16 states, offering a range of products including clothing, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, and home furnishings. Plus, Belk Rewards+ cardholders get extra benefits like discounts, points, and reward dollars which can be put towards future purchases.
Photo courtesy of imtmphoto / iStock Via Getty Images Plus
Bergdorf Goodman
This fashion paradise is often a first stop for luxury lovers in the Big Apple. Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue has been a landmark in the city since 1901, featuring boutiques for Gucci, Versace, Chanel, and Saint Laurent.
Photo courtesy of pixelfit / E+
Bloomingdale's
Shoppers agree that Bloomingdale's is great for its selection of trending labels and popular brands. What began as a hoop skirt-selling Ladies' Notions Shop in New York in 1861 has since expanded to include more than 80 upscale department stores across the nation. Their distinctive brown shopping bags are icons all on their own.
Photo courtesy of RgStudio / E+
Boscov's
Boscov’s, a family-owned department store, operates around 50 locations across the Northeast United States from their headquarters in Pennsylvania. They offer a wide variety of products and brands, including Champion, Calvin Klein, Estée Lauder, and Sony.
Photo courtesy of Peera_Sathawirawong / iStock Via Getty Images Plus
Burlington
For more than 50 years, Burlington — once known as Burlington Coat Factory — has focused on offering brand-name merchandise at lower prices. There are more than 800 stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico which sell attire, accessories, home goods, and gift items.
Photo courtesy of gilaxia / E+
Dillard's
Featuring brands like Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Eileen Fisher, and Armani Exchange, Dillard's offers mid-priced and upscale fashions at its nearly-300 locations across more than 25 states. Shoppers can easily find what they need, from clothing and accessories to beauty supplies and home goods.
JCPenney
JCPenney has more than 600 department stores across 49 states and Puerto Rico. Each one offers an assortment of national, private, and exclusive brands at a variety of price points, including brands like Liz Claiborne, Frye and Co., and Nicole by Nicole Miller.
Kohl's
Since Kohl's was founded in Wisconsin in 1962, it has expanded to include more than 1,000 locations across 49 states. Returning shoppers appreciate the good value on brands like Simply Vera by Vera Wang, Marc Anthony, Lauren Conrad, and Food Network. It's one of the largest department store chains by retail sales and number of locations in the nation.
Photo courtesy of momcilog / E+
Macy's
Macy's, one of the largest American department stores by retail sales, operates hundreds of locations across the United States. The iconic flagship on Broadway and 34th Street in New York City has over 1 million square feet of retail space. Macy's sells a bit of everything, so regardless of location, shoppers can surely find what they're looking for.
Marshalls
Marshalls is a home, fashion, and apparel retailer that offers brand-name clothing, shoes, housewares, and gift items at more affordable prices. There are more than 1,000 locations, which can be found throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada.
Photo courtesy of andresr / E+
Neiman Marcus
Neiman Marcus, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, offers fashion at its most sophisticated. The stores specialize in offering a selection of luxury merchandise, including couture and designer clothing, shoes, and accessories at their 36 locations across the United States.
Nordstrom
Each of Nordstrom's locations across the U.S. — there are more than 350 — prides itself on offering customers upscale fashion and some of the best customer service in the industry. This high standard was established when the department store first debuted in 1901 and still rings true today. Plus, customers can take a break from shopping and grab a bite or refreshment at one of the department store's restaurants, which are located in-store at around 200 of Nordstrom's locations.
Nordstrom Rack
With hundreds of locations across the country, Nordstrom Rack offers upscale clothing, shoes, accessories, beauty products, and home goods at discount prices. Shoppers can find the same brands that are carried at Nordstrom's full-line store at a fraction of the cost.
Photo courtesy of ReMa / iStock Via Getty Images Plus
Saks Fifth Avenue
Since the first Saks Fifth Avenue store opened in 1924, the luxury department store chain has expanded to include more than 40 stores across the United States, which offer a vast selection of apparel, accessories, beauty products, and more. Visitors to the New York flagship can enjoy perusing a shoe department so large that it has its own zip code: 10022-SHOE.
Photo courtesy of Saks OFF 5TH
Saks OFF 5th
The first Saks OFF 5th — the outlet division of Saks Fifth Avenue — opened in Franklin Mills, Pennsylvania, in 1992. Today, around 100 locations across the nation offer on-trend, off-the-runway fashion brands at discounted prices.
Photo courtesy of martin-dm / E+
Sears
Sears established itself through the mail-order catalog business in the late 1800s, and now offers reliable appliances and affordable clothing, shoes, and household items. There are just-over 10 locations across the United States, and one in Puerto Rico.
T.J. Maxx
T.J. Maxx has more than 1,300 locations around the country and has garnered a loyal following of shoppers for their heavily-discounted, high-quality, brand-name fashions. New deliveries at each store several times per week make shopping at the department store akin to a fashion treasure hunt.
Photo courtesy of martin-dm / E+
Target
There’s little that Target doesn’t offer in the way of clothing, accessories, home goods, and electronics. Its products are focused on design, and the company strives to make the “Target run” convenient and affordable. Shoppers can maximize their purchase benefits with the Target Circle Card and Target Circle Rewards program.
Von Maur
The von Maur family opened its first retail location in Davenport, Iowa, in the late 1800s. Today, shoppers will find almost 40 Von Maur department stores across 15 states, each specializing in brand-name merchandise. Many locations feature live piano performances during business hours, which creates a relaxing and refined shopping experience.
Photo courtesy of YakobchukOlena / iStock Via Getty Images Plus
Walmart
A big leap from its humble beginnings, Walmart is consistently named the largest company by revenue. Shoppers flock to its big-box stores to stock up on everything from home goods and groceries to electronics and apparel, as well as take advantage of the store’s “everyday low prices.”
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Chez Chesak
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor... Read More
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com.
Chez Chesak
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com.
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a... Read More
Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and relies on her vast experience and gray matter to produce informative, entertaining content.
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and relies on her vast experience and gray matter to produce informative, entertaining content.
Jean Chen Smith
Jean Chen Smith is a freelance journalist who has... Read More
Jean Chen Smith is a freelance journalist who has been producing content for over 15 years. With a love of travel and storytelling, her intention is to create content to inspire and connect people to places, things, and experiences. Her articles have appeared in AARP, Travel and Leisure, 1859 magazine, Insider Travel, USA Today, Family Vacationist, The Oregonian, SFGATE, weekand.com, and more. When not writing or teaching Pilates at her studio, she enjoys trail running, spending time with her pups Tonka and Paisley, and reading suspense novels.
Jean Chen Smith
Jean Chen Smith is a freelance journalist who has been producing content for over 15 years. With a love of travel and storytelling, her intention is to create content to inspire and connect people to places, things, and experiences. Her articles have appeared in AARP, Travel and Leisure, 1859 magazine, Insider Travel, USA Today, Family Vacationist, The Oregonian, SFGATE, weekand.com, and more. When not writing or teaching Pilates at her studio, she enjoys trail running, spending time with her pups Tonka and Paisley, and reading suspense novels.
Jenny Peters
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los... Read More
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).
Jenny Peters
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).
Kristin Luna
Kristin Luna is a Nashville-based travel writer... Read More
Kristin Luna is a Nashville-based travel writer who has contributed to Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA TODAY, Southern Living and many more. You can follow her adventures via her blog Camels & Chocolate or on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Kristin Luna
Kristin Luna is a Nashville-based travel writer who has contributed to Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA TODAY, Southern Living and many more. You can follow her adventures via her blog Camels & Chocolate or on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Kyle McCarthy
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of... Read More
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com, America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and The Family Vacationist e-newsletter provide destination reviews, tips and seasonal roundups for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.
Kyle McCarthy
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com, America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and The Family Vacationist e-newsletter provide destination reviews, tips and seasonal roundups for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.
Melody Pittman
Melody Pittman is the owner and creator of Read More
Melody Pittman is the owner and creator of Wherever I May Roam Blog and is co-owner of the Southern Travelers Explore annual conference, in its 4th year, which brings CVBS and writers/influencers together from all over the country. She is a digital influencer and writes for both online and print publications, such as Travel Awaits, Charleston Home and Living Magazine, Matador Network, She Buys Travel, and more. Melody has worked with major brands during her nine-year career, such as Viking River Cruises, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Disney, hundreds of tourism boards, and GO RVing. Melody’s first book “100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die” was released in the spring of 2023. She has a podcast, 100ThingsWV, and social channels to go along with the book. Melody loves road trips, small towns, cruising, and sharing lesser-known destinations with her followers via TikTok, Youtube, IG, and FB. After a year of full-time RV travel, she now resides in Mesquite, Nevada.
Melody Pittman
Melody Pittman is the owner and creator of Wherever I May Roam Blog and is co-owner of the Southern Travelers Explore annual conference, in its 4th year, which brings CVBS and writers/influencers together from all over the country. She is a digital influencer and writes for both online and print publications, such as Travel Awaits, Charleston Home and Living Magazine, Matador Network, She Buys Travel, and more. Melody has worked with major brands during her nine-year career, such as Viking River Cruises, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Disney, hundreds of tourism boards, and GO RVing. Melody’s first book “100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die” was released in the spring of 2023. She has a podcast, 100ThingsWV, and social channels to go along with the book. Melody loves road trips, small towns, cruising, and sharing lesser-known destinations with her followers via TikTok, Youtube, IG, and FB. After a year of full-time RV travel, she now resides in Mesquite, Nevada.
Nicky Omohundro
Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of Read More
Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of LittleFamilyAdventure.com, the popular family travel & lifestyle website that inspires families to leave no child left inside. Since 2013 LFA has been providing inspiration to get families outdoors, eat well, and travel everywhere from their own backyard to around the world. Always up for a family adventure, she has traveled to 37 states and 6 countries to zip-line through a Costa Rican rainforest, see Finland’s Northern Lights, and go camping throughout the US. Nicky is the co-founder of Tourism WorX a travel consultancy group. Connect with her Twitter and Instagram.
Nicky Omohundro
Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of LittleFamilyAdventure.com, the popular family travel & lifestyle website that inspires families to leave no child left inside. Since 2013 LFA has been providing inspiration to get families outdoors, eat well, and travel everywhere from their own backyard to around the world. Always up for a family adventure, she has traveled to 37 states and 6 countries to zip-line through a Costa Rican rainforest, see Finland’s Northern Lights, and go camping throughout the US. Nicky is the co-founder of Tourism WorX a travel consultancy group. Connect with her Twitter and Instagram.