From Macy’s to Hobby Lobby, these ten stores remain beloved by boomers—but for Gen-Z, they’re relics of a retail world that no longer fits their values or lifestyle.
Retail loyalty says a lot about how generations think.
For baby boomers, shopping is an experience—something tactile, familiar, and personal.
They like walking into stores, browsing aisles, and chatting with salespeople who recognize them.
For Gen-Z, shopping has become fast, digital, and deeply tied to identity.
They’re not loyal to locations but to brands that match their values and aesthetic.
As a result, certain stores that boomers still adore have become nearly invisible to younger shoppers.
Here are ten stores boomers still frequent that Gen-Z wouldn’t be caught dead in.
1. Macy’s and JCPenney
Department stores were once the cornerstone of American shopping.
Boomers grew up with Macy’s and JCPenney as one-stop shops for everything—clothes, furniture, gifts, and cosmetics.
They remember dressing up to go there, walking through perfume counters, and waiting for seasonal sales.
The customer service and in-store credit cards made them feel part of something polished and dependable.
For Gen-Z, these stores feel cluttered, overpriced, and outdated.
They prefer curated brands that speak directly to them online, not racks packed with every possible item.
To them, the department store isn’t a nostalgic experience—it’s a chore.
Boomers see tradition; Gen-Z sees wasted time.
2. Sears (or what’s left of it)
For boomers, Sears was once synonymous with quality, reliability, and the American dream.
It sold everything—from appliances to tools to back-to-school clothes.
Families shopped there for decades, and the Sears catalog was a household staple.
For Gen-Z, Sears is a relic of another era.
The lighting, layout, and brand image feel frozen in time.
Younger shoppers associate it with decline, not trust.
They’d rather order a washer from Amazon or a laptop from Apple than navigate aisles of faded signage.
Boomers remember it as a symbol of progress; Gen-Z sees it as a museum piece.
3. Kay Jewelers and Zales
Boomers still view jewelry shopping as an in-person, emotional experience.
They want to see the sparkle, try it on, and talk to a salesperson about warranties.
Stores like Kay and Zales were once the ultimate stop for engagement rings, anniversary gifts, and milestone moments.
Gen-Z doesn’t see it that way.
They’re skeptical of mall jewelry markups and mass-produced designs.
They prefer custom pieces from small designers, sustainable brands, or even lab-grown diamonds ordered online.
For them, authenticity matters more than prestige.
What feels romantic to boomers feels corporate and outdated to Gen-Z.
4. Payless ShoeSource
For boomers, Payless was a practical paradise—affordable, dependable, and family-friendly.
They could outfit the entire household in one stop without breaking the bank.
It symbolized smart spending and accessibility.
For Gen-Z, Payless represents a bygone era of cookie-cutter style and cheap quality.
They’ve grown up in a world where sneakers are collectible art and footwear is tied to status and identity.
A store that sells everything for everyone feels soulless to them.
They prefer sustainable, aesthetic-driven brands like Veja, Converse, or Allbirds.
For younger shoppers, shoes aren’t just functional—they’re cultural.
5. Pier 1 Imports
Boomers loved Pier 1 for its eclectic décor and world-travel aesthetic.
It made suburban homes feel cultured, filled with bamboo chairs, mosaic lamps, and decorative vases.
Shopping there was like browsing a global market without leaving the U.S.
For Gen-Z, the vibe feels artificial.
They prefer authentic vintage pieces, upcycled furniture, or handmade décor found on Etsy or Facebook Marketplace.
Pier 1’s “exotic” style now reads as dated and overly curated.
Boomers saw it as sophisticated; Gen-Z sees it as faux-bohemian suburbia.
They’d rather thrift than buy mass-produced “personality.”
6. Bed Bath & Beyond
Boomers loved Bed Bath & Beyond for its endless aisles and iconic blue coupons.
It represented abundance and choice—rows of gadgets, linens, and home essentials.
It was the go-to destination for wedding registries, dorm shopping, and new homeowners.
Gen-Z finds the experience overwhelming.
They’re used to minimalism, not cluttered shelves and 50 kinds of toasters.
They’d rather buy direct from a brand that aligns with their aesthetic than wander a maze of beige aisles.
Online reviews and influencer recommendations have replaced in-store browsing.
For Gen-Z, efficiency is luxury; Bed Bath & Beyond feels like chaos.
7. Dillard’s
Boomers appreciate Dillard’s for its sense of formality and tradition.
It’s where they shop for church clothes, special occasions, and conservative staples.
The store feels dependable and structured—a safe space for timeless style.
Gen-Z, on the other hand, sees it as overly stiff.
They gravitate toward casual, expressive, and sustainable fashion brands.
The Dillard’s aesthetic—polished, proper, predictable—clashes with Gen-Z’s love of individuality and comfort.
Even the lighting and background music feel old-fashioned to younger shoppers.
To them, Dillard’s is for their parents’ generation, not theirs.
8. Hobby Lobby
For boomers, Hobby Lobby is a creative haven—an endless supply of craft materials, home décor, and inspiration.
They enjoy the process of walking through aisles of artificial flowers, picture frames, and seasonal décor.
The store represents family projects, holiday traditions, and DIY joy.
Gen-Z takes a more digital or minimalist approach to creativity.
They’re more likely to buy handmade items from small artists online or use digital tools to design.
Many also avoid Hobby Lobby due to its controversial reputation and political associations.
For them, creativity doesn’t live in aisles—it lives online.
What’s nostalgic to boomers feels outdated to younger generations.
9. Talbots
Boomers adore Talbots for its polished, conservative fashion.
It’s the kind of store where every outfit feels appropriate, modest, and “put together.”
They appreciate quality fabrics and consistent sizing.
Gen-Z finds the style far too traditional.
They prefer expressive, gender-fluid, and youthful clothing brands that allow personal flair.
Talbots’ preppy aesthetic feels like a uniform from another era.
To boomers, it’s timeless; to Gen-Z, it’s a symbol of suburban conformity.
They crave individuality, not matchy-matchy cardigans.
10. Office supply stores like Staples
Boomers still love the smell of fresh stationery and the feel of new pens.
Office supply stores like Staples or Office Depot represent order, productivity, and professionalism.
They buy notebooks, filing cabinets, and ink cartridges in person.
Gen-Z does everything digitally—from note-taking to scheduling.
The idea of spending time in a store filled with printer paper feels unnecessary.
They view physical office supplies as clutter, not motivation.
While boomers find inspiration in a clean desk, Gen-Z finds it in a clean screen.
For them, organization lives in the cloud, not on a shelf.
Final thoughts: nostalgia versus efficiency
Boomers shop with nostalgia; Gen-Z shops with intention.
Older generations associate stores with comfort, consistency, and loyalty.
Younger ones seek efficiency, aesthetics, and alignment with their values.
Where boomers find joy in browsing, Gen-Z finds it in simplicity and speed.
These shifts don’t mean one is right and the other wrong—they simply reflect how retail has evolved with time.
For boomers, the store is the experience.
For Gen-Z, it’s just another step between “add to cart” and “delivered.”
