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10 Once-Great Retail Stores That Aren't Worth Shopping at Now

These beloved retailers once ruled shopping, but according to longtime customers, they have lost their shine.

By Hannah Diffey

Edited by Amanda Machado

Updated March 24, 2026

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For a long time, many retail stores built loyal followings by offering reliable quality, fair prices, and enjoyable in-store experiences. But longtime shoppers say some of those once-trusted stores just aren't what they used to be.

If you are looking for smarter ways to save money next time you go shopping, learning about your retail options can help you save money on essentials while avoiding stores that no longer deliver good value. Here are 10 retailers shoppers say have gone downhill in recent years.

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Macy's

For a long time, Macy's was the go-to department store for quality clothing, cosmetics, and home goods. Many shoppers remember the excitement of browsing well-organized displays and finding dependable brands.

Today, some customers say the experience feels very different. Stores often appear understaffed, messy, and the merchandise quality doesn't always match the prices.

One longtime shopper on Reddit summed it up online, talking about how bad Macy's sales have gotten, "They brought out racks and racks of crap they could not sell the year before," and another one replied, "The most infuriating part about it is it all still looks like shirts I could get out of Walmart."

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Old Navy

Old Navy once built its reputation on affordable basics that lasted surprisingly long for the price. However, shoppers say that quality has changed. Complaints frequently focus on T-shirts developing holes quickly or fabrics feeling rough compared to older items.

As one shopper on Reddit wrote, "Old Navy tee shirts used to last for years and years. Several years ago, I got a couple of shirts from them, just basic T-shirts, and within a few months, both had developed random holes."

Banana Republic

Banana Republic used to stand out for classic workwear made from sturdy fabrics and flattering cuts.

Many longtime customers say that's no longer the case. Some complain that modern designs feel inconsistent and materials aren't as high-quality and lasting as they once were. A loyal Banana Republic customer said she recently went into the retailer and was "blown away by how much the quality has decayed!"

Kohl's

Kohl's built its reputation on frequent coupons and name-brand clothing at lower prices than traditional department stores.

But many shoppers say the deals are harder to understand now. Coupons often exclude popular brands, and digital price tags change frequently, making the company appear less trustworthy.

One frustrated customer even wrote a review saying, "Everything that isn't an in-house brand is excluded from the coupon, and most of what they carry are dying brands."

Best Buy

Best Buy was once known as a playground for electronics fans. Shoppers loved browsing shelves full of CDs, DVDs, video games, and computer software for reasonable prices.

But as digital downloads replaced physical media, much of that experience disappeared. Some customers feel that the stores feel less exciting now, and that there is little reason to pop in and browse with not as much physical media.

Burlington Coat Factory

Burlington Coat Factory was once a dependable destination for suits, coats, and professional clothing at discounted prices.

Today, the chain, now simply called Burlington, focuses more on casual apparel and closeout merchandise. Some shoppers say the change makes stores feel cluttered and less useful. One shopper wrote a review on Reddit that the selection now feels "both unrecognizable and not really selling much I'd want to buy."

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Ross Dress for Less

Ross Dress for Less became famous for bargain hunters who enjoyed digging through racks for hidden treasures and big discounts on brand-name items.

These days, shoppers say the treasure hunt has become more frustrating than fun. Many stores reportedly feel messy, crowded, and poorly organized.

A frustrated Redditor described the experience bluntly by saying that Ross has "100% trash in there now, even clothes with holes (not supposed to be there) and dirty, unorganized, just 100% awful."

Goodwill

Thrift stores like Goodwill once attracted bargain hunters looking for gently used items, antiques, and fun thrifts at extremely low prices. But many customers now say prices have risen dramatically.

One frustrated thrift shopper on Reddit put it, "They used to have reasonably priced clothes, especially considering it's all donated, and nearly all previously worn. Now, you're paying what you'd pay for new stuff, and they only put the lowest quality stuff in the store. The rest is being sold online for even higher prices."

Salvation Army

Much like Goodwill, The Salvation Army used to offer some of the lowest thrift-store prices around, which made it a popular option for budget-conscious shoppers.

Recently, some customers have said they've noticed dramatic price increases and even the way stores are managed. One shopper reported on Reddit, "And I know for a fact employees scavenge the good stuff from drop-offs and sell it on the internet."

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Target

Target became popular for stylish private-label clothing that felt affordable yet durable. Some shoppers now say those clothes feel more disposable. Complaints often center around thinner fabrics and shorter product lifespans.

Despite the store's popularity, some shoppers say on Reddit they're done shopping at Target since "Convenience and ease and price are no longer the driving factor."

Bottom line

Retail has changed dramatically over the past two decades, and some once-beloved stores haven't adapted in ways customers appreciate. Rising prices, declining product quality, and confusing sales strategies are common complaints among longtime shoppers.

If you want to prepare yourself financially for uncertain economic times, being selective about where you shop can make a big difference. Many consumers are finding better value by researching deals, supporting smaller retailers, or even shopping at online retailers.

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