Once upon a time—not that long ago, if you wanted to shop in Columbus, there was only one real answer: Lazarus.
Before Amazon and Easton and same-day shipping, Columbus shoppers made their way downtown, where Lazarus reigned supreme. The department store wasn’t just a place to grab a new coat or the latest toy—it was the place to be. From humble beginnings to becoming a retail giant with deep ties to the city’s culture, Lazarus helped shape the way generations of Columbus residents experienced everything from back-to-school shopping to the magic of the holidays.
From Dry Goods to Downtown Empire
Lazarus started small. Founded in 1851 by Simon Lazarus, a German immigrant, the store began as a men’s clothing shop on South High Street. It was a true family business, later expanding under the leadership of Simon’s sons, Fred and Ralph Lazarus. What started as a single storefront eventually became a multi-floor shopping destination that anchored the city’s downtown.
By the early 20th century, Lazarus was innovating the retail game. They were one of the first stores to allow customers to return items, a total game-changer at the time. Their philosophy of customer-first service made them a trusted name not just in Columbus, but throughout the Midwest.
And it wasn’t just clothes and household goods. Lazarus became known for its incredible window displays, fashion shows, in-house restaurants, and escalators that felt like a ride in and of themselves when you were a kid.
The Holiday Season, But Make It Magical
If you grew up in Columbus, you probably have some kind of core memory that involves Christmas at Lazarus. For decades, the downtown location was the beating heart of the holiday season. The store was famous for its elaborate holiday window displays—designed in-house and rotated annually—and for turning the whole city block into a winter wonderland.
But nothing captured the imagination quite like the Lazarus Talking Tree. Installed outside the store’s entrance during the holidays, the tree blinked, wiggled, and—yep—talked to kids. For many, visiting the tree was just as important as visiting Santa. It was a tradition, an event, and a rite of passage all in one.
Inside, the upper floors transformed into SantaLand, a North Pole-adjacent setup complete with toy trains, twinkling lights, and the big man himself. Families came downtown for the full experience: window displays, the talking tree, shopping, lunch at the Chintz Room, and a sit-down with Santa.
For me, it wasn’t just about the holidays. Lazarus was where I spent some of my favorite afternoons as a kid, riding the COTA bus downtown with my Great Aunt. We’d explore the store together, sometimes do a little shopping, sometimes head straight for lunch in the restaurant upstairs. It felt like a little adventure every time, and looking back, those moments feel even more magical than the talking tree.
READ MORE: Lazarus’ Santaland Was The Most Magical Christmas Destination In Columbus
The Beginning of the End
Even as shopping malls popped up in the suburbs, Lazarus held strong. The company expanded regionally and merged with other retail giants under the Federated Department Stores umbrella, which also included names like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s. In fact, Lazarus played a big role in shaping the modern retail landscape—Fred Lazarus Jr. was instrumental in creating Black Friday as we know it, lobbying for Thanksgiving to be moved up to extend the holiday shopping season.
But by the late 1990s and early 2000s, downtown shopping had begun to decline. The Columbus store, once the largest in the region, shrank floor by floor. In 2005, the name “Lazarus” was officially retired as part of a nationwide rebranding that brought all Federated stores under the Macy’s name. And in 2007, after 156 years, the downtown Columbus store closed its doors for good.
A Legacy That Still Lingers
The Lazarus building still stands at 50 W. Town Street, now home to offices, apartments, and a few retail spaces. It’s been beautifully renovated, but longtime Columbus residents will always see it as the department store. The city’s holiday traditions are still infused with Lazarus nostalgia, and every December, stories of the Talking Tree and the Chintz Room resurface on social media like clockwork.
READ MORE: The Old Lazarus Building Has A (Sort Of) Secret Rooftop Garden
There’s something deeply comforting about those memories: catching the bus downtown, bundling up for a cold walk along High Street, stepping inside that warm, bustling store filled with the smell of perfume and popcorn. Lazarus wasn’t just a store—it was an experience. A generational touchstone. A big part of what made Columbus feel like home.
