Jul 14, 2015 2 min read

There was plenty of sentiment being expressed Monday around watercoolers and on social media over the news that the Macy’s store in Pittsburgh’s downtown would be closing around Labor Day.

People who are of a certain age remembered when Kaufmann’s, once the region’s pre-eminent retailer, had its flagship store at the location on Fifth Avenue and Smithfield Street, and that people would meet under the Kaufmann’s clock because it was such an easily identifiable landmark. They also recalled the cornucopia of goods contained within the Kaufmann’s store decades ago and its lavish window displays.

It was probably inevitable, however, that Macy’s would pull up stakes at the location. The real estate appears to be more valuable than the store itself, particularly since many consumers have taken to shopping online. That’s put ample pressure on retailers in locations where people can park for free. Given the cost of parking in Pittsburgh’s downtown, and the increasing struggle to find a spot, it surely made things even tougher for Macy’s.

Developers are apparently eyeing the building for a residential, retail and entertainment complex. But die-hard nostalgists need not fret – the Kaufmann’s clock will reportedly remain in place.