The Henri Bendel stores are discontinued because L Brands closed all 23 physical stores and the e-commerce site by January 2019, ending the 123-year-old luxury brand's operations, shifting focus from apparel to accessories, then dropping outside brands, and ultimately failing to adapt to changing retail as it got lost in mall environments, despite its iconic NYC Fifth Avenue flagship.

Key Reasons for Closure:

Shifting Focus: Initially known for unique fashion, ownership by L Brands (parent of Victoria's Secret) phased out clothing to focus on accessories, but this alienated core customers.

Loss of Identity: By stopping outside brands to focus on its own private label, it became too similar to other mall brands like Kate Spade, losing its distinctive "special" feel.

Mall Environment: Expanding into suburban malls failed to resonate with customers who preferred the iconic NYC flagship experience, unlike the luxury competitors now dominating Fifth Avenue.

Poor Digital Adaptation: The brand struggled to translate its luxury experience online, with a poorly designed website not appealing to younger shoppers.

Financial Unsustainability: L Brands found it cost more to keep the brand alive than to shut it down, signaling an end to the era.

The Legacy: Founded in 1895, it was a legendary New York retailer known for discovering designers like Coco Chanel and Ralph Lauren, hosting fashion shows, and offering in-store makeovers. Its flagship at 10 West 57th Street was famous for elaborate window displays and personalized service, a stark contrast to its eventual decline. The closure marked the end of an iconic shopping experience, a significant loss for NYC's fashion landscape.