Lord's Department Store to Close After 73 Years
The store that has anchored Medfield's downtown for 73 years will close on Feb. 28.
After 73 years in business, Lord's Department Store will close its doors on Feb. 28.
A retirement sale will start next week.
Nancy Kelly-Lavin, who runs the business with her brother Tom, said the time is right to close the store.
"It took us months and months and months to figure out what we wanted to do but we think the time is right," said Kelly-Lavin. "We have mixed emotions, it's sad, but we're trying to do what's best for our families."
Kelly-Lavin said she and Tom discussed the future of the business with their father, Bill Kelly, before he passed away last May.
"My father actually talked to us about this and gave us his blessing," she said.
The sale to a "local developer" -- who is not from Medfield but is from a town closeby -- was closed on Dec. 31. The fate of the property is unknown but it is expected to be renovated in the spring then occupied by a new retailer.
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Chris McCue Potts
5:40 pm on Thursday, January 3, 2013
So very, very sad for Medfield, but all our best to the Kelly families. To the buyer with a long list of potential retailers for the site: please, no more banks or real estate offices!!! We have plenty in town already.
Diane White
6:40 pm on Thursday, January 3, 2013
I'm very sad that it is closing. I haven't lived in Mass for 28 years but I grew up in medfield and my grandmother worked there for years, her name was moncrieff wilson. I remember always going into lords when you needed something quick. You all always had it. Good luck in your future . Diane White(Cranshaw)
Thelma Tocci
7:17 pm on Thursday, January 3, 2013
I am stunned, But I do wish you all the very best
Holly Hallowell McKillop
8:28 pm on Thursday, January 3, 2013
I am so sad to read this....growing up in Medfield, Lords was our "staple".... all we had for so long... My Dad, myself and all of my sisters worked at Lords at one time or another... I think for many of us from Medfield, it was our "family" business, as well. I wish the best to the Kelly families.... "Our town" has changed so much... I just can't imagine Medfield without Lord's.....
David Gurliacci
9:21 pm on Thursday, January 3, 2013
I remember getting candy there after Mass at St. Edward's on Saturday nights. (I think that candy display is actually burned into my brain cells.)
Johanna Brown
9:27 pm on Thursday, January 3, 2013
Awww so sad II worked there for many years when I was a teenager. I wish Tom and Nancy the very best!
Danielle Plank
11:15 pm on Thursday, January 3, 2013
First job ever....so sad. Best wishes to th Kelly family.
Kristen Vieira
11:32 pm on Thursday, January 3, 2013
How sad :( So many memories from there as a child growing up and as a teenager working there in the summer while I was home from college. Midnight madness, candy runs with my siblings, last minute stops for anything and everything. I will definitely miss "the best little corner store" that there ever was. Medfield will never be the same. Best of luck to the Kelly families. Thanks for all the memories!
Robin Wish
6:53 am on Friday, January 4, 2013
What else can we say? Midnight madness, Medfieldopoly, School kits every August, Medfield sweatshirts! Buying scripts for schools. Candy runs.Toys for children, birthday party items and favors, beanie bsbies every week. Tom and Nancy knowing each customer so well - Tom actually handed me a gift I forgot at the store before I knew it was missing! My family wishes them well and thank them for many fond memories. Robin Wish
A Clark
8:45 am on Friday, January 4, 2013
Love and best wishes to Tom and Nancy ; they always had a smile and greeting for their customers. Medfield was special to me although I was a Millis resident ; my memories of Lord's go back to the '60s when my sons were young. I made Medfield my home 5 years ago and I feel the sadness hanging over Medfield now.
Nicole
10:03 am on Friday, January 4, 2013
So sad to read this news. What a great place - not just for retail but for also memories for our families. We wish the Kelly family well but will miss this landmark and what is represents.
Danielle Paquette Hamann
10:46 am on Friday, January 4, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear this, Lord's was my first job and to this day, my memories of opening the store on Saturday mornings and working the soda fountain were the best job I ever had. Tom and Nancy, best of luck to you both! Lord's is a Medfield landmark and will be sorely missed!! :(
Phyllis Allen
2:57 pm on Friday, January 4, 2013
Lord's was my first real job at 50 cents an hour back in 1948. After school I would work behind the counter selling ice cream and on Saturday I would also make the sandwiches. Mr. Lord was always nearby and Bill was the ice cream maker. Memories I shall long remember. Phyllis Carlson Allen
katie g
9:15 pm on Saturday, January 5, 2013
Some of my fondest high school memories included working at Lord's! Thank you for the fond memories and valuable experience. Before I heard the news, I was just telling one of my sons the other day the fun I had working the Midnight Madness. Good luck to you all in the future, Nancy and Tom!
Formerly, Katie Rowland
Dave Bell
9:21 am on Sunday, January 6, 2013
So so sad Americana is leaving us ! :-( had my first root beer float Eva' mom worked at Corning for 30 years and brought me there often ! I was so happy to come back this Christmas and fortunate to play with my band and take part in the festivities ! I have come full circle. Thank you nance
Lee Knowles
8:43 am on Monday, January 21, 2013
Wow, big news. Wishing Tom and Nancy all the best. My husband, Lawrence Howell, and I were the last of our two families to leave Medfield 8 years ago; it still feels like home. Lord's was an integral part of that. Walking home with the Sunday paper from Lord's after the service at First Baptist, and ditto from the comment above regarding the candy counter being forever burned into one's mind. Bittersweet.