Regional department store chains are largely a relic of the past after years of national consolidation. In New Jersey, Bamberger's stores became Macy's in 1986; today, former workers and long-time residents look back fondly while pondering the reasons for the retail sea change. "Folks loved Bamberger's because it was familiar. But then … it just happens. They wanted something else," said former employee Susan Littman-Westerfelt.