In 1986, Gimbels was sold to Stern’s, Bamberger’s was replaced by Macy’s, and Strawbridge & Clothier purchased Abraham & Straus. Abraham & Straus had struggled for years in the Philadelphia region to gain a sizable customer foothold, all to no avail. By early 1987 the King of Prussia Court Abraham & Straus was out of business. The Willow Grove store closed in January of 1988.