Younkers

Younkers Inc. (/ˈjɒŋkərz/) is an American online retailer and former department store chain founded as a family-run dry goods business in 1856 in Keokuk, Iowa. The retailer had evolved over more than 150 years to include a presence in locations throughout Iowa and bordering states in the Midwest region of the United States. Younkers became influential as it acquired several rivals throughout the 20th century both inside and outside of Iowa. In the late 1990s, the chain was sold with ownership transferring out of state; further, its Des Moines, Iowa-based headquarters closed by 2003 as a part of a corporate consolidation.

Following its last sale in 2006, Younkers operated as a subsidiary of The Bon-Ton; the chain had locations in seven Midwestern states, primarily in shopping malls. As of 2013, the chain operated more than 50 locations in the region. On August 29, 2018, Younkers closed its doors one last time.