The East Lansing community should thank Jacobson’s for many years of memories and wish it luck as it moves on.

The department store at 333 E. Grand River Ave. closed its doors Sunday after serving East Lansing for more than 50 years. It will reopen next week at its new location in Meridian Mall, 1982 W. Grand River Ave. in Okemos.

The store represents old-fashioned personal service and attention to detail that can’t be found at a mall. East Lansing residents will no longer be able to step into the big brick building to buy glass ornaments for their Christmas trees during the holidays, or search for the perfect designer prom dress, then head downstairs to find the matching shade of Chanel lipstick.

Still, the store’s new location will make it more accessible to the type of shoppers that frequent anchor stores. Okemos is close enough that dedicated Jacobson’s customers will follow the store to its new location, and the store will attract new patrons who visit it for the first time at the mall.

Students may go to Jacobson’s when looking for a gift or shopping for a special occasion, but Jacobson’s merchandise does not target the typical college student. Most of the store’s styles suit an older crowd and its prices do not fit into many college students’ shopping budgets.

The downtown area of East Lansing has been changing for many years, as can be seen by the exit of stores such as Lieberman’s, Maurices and Redwood & Ross. The city should be glad Jacobson’s remained around as long as it did - the move was inevitable and a natural next step.

East Lansing is not the only downtown transforming. Department stores used to be the hub of shopping activity, but now are a rarity in most downtown environments. The consumer habits of America have changed and the identities of downtowns are changing with them.

Downtown East Lansing and Jacobson’s were smart to part ways. The city should be thankful for its many years with Jacobson’s, but the move provides a great opportunity for the city to expand.

It is sad to see the historic store leave, but it makes way for the new future of downtown East Lansing. Its move is another step in the redevelopment of the downtown area.

The city has been courting more national retailers and should use the new space to accommodate this trend. East Lansing has proven it can attract national chains. These stores help support the local stores that give downtown its individuality.

Still, Jacobson’s will be missed by the longtime patrons of the store, people who remember going to Jacobson’s as a child and then visiting the store again with their own children. Jacobson’s is more than a business - it is a piece of history. The old-fashioned, three-story brown brick building has become a downtown landmark and East Lansing should respect and preserve it.

Jacobson’s departure might benefit East Lansing in the long run, but shoppers will miss pausing in front of its window displays, smiling as they remember part of their childhood. Farewell.