IMAGE GALLERY: Lord & Taylor Opens Its Doors

Salem's newest business opened its doors to the public with a grand opening ceremony Friday morning as the Mall at Rockingham Park welcomed high-end clothing retailer Lord & Taylor.

Gov. John Lynch was on hand for the opening of the new anchor store, which was previously the location of Filene's and Macy's, and said touted that the store had opened in the safest, most livable state in the country.

"And a state with no sales tax," Lynch said to applause.

"Lord & Taylor is an amazing merchant," said David J. Contis, senior executive pice president of Simon Property Group and president of Simon Malls. "They are extremely productive throughout our portfolio and we're sure they're going to be equally productive here."

"We're thrilled to be part of Lord & Taylor's history," said Donna Morris, the executive director of the Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce.