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Department Store Bucks Trend, Expands in Iowa
Von Maur Department Stores is bucking a trend. The family-owned retailer plans to open a $25-million, two-level department store at GGP’s Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines, IA in Fall 2022. The privately held Iowa-based company’s decision to open a new department store runs counter to a retail industry trend that’s seeing longtime chains like Bon-Ton, Macy’s and Sears close stores.
The von Maur family opened its first store in the late 1800s. The rented store in Davenport, IA was 20 feet by 50 feet, and the retailer has come a long way since that cozy shop.
“Our journey has led us to levels of success my great-grandfather could never have imagined when he started Von Maur,” said Jim von Maur, president of Von Maur. “No matter how far we’ve come over those years and the new markets we’ve entered, for myself, our family and our associates, Iowa has always been home.”
The 140,000-square-foot new store will be added to a Von Maur portfolio of 32 stores across 15 states. Located near Interstates 80 and 35, Jordan Creek Town Center is one of the largest super-regional malls and lifestyle centers in Iowa, offering visitors an enticing mix of shopping, dining and entertainment. The new Von Maur store will feature the retailer’s signature exterior entrance and residential ambiance. Customers will find an updated floor plan, including newly redesigned Juniors, Traditional, Contemporary, Shoes, Dresses, Young Men’s, Cosmetics, and Lingerie departments.
The success of the retailer hinges in large part on its acute focus on the customer experience and a deep understanding of what its customers want to buy. In addition to a selection of popular brands and merchandise, such as Vineyard Vines, Tory Burch, Chanel, Kendra Scott and Eileen Fisher, Von Maur is widely regarded for its superior customer service, including an interest-free charge card, liberal return policy, free gift wrapping and shipping services.
“The loyal customers who have been with us every step of the way expect nothing short of an exceptional shopping experience from Von Maur, and our decision to join a high-caliber lifestyle center only further demonstrates our commitment to providing exactly that for years to come,” von Maur said.
For comments, questions or concerns, please contact Dennis Kaiser
- ◦Development
