Davenport-based Von Maur Department Stores expanded its growing footprint into Pennsylvania with the opening of a new store on Saturday, Nov. 9, at South Hills Village in Pittsburgh.
The 118,000-square-foot store and $30 million investment marks its first store in the state. The Quad Cities retailer joins other major retailers as an anchor at the Simon-owned mall. It is centrally located for shoppers from Pittsburgh and the surrounding suburbs.
The two-level store was a Sears anchor store. It now features the Iowa retailer’s hallmark residential ambiance, plush furnishings, an open-floor plan and music from the store’s grand piano. It employs more than 100 full-time and part-time associates.
“Today is a special day as we officially open our doors at South Hills Village and share with Pittsburgh what makes Von Maur special,” Jim von Maur, president and fourth-generation leader of Von Maur Department Stores, said in a news release announcing the opening. “The people of Pittsburgh value hard work, loyalty and service — qualities that are at the core of our company.”
He added “We’re excited to bring our signature customer service and exceptional shopping experience to Pittsburgh and to becoming a part of this vibrant community.”
Before the doors opened Saturday, customers eagerly lined up in anticipation of their first Von Maur shopping experience. They were greeted in signature Von Maur style with red roses, chocolates and giveaways. The grand opening also featured several on-site activations from retail brands. They included Patricia Nash, Nadri and Hammitt as well as various contests and children’s activities.
‘Highly anticipated moment’
“We are excited this highly anticipated moment is here as we officially welcome Von Maur to our already compelling mix of retailers,” said Danny Bishop, general manager at South Hills Village. “Von Maur’s wide selection of premium brands and their elevated customer experience will greatly enhance the shopping experience at South Hills Village.”
The new store continues the department store chain’s national growth strategy. In addition to entering into Pennsylvania, Von Maur will open its first location in North Dakota at Fargo’s West Acres Mall in spring of 2025. Once complete, Von Maur will have 39 department stores across the country.
The expansion also is happening as the Davenport-based retailer is investing in a multi-phased, $100 million renovation of its existing stores over the next five years. The project, announced in May, features major renovations of its department stores that are 20 or more years old and have not been updated recently.
Von Maur, recognized as America’s Best Department Store by Newsweek for three consecutive years, is renowned for its selection of brand-name and specialty apparel, shoes, accessories, and gifts.
With the holiday season approaching, the retailer said it will continue its tradition of being closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28. All stores will close early at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, to allow associates to spend more holiday time with those they care about.
They will reopen Friday, Nov. 29, at 9 a.m. All Von Maur locations will close at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and will be closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
