Von Maur still climbing on USA Today Readers Choice 10BEST list

Von Maur has again been recognized among the best of the best U.S. department stores by USA Today’s 10BEST.  The retailer – which is headquartered in Davenport, the city where it was founded more than 150 years ago – ranked second in the publication’s annual Readers Choice 10BEST.  JCPenney, with more than 600 department stores […]

Von Maur has again been recognized among the best of the best U.S. department stores by USA Today’s 10BEST. 

The retailer – which is headquartered in Davenport, the city where it was founded more than 150 years ago – ranked second in the publication’s annual Readers Choice 10BEST.  JCPenney, with more than 600 department stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico including two in the Quad Cities, earned the top spot in the 2025 rankings, which were released recently by USA Today.   The retailer climbed up three spots from No. 5 in 2024. In 2023, it also ranked second (behind JCPenney) in what was Von Maur’s first appearance on the 10BEST list, which began in 2014.  “The rankings are voted on by customers across the United States. Von Maur is far smaller than our counterparts in terms of store count, so to be able  to have national recognition, it’s a testament to our dedicated employees,” Jim von Maur, president and CEO of Von Maur Department Stores, told the QCBJ in an email. “They are what sets us apart in the retail industry. It affirms that great service, exciting and unique merchandise, and a welcoming store environment remain a top priority for the customer.” Today, the privately-owned retailer operates nearly 40 department stores across 17 states, including locations in Davenport and Moline. It employs a total of nearly 5,000 associates during its peak season. 

2025 Top 10BEST

Rounding out USA Today’s 10BEST list for 2025 are: 

• No. 1 – JCPenney.
• No. 2 – Von Maur. 
• No. 3 – Belk. 
• No. 4 – Nordstrom.
• No. 5 – Macy’s.
• No. 6 – Target.
• No. 7 – Boscov’s.
• No. 8 – T.J. Maxx.
• No. 9 – Walmart.
• No. 10 – Dillard’s. 

On its website, USA Today said it assembled a panel of shoppers to nominate their top picks for the nation’s best department stores. Participants considered the range of products offered, store programs and perks, and the overall shopping experience.  From that list, USA Today readers then were asked to vote for the winners. The latest accolade for Von Maur comes on the heels of winning the title of Newsweek’s Best Department Store for three consecutive years (No. 1 in 2022-2024). That latest ranking was announced last September.  

Retailer of the Year

According to Melody Wright, Von Maur’s chief operating officer, the company also was recognized by the retail industry as Retailer of the Year for its Accessory areas in 2023. In addition, this year it is receiving Retailer of the Year for its men’s department.  “While these awards are meaningful, there is no greater award than those that come directly from our customers,” Ms. Wright told the QCBJ.  The USA Today Reader’s Choice ranking also comes as Von Maur is in the midst of a major $100 million remodeling plan to refresh its older store properties. Announced a year ago, the project will occur over the next five years.  “The investment in the store experience for our customers remains key to our success,” said Mr. von Maur, who is the fourth generation to lead the family company.  Von Maur recently opened its 39th store in Fargo, North Dakota, as part of its strategic nationwide growth plan. Last fall, it opened a store in Bethel Park, a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  “We are finding our formula for success resonates throughout all areas of the country,” Mr. von Maur added. “Our goal is to open one to two stores a year and that goal hasn’t changed over time.” In addition, Von Maur Department Stores will open two new Dry Goods locations in 2025. That will bring this brand’s total to 90 stores.