What: Von Maur’s focus on curation, new brands, and flexible merchandising is driving growth and customer loyalty in a challenging retail landscape.

Why it is important: Von Maur’s approach demonstrates how regional, privately-held department stores can thrive by prioritizing curation, newness, and strong vendor relationships.

Von Maur, a family-owned department store founded in 1872, is defying industry trends by expanding its physical footprint and investing $100 million in store renovations while many national chains are closing locations. With 39 stores across 15 states, the retailer’s strategy centers on curated assortments, frequent newness, and unique brand partnerships, attracting both established and emerging brands eager to reach customers in secondary and tertiary markets. Von Maur’s merchandising team leverages its private ownership to make rapid, flexible decisions, bypassing the bureaucratic hurdles common in larger organizations. This agility enables the retailer to quickly introduce new brands across all locations, responding directly to customer feedback and market trends. The absence of private labels and a minimal reliance on discounting further distinguish Von Maur from competitors, fostering loyalty among shoppers who value discovery and consistent service. By focusing on curation and building strong relationships with vendors, Von Maur continues to grow its customer base and maintain relevance, even as the broader department store sector faces contraction and disruption.

IADS Notes: Von Maur’s steady expansion and investment in physical stores stand in stark contrast to the widespread closures and retrenchment seen among larger department store chains. As detailed by the Austin American Statesman in December 2024, Macy’s accelerated its store closure plan to 65 locations, reflecting the mounting pressure on legacy retailers to transform their business models. Meanwhile, The Robin Report in May 2025 highlights how family-owned Von Maur and Boscov’s have emerged as sleeper success stories, thriving through controlled expansion, local focus, and traditional retail values. Von Maur’s $100 million renovation plan and commitment to elegant, well-curated environments underscore the advantages of private ownership, which allows for flexible, long-term strategies free from the constraints of public market pressures. Monocle’s May 2025 analysis emphasizes the enduring relevance of department stores that champion emerging brands and maintain a strong curation ethos, while Inside Retail (May 2025) and Retail Dive (December 2024) show how department stores are evolving to support DTC and niche brands, providing critical market access beyond major urban centers. Finally, Retail Week (August 2025) and The Retail Bulletin (April 2025) reinforce that well-run department stores with strong service standards and community engagement can remain relevant and competitive, even as the sector faces unprecedented disruption.

The keys of Von Maur’s success