What: Iowa-based Von Maur continues expansion and renovation plans amid recognition for customer service excellence.

Why it is important: The company's success offers insights into effective retail practices for both established and emerging department store chains.

Von Maur Department Stores, a 152-year-old family-owned company based in Davenport, Iowa, has been named America's Best Department Store by Newsweek for the third consecutive year. Operating 37 stores across 15 states, Von Maur is expanding into Pennsylvania and North Dakota, with new stores planned in Pittsburgh and Fargo. The company is also undertaking a USD 100 million, multi-phased renovation of its existing stores over the next five years. Von Maur attributes its success to exceptional customer service, including an interest-free charge card, flexible return policy, and free gift wrapping and shipping services.

Newsweek's ranking is based on a survey of over 7,000 U.S. customers, evaluating factors such as products, customer service, atmosphere, accessibility, and store layout. Von Maur's president, Jim von Maur, emphasized the company's philosophy of prioritizing customer care as key to its long-term success.

Von Maur named America’s best department store by Newsweek