Von Maur Inc. plans to expand Dry Goods, its fledgling fast-fashion format, with a store at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg this summer.
The family-run department store from Davenport, Iowa, opened its first Dry Goods store last fall at Fox Valley Mall in Aurora.
The specialty stores, typically 4,000 to 5,000 square feet, carry a constant flow of trendy clothing and accessories aimed at young women. The concept competes with fast-growing chains such as Forever 21, Zara and H&M.
Another Dry Goods store is slated to open at the West Towne Mall in Madison, Wis., this summer. Von Maur said it plans to open one or two more Dry Goods stores this year and eventually roll out the concept nationwide.
The name Dry Goods and the vintage decor in the stores reflect Von Maur’s roots as a dry goods retailer founded in 1872 in downtown Davenport, the company said.
Von Maur has two dozen stores, mostly in small Midwestern cities, and does little advertising. The chain is known for its free gift wrapping, abundant sales staff and interest-free charge card.
The department store chain disclosed plans late last year to expand its namesake store beyond the Midwest. It plans to enter the metropolitan Atlanta market this year with a store in the suburb of Alpharetta, taking over a former Belk space at North Point Mall. The company is looking to expand into Alabama, Tennessee and the Carolinas as well.
smjones@tribune.com
Another tenant not coming to Block 37.
Love Von Maur! Great store!
No way that Von Maur will be able to compete with global giants like H&M and Zara. I’m glad this won’t be coming to Block 37 because it’s bound to fail.
Von Maur will not make that risk cause Block 37 is not a success. Plain and simple, Block 37 is dead (headed in the direction of Chicago Place)and no one will admit it. Most retailers will have some sort of exposure on the outside to even think about opening up there. Apple, Lululemon, David Barton Gym and the 3 year old “coming soon” theater all pretty much passed on this place.
As far as competing with other national chains, Dry Goods is not a bad concept and their clothes are trendy, just needs time to find their niche. You are right, it’s hard to compete with H&M… poor quality clothes at bargain prices… much worse (qualitywise) than Forever 21.