Nov 16, 2024 By Rick Shrum 4 min read

A venerable, upscale department store from the Midwest moved into Pennsylvania a little more than a week ago – and is already stylin’.

Von Maur has opened in South Hills Village, occupying a space that previously served a once-venerable department store, Sears, which has essentially shut down nationwide.

Von Maur sells clothing, shoes, accessories, luggage and travel items. It also has a Dry Goods store featuring women’s apparel and accessories, and recently added merchandise from two outdoors-oriented clothiers: L.L. Bean and Patagonia.

The company offers free gift-wrapping and free shipping year-round, and interest-free charge. The retailer said on its website that it takes pride in providing “an enjoyable and unique shopping experience.”

“Our reception has been fantastic,” Shema Krinsky, marketing director for the Village and Ross Park Mall, said last week. The malls are owned and operated by Simon Property Group, based in Indianapolis.

“Shoppers responding to customer service were saying selection is second to none,” Krinsky added. “There are selections you won’t see anywhere else. It’s absolutely vibrant. Simon is deeply investing in the Pittsburgh market.”

Founded by C.J. von Maur in 1872 – seven years after the Civil War – the company is still family-run and headquartered in the city where it launched – Davenport, Iowa.

It now has 37 stores in 15 states. South Hills Village, located mostly in Upper St. Clair with a sliver in Bethel Park, is not far from housing the easternmost Von Maur store in the U.S. That designation belongs to Victor in northwestern New York state.

Von Maur at the Village had its grand opening on Nov. 9, which followed a soft opening a few days earlier. The store is spacious, with 124,000 square feet featuring shelves that are immaculately displayed and brimming with merchandise. About 105 associates were available, smiling and eagerly greeting and assisting customers.

“The feedback from customers has been fantastic,” said Samantha Mackling, the store manager. “They’re so excited and the foot traffic has been great. They needed to have another anchor store here.”

Sears departed the Village in 2018, after the company declared bankruptcy. The company, according to Wikipedia, has shuttered all but nine stories – eight on the mainland U.S. and one in Puerto Rico.

Demolition of the Sears store at South Hills Village, a longtime anchor, began in January and continued into the summer to make way for building Von Maur. The result is an expansive store that has made a strong initial impression.

Numerous malls across the nation have struggled to remain relevant over the past decade and have shut down, thanks largely to an increase in online shopping. Krinsky, however, said that trend may be changing.

“There is a natural attrition per se,” she said, “but it is important that malls know their customers and invest in bringing in new shoppers.

“Some malls are thriving, in-person shopping is thriving. A lot of people want to see and touch merchandise. Some may shop in-person and online, often at the same time. Shopping also is about tradition, be it going to light-up night or visiting Santa.”

Shoppers interviewed last week were pleased with their first venture into the new store.

“I like what I see,” said Diane Gillespie of Cecil Township. “I love how they set up everything. It’s easy to find things and it’s a beautiful store. I’m sure I’ll be back.”

A Peters Township couple, Jennifer and Tony Billante, were checking out the copious menswear displays. “This is a nice men’s department,” Jennifer said, prompting his response that “good men’s departments are hard to find.”

“I’m seeing what they have,” Jennifer said. “I think people are getting tired of shopping online.”

“It seems like an upper-scale store,” said Joanna Coggin of Peters. It’s a little expensive, but they have a variety of clothes.”

Von Maur’s debut week at South Hills Village featured a variety of tastes, impressions and a lot of foot traffic.