Step into the world of Von Maur. This isn’t just a department store it’s a family legacy. Founded in 1872 as JHC Petersen & Sons it began as a small storefront in Davenport Iowa. The Petersen family sons Max William and Henry worked tirelessly. They even slept under the counters to maximize their time. The store thrived growing from a humble beginning. It expanded into wholesale trade. They added a third story to their building. In 1916 the Petersen family sold the store to a partnership including CJ von Maur. CJ von Maur already had a distinguished career in retail. He had managed a store at only seventeen years old.
The story continues. Harned and Von Maur combined with JHC Petersen’s Sons in 1928. This created Petersen Harned Von Maur. The von Maur family eventually gained complete ownership. They upheld the motto “Quality Goods at Honest Prices”. This motto guided them through changing times. As shopping malls gained popularity Von Maur adapted. They opened their first mall location in 1972. They moved away from downtown locations. This was a big risk. It proved to be a smart move.
The company shortened its name to Von Maur in 1989. They moved to a new 200000-square-foot headquarters in Davenport. This included a distribution center. They differentiated themselves. They offered unique customer benefits. These included interest-free credit free shopping bags and free shipping. They even had a no-questions-asked return policy. This commitment to customer service set them apart. Von Maur also invested in creating a pleasant shopping environment. Wide aisles live piano music and unique decor created a welcoming atmosphere. This was different from the usual bustling atmosphere of other department stores.
Von Maur’s entrance into the Chicago market was a significant moment. In 1994 they opened a large flagship store in Lombard Illinois’ Yorktown Center. This was a success proving their business model worked in a major market. This success paved the way for further expansion across the Midwest and beyond. Despite facing tragedies like the 2007 Omaha shooting Von Maur persevered. The company continues to thrive under the leadership of the Von Maur family. Today Von Maur stands as a testament to family values smart business decisions and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. It’s more than a store. It’s a piece of American retail history. A story of adaptation innovation and enduring success.