Von Maur's Northeast Expansion Accelerates: Premium Department Store Chain Eyes New Jersey Foothold by Fall 2027

Von Maur Department Stores, the 152-year-old family-owned retail chain, is making a significant move into new territory. The company has confirmed plans for a Von Maur location at Freehold Raceway Mall in Freehold, New Jersey, marking its first store opening in the state and a strategic push deeper into the Northeast market. The anticipated launch is set for Fall 2027.

A 164,000 Square Foot Statement

The new Von Maur location will span approximately 164,000 square feet across three levels, positioning itself as a major anchor tenant in the mall. This size and scope reflect the company’s confidence in the Central New Jersey market and its commitment to delivering a full-scale shopping experience rather than a scaled-down footprint. The store will occupy the space previously held by Nordstrom, a significant retail real estate transition in the region.

What’s in Store: Brand Lineup and Experience

The department store will stock an curated mix of upscale and contemporary brands, from Dagne Dover and Marine Layer to Rhone, Peter Millar, Bobbi Brown, and Marc Jacobs. The selection spans apparel, shoes, accessories, and gifts, reflecting Von Maur’s positioning in the premium retail segment. Beyond inventory, the chain will bring its signature in-store experience: complimentary gift wrapping and shipping, an interest-free charge card, a rewards program, and service-oriented staff trained in the company’s hospitality model. The store will also feature live piano music and an open-floor design that creates the residential ambiance Von Maur is known for.

Employment and Economic Impact

The Freehold store is expected to generate approximately 150 full-time and part-time jobs. Von Maur has built a reputation for competitive compensation packages and employee development programs, suggesting the new location will bring quality employment opportunities to the area.

Part of a Broader National Strategy

The New Jersey store represents Von Maur’s 40th location once it opens, reflecting steady expansion across the U.S. Concurrently, the company is investing $100 million in a multi-year renovation program targeting its existing store portfolio, signaling confidence in both new growth and existing market positions. The company has also maintained a robust e-commerce operation, supported by a 120,000 square foot fulfillment facility, and operates the Dry Goods brand for younger demographics.

Recognition and Market Position

Von Maur has earned repeated recognition as America’s Best Department Store by Newsweek over four consecutive years, a distinction that underscores its competitive positioning in a challenging retail environment. The chain’s survival and growth strategy—combining physical retail with curated brand partnerships, premium service, and digital capabilities—offers insight into how traditional department stores adapt in the current landscape.

The Freehold Raceway Mall location sits at the intersection of Route 9 and Business Route 33, positioning it as a convenient destination for shoppers across Monmouth County and surrounding communities. For the retail ecosystem in Central New Jersey, the arrival of Von Maur signals confidence in the market’s viability and purchasing power.