Von Maur Improves Demand Planning With A New Merchandising Solution

January 2013 Integrated Solutions For Retailers

By Bob Johns, associate editor

The 27-store specialty department store chain implements a new operations solution to better maintain inventory levels across channels.

How does a family-owned department store compete in today’s omni-channel world, where customers have more choice, and control, than ever? The customer experience. Von Maur opened its first specialty department store in 1872 under the name JHC Peterson & Sons, and it has been in the Von Maur family since 1916, now with 27 locations. To be around that long, a retailer has to be doing something right. At the young age of 140, Von Maur would be expected to be set in its ways and technology averse. However, the company is anything but antiquated. Featuring bright, open floor plans, a robust e-commerce site, and a product selection that incorporates traditional department store wares with unique boutique offerings, the retailer keeps up with the times. As the company has grown over the past few years, and consumer technology has changed, the company has had to adapt as well, while keeping its differentiators in place.