What: While major department stores struggle with 2% market share, family-owned Von Maur and Boscov's thrive through controlled expansion, local focus, and traditional retail values

Why it is important: This development shows how department stores can succeed by maintaining core retail principles while adapting to local markets, rather than pursuing trendy transformations.

In a retail landscape where department stores have seen their market share diminish to 2%, two family-owned retailers, Von Maur and Boscov's, are defying the odds through traditional approaches to merchandising and community engagement. Von Maur, with 39 locations across 17 states, maintains an elegant shopping environment focused on women's apparel, beauty, and footwear, while investing over $100 million in store renovations. Boscov's, America's largest family-owned department store, operates 52 locations with a strong community focus, hosting events like blood drives and their Friends Helping Friends program. Both companies share key success factors: private family ownership, mall-based locations, and emphasis on in-store versus online operations. Their controlled expansion strategies, exemplified by Boscov's gradual boundary pushing and Von Maur's focus on their upper Midwest base, demonstrate how traditional retail values can succeed without chasing industry trends.

IADS Notes: The success of niche department store players demonstrates alternative paths to survival in a challenged sector. According to Chainstore Age's May 2024 coverage , Von Maur's $100 million renovation plan across its 37 stores shows how focused investment in physical retail can drive success, while maintaining signature services like interest-free charge cards and complimentary gift wrapping. Chainstore Age's September 2024 analysis highlighted Von Maur's recognition as America's Best Department Store for the third consecutive year, attributing success to exceptional customer service and strategic expansion into new markets like Pittsburgh and Fargo. Forbes' April 2025 report revealed how community-driven experiences and cultural programming are helping department stores regain relevance, mirroring Boscov's emphasis on local engagement through events like Friends Helping Friends and community blood drives. WWD's December 2024 coverage showed how major players like Macy's and Nordstrom are pursuing varied transformation strategies, while privately-owned retailers like Von Maur and Boscov's maintain steady growth through traditional department store approaches. The contrasting performance between public and private ownership models suggests that freedom from quarterly earnings pressure enables more sustainable long-term strategies.

Family-owned Boscov’s, Von Maur are sleeper success stories