Gordmans Celebrates 100 Years Of Style And Savings

OMAHA, Neb., Aug. 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- While fashion trends may come and go, Gordmans Stores, Inc., the Omaha-based everyday value retailer, has thrived over the past 11 decades, knowing low-cost, high-quality apparel and decor are always on-trend.  The company will celebrate 100 years of business this fall with a number of events, charity programs and the opening of new stores.

Born out of one small retail store at the corner of 16^th and Chicago in Omaha, Gordmans has undergone several transformations throughout the past 100 years – rebranding, renaming and repositioning, all in the name of creating the best possible shopping experience for customers.

This summer, Gordmans opened two new stores in Lansing, MI and Edina, MN that gave the value-priced retailer the coincidental achievement of having a total of 101 stores in operation during its centennial year.

"We've delivered high-quality merchandise at great values for 100 years.  Not many companies can come close to fulfilling that promise, or lasting that long," said Andy Hall, president and chief executive officer of Gordmans.  "Our history is rich, our future is bright and we're very proud and excited about celebrating our 100^th anniversary this year."

In Gordmans' hometown of Omaha, the company is planning a number of events and promotions pegged to the company's founding in 1915. Across its 22-state footprint, it will also conduct a number of anniversary promotions and community programs, including its "100 Acts of Charity."

Gordmans pioneered several modern day department store elements including the store's racetrack-shopping configuration, which was created to help consumers better navigate the store. Centralized checkouts, shopping carts, and a self-service shoe department were all also introduced by the retail chain.

Present day Gordmans began with Sam Richman, a Russian immigrant who started a small retail store in Omaha in 1915. A few years later Dan Gordman would help shape the story into what it is today.

A former Bloomingdales executive who was headed west to start a new career, Dan's '32 Chevy broke down in Omaha. While awaiting repairs, Dan met Esther Richman, whom he would soon marry, and thus began a lifelong business relationship with her father, Sam. Out of this, Richman Gordman stores were born.

Over several decades, Richman Gordman added additional stores in Omaha and Lincoln, and eventually, elsewhere in Nebraska along with communities in Iowa and Kansas. In 1975, a second group of retail outlets, Half Price Stores, was launched. By 1990, the Company had grown to 16 Richman Gordman stores and 16 Half Price Stores.

By the year 2000, all the stores were renamed Gordmans.  Today, Gordmans operates 101 stores in 60 markets across 22 states. Each store offers a large selection of name brands and the latest looks for up to 60 percent off department and specialty store prices. The wide range of merchandise includes apparel and footwear for men, women and children, as well as accessories, home decor, gifts, designer fragrances, fashion jewelry, bedding and bath, accent furniture and toys.

"We've proved that saving money never goes out of style," said Mr. Hall.  "And I think it's safe to say that delighting guests with the latest fashion trends in name brand apparel and home decor at incredible values is at the foundation of this impressive milestone. Our 5,300 associates are passionate about delivering value, every day."

About Gordmans
Gordmans GMAN is an everyday value priced department store featuring a large selection of name brands and the latest fashions and styles at up to 60 percent off department and specialty store prices. The wide range of merchandise includes apparel and footwear for men, women and children, as well as accessories, home decor, gifts, designer fragrances, fashion jewelry, bedding and bath, accent furniture and toys. Founded in 1915, Gordmans currently operates 101 stores in 60 markets and 22 states. For more information about Gordmans, visit www.gordmans.com.

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SOURCE Gordmans Stores, Inc.