FREEHOLD — Von Maur Department Stores plans to open its first New Jersey location at Freehold Raceway Mall, taking over the former Nordstrom space that has sat empty since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Iowa-based retailer said the three-level store is expected to open in fall 2027, marking the company’s continued push into the Northeast. The Freehold location will occupy about 164,000 square feet and become Von Maur’s 40th department store nationwide.
Company president Jim von Maur said the Freehold Raceway Mall location represents an important step in the retailer’s expansion and called the mall a key shopping destination for Central New Jersey.
The store will carry a mix of national and specialty brands across apparel, footwear, accessories and gifts. Planned offerings include labels such as Vuori, Peter Millar, Free People, Marc Jacobs, TravisMathew, Varley and Dagne Dover, among others.
In addition to merchandise, Von Maur stores are known for customer-focused amenities, including an interest-free charge card, a rewards program and complimentary services such as gift wrapping. The Freehold store will also feature the company’s signature interior design, including open layouts, plush seating and live piano music.
Approximately 150 full- and part-time employees are expected to be hired for the new location.
The space has remained vacant since 2020, when Nordstrom opted not to reopen the store following pandemic-related shutdowns.
Von Maur’s arrival continues a broader redevelopment of large anchor spaces at Freehold Raceway Mall. In recent years, Dick’s House of Sport opened in the former Lord & Taylor building, and Dave & Buster’s launched an entertainment venue in part of the old Sears location. A Dry Goods store, also owned by Von Maur Department Stores, opened near Sephora at the mall earlier this year.
Macerich President and CEO Jack Hsieh said Von Maur’s addition strengthens the mall’s retail mix and aligns with the company’s strategy of attracting anchors that generate traffic and sales across the property.
