Von Maur Department Store Signs Contract to Open First Location in Oklahoma

DAVENPORT, Iowa, Feb. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Von Maur Department Stores announced today it has signed a contract to open a 150,000-square-foot store at Quail Springs Mall in Oklahoma City in Fall 2014. The store will be the Company's first location in Oklahoma.

Known for its outstanding selection of brand name and specialty apparel, shoes, accessories and gifts, the store will feature products from leading brands such as Eileen Fisher, Free People, Coach, Joe's Jeans and Tommy Bahama, among many others. Located at the mall's former Sears location, the two level Von Maur store will receive a complete renovation beginning in Summer 2013 in order to feature the Company's exterior brick facade and signature residential ambiance, complete with antiques, original artwork, open-floor plan and music from the store's grand piano. It is expected that the store will eventually employ 150-175 associates – the majority of which will be full-time.

Today's announcement continues the family-owned Company's targeted national growth strategy. In addition to the opening of its second Georgia location in Atlanta in November 2012, Von Maur also announced plans to grow into New York and Alabama in Fall 2013. Conveniently accessible from Interstate 35 and Interstate 44, Von Maur will be an anchor tenant at Quail Springs Mall, adding to the enticing mix of retailers already on display at Oklahoma City's rapidly developing retail and entertainment hub.

"Oklahoma City is a thriving metropolitan area with numerous offerings and opportunities for both businesses and residents alike," said Jim von Maur, president of Von Maur. "We're excited to be a part of the growth in one of the state's most vibrant areas and look forward to showcasing our service and selection to shoppers at Quail Springs Mall."

"Our retail strategy is to provide an unparalleled shopping experience for our customers and to exceed their expectations. Von Maur further solidifies Quail Springs Mall as a shopping destination in the state and gives our shoppers one more reason to make it their retail destination-of-choice," said Sandeep Mathrani, chief executive officer, General Growth Properties, Inc.

In addition to its selection of popular brands and merchandise, Von Maur is also widely-regarded for its superior customer service, including an interest-free charge card, liberal return policy, free gift wrapping and shipping services. The Company also offers its associates above-market wages, excellent benefits and a positive, professional work environment.

About Von Maur
Von Maur was founded nearly 140 years ago in downtown Davenport, Iowa. The Company currently operates 27 stores in 11 states. The Company also runs a successful online business at vonmaur.com, in addition to a new chain of women's specialty stores under the nameplate DRY GOODS.  For more information, please visit www.vonmaur.com.

About GGP
Quail Springs Mall is owned and managed by General Growth Properties, a fully integrated, self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust focused exclusively on owning, managing, leasing, and redeveloping high-quality regional malls throughout the United States and Brazil. GGP's portfolio is comprised of 125 regional malls in the United States and 18 malls in Brazil comprising approximately 135 million square feet. GGP is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol GGP.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Brendan Griffith
[email protected]
312-819-5720 (office)
847-899-2135 (cell)

David Keating
[email protected]
312-960-6325 (office)

SOURCE Von Maur