These days, shopping can be as simple as picking up your finding your phone or tablet and finding exactly what you need.
The days of shopping at your nearest department store aren’t what they used to be, but some shoppers still frequent some of the big-name stores to find clothes and other items on their wish lists.
Recently, USA TODAY put together its 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards list of the top department stores and one entry based in Iowa is among the winners. A panel of experts picked finalists for the awards before readers voted to chose the winners.
Von Maur, based in Davenport, returns to the 10BEST list again in 2026. Originally created in 1872, Von Maur currently has 40 locations across the United States, including six stores in Iowa.
Where does Von Maur rank among the best department stores?
Von Maur ranked second among best department stores on the 10BEST list.
Last year, Von Maur was also ranked second, only falling behind JCPenney. Similar to last year’s list, JCPenney remains at the top of the rankings.
Editors noted that many Von Maur stores feature live piano performances, which add to the relaxed and refined experience in its stores.
Here’s a look at the full list.
Of the winners, only JCPenney, Target, Kohl’s and Dillard’s have Iowa locations. Nordstrom has a presence through its Nordstrom Rack discount chain, which has a store at Jordan Creek Town Center.
What is Von Maur?
Back in 1872, JHC Petersen opened a store with his three sons called JHC Petersen’s Sons Co. About 15 years later, CJ von Maur opened the “Boston Store” in Davenport with Rolland Harned and Edward Pursel.
In 1916, Petersen sold his store to Harned and von Maur. Harned and von Maur later physically merged with Petersen’s and renamed the store Petersen Harned Von Maur.
In 1937, the von Maur family took full ownership of the store. More than 50 years later, the store was renamed Von Maur.
Now, the department store has its corporate headquarters in Davenport and physical store locations in 17 states.
Emery Glover is an audience engagement specialist for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at eglover@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: This Iowa-based department store is listed among the best in America
Reporting by Emery Glover, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Emery Glover, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
