Gordmans was a popular discount department store chain in the United States, known for offering a wide range of products including clothing, accessories, home goods, and more at affordable prices. The chain had a significant presence in the Midwest and other parts of the country, attracting customers with its value-oriented approach. Over the years, Gordmans went through various changes and challenges, which ultimately impacted its business operations.
Is Gordmans still in business? No, Gordmans is no longer in business. The company faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy multiple times. In 2017, Gordmans filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and was subsequently acquired by Stage Stores. Despite efforts to revitalize the brand, Stage Stores also faced financial struggles and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020. As part of the bankruptcy proceedings, Stage Stores announced plans to liquidate all of its stores, including Gordmans locations.
History of Gordmans
Gordmans was founded in 1915 by Sam Richman and Dan Gordman in Omaha, Nebraska. Initially, the store operated under the name “Richman Gordman,” focusing on providing value-priced merchandise to customers. Over the decades, Gordmans expanded its footprint, opening numerous stores across the United States. The company became known for its “no-frills” shopping experience, offering quality products at discounted prices.
Despite its initial success, Gordmans faced increasing competition from other discount retailers and online shopping platforms. The changing retail landscape, coupled with financial mismanagement, led to the company’s first bankruptcy filing in 2017. Stage Stores acquired Gordmans’ assets and attempted to rebrand some of its locations under the Gordmans name, but these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
Impact on Employees and Customers
The closure of Gordmans stores had a significant impact on both employees and customers. Thousands of employees lost their jobs as a result of the store closures, leading to economic challenges for many families. Customers who had been loyal to Gordmans for years were left without a familiar shopping destination, and many expressed disappointment over the loss of the brand.
In addition to the immediate effects on employees and customers, the closure of Gordmans also had broader implications for the communities where the stores were located. Many of these communities relied on Gordmans as a key retail anchor, and its absence left a void in the local economy. The liquidation of Gordmans’ inventory and assets marked the end of an era for the once-popular discount retailer.
While Gordmans is no longer in business, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who shopped and worked there. The rise and fall of Gordmans serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by traditional brick-and-mortar retailers in an increasingly digital world.