Get 20% Off Your First Purchase!
Stay Connected with GORDMANS & be the first to know about new arrivals, special offers and more!
About Us
Gordmans, stylized as gordmans, emerged as a prominent retailer with its roots embedded in Omaha, Nebraska. Originally founded as Richman-Gordman, the company underwent various transformations over the decades, striving to provide quality merchandise and exceptional service to its customers.
With the involvement of Gordman's sons and nephew during the 1960s, the company embarked on an ambitious expansion trajectory. By the early 1970s, Richman Gordman ventured beyond Nebraska, opening stores in Iowa and Kansas, pioneering innovative retail practices such as central checkouts, shopping carts, and Sunday operations.
However, the early 1990s witnessed a shift in the company's trajectory, marked by bankruptcy filings and store closures. Despite these challenges, the off-price department store division, operating under the Richman Gordman ½ Price Stores banner, emerged as the focal point for future endeavors.
By 1996, all ½ Price Stores transitioned into the Gordmans brand, reflecting the company's commitment to reinvigorating its identity. With a renewed focus on enhancing store presentation and customer experience, Gordmans embarked on a journey of reinvention, culminating in the launch of prototype stores in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in August 1999.
Stage Stores emerged as a pivotal player during Gordmans' bankruptcy proceedings, acquiring select stores, distribution centers, and intellectual property rights. Under Stage Stores' stewardship, Gordmans underwent a transformation, transitioning from a specialty department store model to an off-price retail concept akin to industry stalwarts like T.J. Maxx and Ross.
Despite the challenges and transformations faced over the years, Gordmans' legacy endures, fueled by a rich history of innovation, resilience, and commitment to delivering value to its customers. As Gordmans embarks on its next chapter under BrandX's ownership, the brand remains poised to captivate audiences with its distinct offerings and enduring charm.
Origins and Growth
The company's inception traces back to the early 20th century when Sam Richman established a small clothing store in Omaha in 1915. Partnering with Dan Gordman, the business flourished, expanding to occupy significant storefronts in downtown Omaha. By 1948, Richman's Outfitters to the Family transitioned into Richman Gordman, signifying Gordman's acquisition of Richman's remaining interests.With the involvement of Gordman's sons and nephew during the 1960s, the company embarked on an ambitious expansion trajectory. By the early 1970s, Richman Gordman ventured beyond Nebraska, opening stores in Iowa and Kansas, pioneering innovative retail practices such as central checkouts, shopping carts, and Sunday operations.
Introduction of ½ Price Store and Evolution into Gordmans
In 1975, the company introduced the ½ Price Store concept across 19 states, offering Richman Gordman merchandise at attractive discounts. This initiative spurred significant growth, prompting the establishment of multiple ½ Price Store locations and necessitating a distinct corporate structure.However, the early 1990s witnessed a shift in the company's trajectory, marked by bankruptcy filings and store closures. Despite these challenges, the off-price department store division, operating under the Richman Gordman ½ Price Stores banner, emerged as the focal point for future endeavors.
By 1996, all ½ Price Stores transitioned into the Gordmans brand, reflecting the company's commitment to reinvigorating its identity. With a renewed focus on enhancing store presentation and customer experience, Gordmans embarked on a journey of reinvention, culminating in the launch of prototype stores in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in August 1999.
Transition under Sun Capital Partners and Bankruptcy
Sun Capital Partners' acquisition of Gordmans in 2008 ushered in a new phase for the company, characterized by strategic restructuring and operational enhancements. Despite initial optimism, Gordmans faced financial challenges, culminating in its bankruptcy filing in March 2017.Stage Stores emerged as a pivotal player during Gordmans' bankruptcy proceedings, acquiring select stores, distribution centers, and intellectual property rights. Under Stage Stores' stewardship, Gordmans underwent a transformation, transitioning from a specialty department store model to an off-price retail concept akin to industry stalwarts like T.J. Maxx and Ross.
Acquisition by BrandX
The narrative of Gordmans took another turn in May 2022, with BrandX's acquisition of Gordmans and several other notable retail brands. This strategic move signaled BrandX's intent to revitalize these iconic brands, potentially heralding a resurgence of Gordmans in the retail landscape.Despite the challenges and transformations faced over the years, Gordmans' legacy endures, fueled by a rich history of innovation, resilience, and commitment to delivering value to its customers. As Gordmans embarks on its next chapter under BrandX's ownership, the brand remains poised to captivate audiences with its distinct offerings and enduring charm.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.