FREEHOLD, NJ — The long-empty Nordstrom space at Freehold Raceway Mall will soon come back to life as Von Maur Department Stores prepares to launch its first-ever New Jersey location in a sweeping expansion into the Northeast.
The Iowa-based chain announced it will open a 164,000-square-foot, three-story department store in the former Nordstrom building, which has remained shuttered since 2020. The new Von Maur store is expected to open in fall 2027, making it the company’s 40th location nationwide.
This move is a major retail development for the region and signals a resurgence for one of Central Jersey’s largest shopping centers, which has been undergoing a transformation since the pandemic disrupted the traditional department store model.
The upcoming store will carry a broad selection of national and specialty brands including Vuori, Free People, Peter Millar, Marc Jacobs, TravisMathew, Varley and Dagne Dover. Von Maur, known for its upscale shopping experience, will also offer amenities such as free gift wrapping, an interest-free store credit card, a loyalty program and its signature touch: live piano music.
About 150 new jobs are expected to be created, combining full- and part-time positions. The company said hiring will begin closer to the opening date.
The former Nordstrom location has been vacant since the early days of the pandemic, when the Seattle-based retailer announced it would not reopen the store, part of a broader closure of 16 locations nationwide.
Von Maur’s move is the latest in a wave of reimagined anchor tenants at Freehold Raceway Mall. Dick’s House of Sport recently opened in the former Lord & Taylor building, while Dave & Buster’s took over part of the old Sears space. Earlier this year, Von Maur’s Dry Goods chain opened a boutique near Sephora inside the mall.
Mall operator Macerich said Von Maur’s arrival underscores the shift toward experience-focused retail and specialty anchors designed to boost foot traffic and sales across the property.
The Freehold location will mark Von Maur’s fourth store in the Northeast region. The retailer recently expanded into New York and Pennsylvania markets as it seeks growth beyond its Midwest base.
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Key Points
- Von Maur will open a 164,000-square-foot store in Freehold Raceway Mall in fall 2027
- The store replaces the former Nordstrom space that has been empty since 2020
- About 150 employees will be hired for the location, which will include specialty brands and signature services