Drayage Brokersin Omaha, NE

top story topical

Brass handrails. Wide, comfortable walkways. Soothing sounds of a grand piano played live.

The atmosphere inside Omaha's Von Maur store has always radiated a kind of old-school sophistication, a refuge from the screaming sales racks and austere warehouse-style configurations of some other stores.

But the interior design, with its anachronistic sea foam green and pink color palette, was getting a bit too old, said Melody Wright, the company's chief operating officer.

Wright, who worked at the store at Westroads Mall in the late 1990s, said the store was overdue for a "top to bottom" renovation as Von Maur, like other brick-and-mortar retail stores, competes against online shopping.

The Omaha store's renovation over the next year is part of a five-year $100 million plan to renovate all the company's stores. The company operates 37 stores in 15 states. The Von Maur store in Lincoln will be renovated in a later phase.

"It's really transitioning more into white, warm woods, a little bit more hardscape flooring and less carpet," she said.

The Omaha store is one of the most important stores in the company's portfolio, she said.

"Omaha's an extremely important market for us. We do a lot of volume in the store," she said.

Von Maur does offer online shopping. The company operates a 120,000-square-foot e-commerce facility for its online business.

But its hallmark is customer service, whether it's free gift wrapping, complimentary shipping service, clothing alterations or assistance from department experts finding just what the customer wants.

"We believe in the in-store experience," Wright said. "Our customer likes the in-store experience, and so we're going to continue to invest in our stores."

The store has always been a go-to for special occasions, whether you need a new suit for the upcoming wedding, a dress for First Communion or a new wardrobe for that new job.

But Wright said the store offers more than event shopping.

"I have men's shirts that you could probably buy for $20 that are on sale, and they're shirts that maybe would have been $80," she said. "I've got casual. I've got swim. I've got coats."

The store features products from leading brands such as Bobbi Brown, Rhone, UNRL, Good Good, Vuori, Peter Millar, TravisMathew, Hammitt, Lilly Pulitzer, Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch and Marine Layer.

One reason the company can make an investment like this is the ownership, she said. The company, founded in 1872 in Davenport, Iowa, is family-owned.

"We can make decisions that are good for our customers, that are good for the long term," she said. "And it's not these short-term, knee-jerk reactions to what Wall Street says the store should or shouldn't do."

The store remains open to customers during the renovation, which should be substantially complete by Christmas but could take until early spring 2025 to finish, Wright said.

The new look for the 180,000-square-foot store is more "residential," with materials found in many homes today, she said.

"It's warming up the store to a large degree," she said.

The way the merchandise is displayed in some departments is changing, too.

The company is moving some of the merchandise out of big, heavy wooden floor cases and displaying it in a way that lets shoppers more easily touch and feel it, she said.

For instance, she said, some customers looking for cosmetics find it intimidating to go up to a counter and ask someone to retrieve an item from a case.

"In today's world, the customer, maybe she's in a hurry. She knows exactly what she wants. She wants to grab it and say 'Okay, I'm ready to go.'"

However, the store will still offer all the same services for the customer who wants to sit down and have a complete makeover, she said.

Shoppers should see minimal disruption during the renovation, which is being done by department, although some merchandise is being scooted around into other departments temporarily.

Noisy construction such as knocking down walls has been done after hours to avoid bothering customers, she said.

On the third floor, renovation of the children's department is finished, with the old pastel and primary colors making way for the brighter, more neutral colors.

Work is proceeding "feverishly" to renovate the women's lounge, Wright said. Closed for now, the lounge was always a large, clean, comfortable refuge for shoppers, but the pink tiles that ran across the floor and up the walls had to go, she said.

In the men's department, employee Susan Eddins has been with the store since it opened in 1995.

Eddins said the store is doing what families do as well: sprucing things up and putting out "a new welcome mat."

"We're showing Omaha we're here. We're going to be here. We love it here. There's no other place I'd work," she said.

While the changes are noticeable, some are subtle. And some things won't change.

The store will still have the open, airy design that allows a customer unobstructed view across the whole store. Customers can still make use of Von Maur's no-interest credit card. The wide walkways will continue to invite people to browse. Customer service will remain the cornerstone, Wright said.

And, of course, she said, the piano will play on.

joe.dejka@owh.com, 402-444-1077

Tags

NEW YORK — Rue21, a mall staple for teen apparel, is going out of business and closing all 540 of its stores within the coming weeks.

The Pittsburgh-based company filed for bankruptcy Thursday for the third time in its existence, signaling the end of nearly 50 years in business for the retailer, which had 1,200 locations at its peak just a few years ago.

The retailer, which has about $200 million in debt and 4,900 employees, has been struggling financially in recent years despite a 2017 bankruptcy that the company hoped would turn Rue21 around. It also filed for bankruptcy in 2003.

In a court filing, interim CEO Michele Pascoe said that Rue21 was “negatively impacted by challenges stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic and related adverse market trends, including a shift in consumer shopping patterns from traditional brick-and-mortar retailers to online retailers and changing consumer preferences.”

Pascoe said that Rue21’s bankruptcy was caused by “under-performing retail locations, increased industry competition and the uptick in online shopping, inflation and macroeconomic headwinds, and challenges raising capital.”

Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts

A major problem that led to Rue21’s downfall was its “growing irrelevance of the brand to teen consumers,” according to Neil Saunders, managing director and retail analyst at GlobalData Retail.

“Rue21 does not have a very compelling proposition and is losing customers to other retailers and to cheaper and more interesting fashion platforms like Shein,” he told CNN. “There is still a big question mark over whether the retail market needs Rue21 to exist.”

Rue21 didn’t immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment, and its website no longer works.

Its stores, which are located in 45 U.S. states, will close within the next 4 to 6 weeks and “going out of business” sales are beginning soon. The company will also sell its brand name and other intellectual property.

Rue21 is the latest retailer to hit financial turbulence. Express filed for bankruptcy last month and announced it was closing about 100 stores. 99 Cents Only Stores, a discount chain, also said in April it was going out of business.

Joann, the fabrics retailer, went bankrupt in March and exited from the process this week, proclaiming that it’s in its “strongest financial foundation in many years.”

OMAHA, Neb. — The Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association is excited to launch ticket sales for their annual wine festival, TOAST Nebraska, the largest gathering of wineries in the state. With 17 participating Nebraska wineries for the 2024 festival, the event is truly one of a kind as the wineries themselves host it through their statewide association. The festival offers a fantastic chance to experience offerings from wineries located across Nebraska, all in one location at Stinson Park in Omaha’s Aksarben Village.

Along with the participating wineries, attendees can expect products from over 45 local artisan and food vendors, live music and bands, and free activities including wine bingo, wine education seminars, and charcuterie demonstrations. It’s an excellent opportunity to stock up on Nebraska wine favorites or discover new preferences. Attendees can purchase bottles to take home or for on-site consumption while enjoying the music, games and atmosphere.

The event runs May 17-18, 2024. Friday hours are 4 p.m.-9 p.m., with VIP early access at 3 p.m. Saturday hours are noon-8 p.m., with VIP early access at 11 a.m.General admission tickets include a tasting glass, unlimited wine tastings, a wine tote, access to vendors/music/activities, and free wine bingo. VIP tickets (limited) also include one-hour early entry, snacks/water, $20 in wine bucks, and a $25 TOAST Shop voucher. Designated driver tickets receive a bottle of water, wine tote and $5 food voucher.

“TOAST Nebraska is the perfect event to showcase our incredible local wineries and what I believe is the most fun agricultural product in our state,” said Katie Benner, chairman of TOAST Nebraska and the general manager of Prairie Creek Vineyards in Central City, Neb. “We’re encouraging everyone to come out and enjoy a full day sampling and learning about the 17 different Nebraska wineries that will be participating. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the best of our state’s wine scene all in one beautiful setting at Stinson Park.”

Advance tickets are required as availability is limited. Prices start at just $40 for Friday general admission and increase by $25 on May 1. Attendees are highly encouraged to purchase tickets prior to May 1. All attendees must be 21 plus, no infants/children/pets.

Visit http://www.toastwinefest.com and http://www.facebook.com/toastwinefest for tickets and info. TOAST Nebraska has been voted No. 1 Festival at the Omaha Choice Awards in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

3M expands facility in Valley, Nebraska

3M expands facility in Valley, Nebraska

PR Newswire

ST. PAUL, Minn., May 3, 2024

$67 million investment will create about 40 new jobs

ST. PAUL, Minn., May 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A new 90,000-square-foot expansion at 3M's facility in Valley, Nebraska, will increase the plant's manufacturing capacity and add new jobs to the community.

The $67 million investment includes new production lines, equipment and a warehouse, and will help 3M more quickly meet customer demand for the company's personal safety products. The expansion of the plant is expected to create about 40 new jobs.

"3M has been a part of Valley and the greater Omaha business community for 45 years," said Matt Huset, plant director at 3M's Valley plant. "We're proud of the role we play in Nebraska's success and pleased that we could work with state officials to make this expansion happen."

The expansion will create additional manufacturing capacity for 3M's reusable respirators and PELTOR™ hearing protection products.

"From respiratory and hearing protection to welding safety and medical products, 3M Valley is integral to manufacturing the solutions that help protect people worldwide," said Chris Goralski, president of 3M Safety and Industrial. "These products help make a difference during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, or for workers on the job across the industries we serve, and in daily life. The investments we're making in Valley will help give us the capacity we need to meet the growing demand for these solutions today and into the future."

To help make the expansion happen, 3M partnered with the state of Nebraska through the ImagiNE Nebraska Program, a tax incentive-based program intended to encourage companies to invest in Nebraska by creating jobs and growing the state and its economy.

"Congratulations to 3M on a successful expansion in Valley," said K.C. Belitz, director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. "In addition to offering great career opportunities, 3M generously contributes to the community. The Department has enjoyed working alongside company leaders to support 3M's growth in the Good Life. Nebraska boasts a world-class workforce and supportive business climate that make it highly attractive for companies to invest in our state."

3M has operated its facility in Valley since 1979 and the company is celebrating 45 years in the community this year. Over that time, 3M has supported agencies that help improve the lives of people in the area and has encouraged 3Mers to volunteer and give back to their communities. 3M employees in Valley are active and invested in community initiatives, including serving on advisory boards for the Twin Rivers YMCA and other area non-profits.

To learn more about careers at 3M and its manufacturing facilities, visit 3m.com/careers, and search for jobs in "Valley, NE."

About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas and science to reimagine what's possible, our global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of our customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we're working to improve lives and make what's next at 3M.com/news.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/3m-expands-facility-in-valley-nebraska-302135371.html

SOURCE 3M Company

From fine jewelry to Squishmallows, shareholders will again be able to buy goods from their favorite Berkshire Hathaway brands at a discount during this year’s meetings.

The annual shopping extravaganza starts Friday from noon to 5 p.m. at CHI Health Center’s exhibit hall. Exhibit booths will also be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Discounted shopping will be available from brands including Nebraska Furniture Mart, Borsheims, Brooks Running Company, Berkshire Hathaway Shoes, Fruit of the Loom, Pampered Chef, Oriental Trading and Jazwares — the maker of Squishmallows.

See’s Candies supplies around 11 tons of its product at the event — though shareholders can purchase much, much smaller amounts. Dairy Queen is another sweet snack option. DQ usually sells Dilly Bars — maybe another option or two — at roaming spots inside CHI and has a booth.

Other exhibitors include Benjamin Moore, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, BNSF Railway, Clayton Homes, Duracell, Fechheimer Brothers Co., FlightSafety International, Forest River, GEICO, Johns Manville, Lubrizol Corporation, Marmom Holdings, NetJets, Pilot Company and Shaw Industries.

The Bookworm will also be in the exhibit hall selling the newest edition of "Poor Charlie's Almanack: The Essential Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger." Shareholders receive a 20% discount on the book.

There will also be an onsite shipping service available for shoppers to mail their purchases. There is a charge for the service, and rates may run higher due to limited shipping options.

The shipping service is only for items purchased at the meeting and shipped the day the purchase is made — insurance can be purchased on items. The shipping service closes by 4 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Saturday.

Borsheims, 120 Regency Parkway, in Omaha will also have shareholder-only shopping events from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Shareholders will also be able utilize their shareholder discount during Borsheims’ regular hours through May 12. The store is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

NFM will be hosting a picnic at its Omaha store at 72nd Street from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday with food and live entertainment.

Shareholders can shop with their discount at locations in Omaha; Clive, Iowa; Kansas City, Kansas; and The Colony, Texas, through Tuesday, May 7, too. The Omaha store is open Sunday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.