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Gordmans CEO Jeff Gordman says the stores’ merchandising strategy and displays help set them apart from the average off-price store. (Photo Courtesy of Gordmans)
Now that Gordmans has confirmed its plans to open two new stores in Albuquerque this year, shoppers might be wondering what to expect from the Omaha-based retailer.
Often described as an “off-price” retailer a la T.J. Maxx or Marshalls, President and CEO Jeff Gordman said the company defines itself instead as an “everyday value price” retailer that sells name brand apparel, accessories and home goods.
Is there a difference between the two models?
Yes, according to Gordman, although the pricing strategy is very similar.
Like off-price stores, Gordmans doesn’t play the sale game. Instead, it maintains prices that it boasts are up to 60 percent off of department and specialty stores.
That’s based on those competitors’ regular prices, not their sale prices, Gordman said.
Gordmans carries many of the same brands shoppers would expect to find at a Marshalls or T.J. Maxx, but Gordman said they’re offered in “full and complete assortments” and displayed differently.
Rather than spread clothing out on a series of long racks, Gordmans displays its merchandise more like department stores, the CEO said.
“We compete against everybody (but) we’re more directly competing against a Kohl’s, a Target and (JC Penney) versus a T.J. Maxx or Marshalls or Burlington (Coat),” Gordman said.
At roughly 50,000 square feet per store, Gordmans is also larger than the typical off-price store. For example, Albuquerque’s two Marshalls each opened in about 30,000 square feet.
Gordmans, a publicly traded company founded in 1915, is in the midst of a major growth spurt. As I reported in today’s Journal, the Gordmans locations at Coronado mall and Cottonwood Commons are among 10 new stores the company plans to add this year.
-- Email the reporter at jdyer@abqjournal.com. Call the reporter at 505-823-3864
