BY BROOKE WILLIAMS
Shoppers came out to Tunkhannock yesterday for the grand opening of Gordmans, an off-price retailer under Stage Stores Inc. replacing Peebles stores across the state.
“Because guests are responding positively to Gordmans’ off-price concept, Stage will be converting most of its department store nameplates Peebles, Goody’s, Bealls, Palais Royal and Stage to Gordmans off-price stores during 2020,” said Stage spokesperson Blakeley Graham.
As an off-price retailer, Gordmans purchases overstock merchandise from popular brands and offers it at lower prices, a model that has also found success with stores like TJ Maxx.
At Gordmans, customers could find some of the same brands carried at Peebles, plus more, Graham said.
“Stores receive fresh new merchandise deliveries weekly, so there will always be something new to discover at Gordmans when it comes to name brand apparel, home decor, footwear, gifts, accessories, fragrances and more for the entire family,” she said.
Gordmans also offers an Amazon Counter, allowing customers to ship Amazon orders to the store for “fast, flexible and secure package pick-up,” she said.
Gordmans hosted “Grand Opening Brand Bash” celebrations in 45 stores, including 23 in Pennsylvania yesterday, which featured ribbon cuttings.
Gordmans associates in Tunkhannock hand out free insulated tote bags and scratch off cards to the first 100 customers.
The first 100 customers received insulated tote bags and a scratch-off card worth up to $50.
Stephanie Foote, manager of the local Gordmans, presented Tunkhannock Area High School Principal Todd Bosscher with a check for $1,000 to benefit local students. The high school band also performed for the ribbon cutting, which saw attendance from Tunkhannock Mayor Stacy Huber, Tunkhannock Twp. Chairman Hoyt Keiser, Tunkhannock Twp. Secretary Judy Gingher and Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce President Gina Suydam.
Foote, who formerly managed the Tunkhannock Peebles, was excited for a new opportunity with Gordmans, which she said has “great prices and great merchandise for all different ages.”
“There’s a huge variety of things we never carried,” she said.
Foote thanked her store associates for their service, as well as Reuben Smith, who came from another Gordmans in Hermitage, Tenn. to serve as a temporary support manager for the Tunkhannock store in its transition period.
Stores closed for about a week ahead of the Feb. 18 grand opening, and Stage converted its Peebles associates into Gordmans associates. The Tunkhannock store also held a job fair earlier this year to fill open positions.
“The new Gordmans stores will help sustain jobs, quality of life and economic growth in these communities,” Graham said.
Customers could still use their Peebles credit card or sign up for a Gordmans credit card. Also, those enrolled in the Style Circle Rewards program through Peebles won’t lose any points or rewards.
Gordmans, located in Tioga West Plaza on Route 6, is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.