Gordmans to Close Eight Iowa Stores Next Week

Gordmans is about to become a thing of the past in Iowa, except for one store. At least for now. The company is closing all but a location in West Des Moines next week.

On their website, Gordmans indicates the final day in business for stores in Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Council Bluffs, Davenport, two stores in Des Moines, and one each in Sioux City and Waterloo will be Sunday, September 27. Stores in Moline, Illinois, along with Ashwaubenon, Madison, Mukwonago, Prairie du Chien, and Wausau, Wisconsin will close permanently on the same day. Many other locations around the nation will also close for good on Sunday, September 27.

Stage Stores, the parent company of Gordmans, announced in May they filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. At the time, they said

Like many others, our business was significantly impacted by COVID-19. We temporarily closed all of our stores as we have worked to manage through this challenging environment. Despite all of our efforts, we have been unable to obtain necessary financing to continue operating as an independent business.

Gordmans has been searching for a buyer, but so far no one has come forward. The end for Gordmans has been a lengthy process.

Gordmans first announced they were preparing for bankruptcy three-and-a-half years ago, in March of 2017.

Just days later, they announced all stores would be closing. At the end of March of 2017, came word that Stage Stores was buying Gordmans and would keep many stores open.

In February of 2020, Gordmans announced stores in Cedar Rapids and Coralville would be closing their doors this spring. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, greatly hindering the company's ability to host clearance sales. The locations reopened in mid-June.

Now, the end has arrived for nearly all area stores. It won't be long till the others follow as going-out-of-business sales continue.