New tenant for mall

Department store to open in October

   CHUBBUCK — Red beams, coils of electrical wiring and a bit of dust on the floor Thursday marked the end of phase one in transforming vacant mall space into Herberger’s first Idaho location.

   Herberger’s, a full-line department store is part of The Bon-Ton Stores. It will fill what was once the two-story Dillards space in the Pine Ridge Mall.

   The store is set to open at the end of October and could employ about 100 people. A job fair could take place in July or August.

   Christina Hojnacki, the vice president of promotions and publicity, said Herberger’s is known for its shoe selection and offers apparel, hard and soft home items, appliances and a full cosmetic counter, including Lancome, Estee Lauder and Clinique products.

   “It’s a big deal for us to have our first store in Idaho, because it’s a brand-new state,” Hojnacki said. “To come to a new state to tell people what Herberger’s is about to spread the word for us is exciting.”

   The Chubbuck location is the first new store in a virgin state in 14 years, Hojnacki said and will also be the 42nd Herberger’s store. Some of the nearest Herberger’s stores in the Northwest include a location in Butte, Mont., and Rock Springs, Wyo.

   People who are curious about Herberger’s offerings, can visit the website at www.herbergers  . com.

   “We have something for everybody, whether you’re looking for a men’s suit or a lady’s suit or you’re looking for something more casual,” Hojnacki said. “We have a great juniors and young contemporary department. ... It’s not all one-size-fitsall.”    In apparel, Herberger’s has private-labels and branded apparel for all ages. For women, the store offers petite clothing and sizes 2-24. With the store presence, Hojnacki said people can anticipate a grand opening, community days and fundraising opportunities.

   Remodeling the former two-story department store will include a first floor retail space with offices and storage upstairs. The escalators have been inspected and are operable, but will be encased for the time being, Hojnacki said. Having the room upstairs gives the store space to grow, she said.

   Stores under The Bon-Ton family of stores, include Bon-Ton, Bergner’s, Boston Store, Carson’s, Elder-Beerman, Parisian and Younkers. Hojnacki said the company operates about 273 stores in 23 states.

   “It’s a company with a lot of history,” she said. “As The Bon-Ton grew, of course, (it led to) a lot of acquisitions with multiple nameplates.”

   People interested in jobs can contact the Pine Ridge Mall or the Herberger’s website under the human resource link.

BY VANESSA GRIEVE
vgrieve@journalnet.com