Gordmans grand opening in East Huntingdon draws curious shoppers

Several dozen shoppers braved a wet, windy morning Tuesday to be among the first to shop at the new Gordmans, formerly Peebles, department store in East Huntingdon.

Officials from the township and from Mt. Pleasant borough joined employees as they officially opened the location in Countryside Plaza.

Grand openings of other former Peebles converting to Gordmans across the region also were scheduled in New Castle, Somerset, Rostraver, Allegheny Township and Ellwood City.

Part of the Stage community of stores, Gordmans is described by representatives as “off-price retailers” with low-price name brands from clothing to home decor, jewelry, fragrances, toys and pet accessories.

Location, location

Sisters-in-law Marlene Sebek and Nancy Sebek, both of Mt. Pleasant, were the first two in line.

Both former Peebles shoppers, they looked forward to exploring what Gordmans had to offer.

“There is no place else in Mt. Pleasant to get clothes,” Marlene Sebek said.

She was hoping to see a large shoe selection as well.

“It’s nice to see something open,” she said.

In August, grocery store JK’s County Market closed its location in the plaza after 36 years in business.

“I got my husband some nice things (at Peebles). And I got myself a Columbia jacket. I got a few pictures for my bathroom. I’ve bought perfume here also,” Nancy Sebek said.

“When (Peebles) had sales, they had good discounts. They had a wide variety of designer labels,” said Jane Scott of Scottdale. “I hope (Gordmans) is comparable to Peebles, clothing-wise. It’s close by. I like not having to go to Greensburg (to shop). I like their shoes, and they had a nice purse collection. I think we are just lacking in the community. … I hope maybe this attracts some other businesses to come in and fill the empty buildings. I’m also all about supporting local businesses.”

Kathy Olson, also of Scottdale, agreed.

“I’ve bought clothing here, jewelry, a couple of household items. I’m just looking right now. I would like to keep the money where the money needs to be at. I live here. Why not (shop here)?” she said.

Township supervisors Joel Suter, Paul Hodgkiss and Justin Morrow attended the opening.

“We are very happy that they are here. It’s nice to have a store of this nature in this plaza. It will be welcome,” said Suter, board chair.

Those entering the store Tuesday received free purple totes and discount coupons.

Discounts, donations

Store manager Carrie Depta, who also managed Peebles, said the new store employs about 15 people — a few more than Peebles did.

“The pricing is much lower. We are getting deliveries of new items. We expanded the housewares. We have different name brands for shoes and clothes, including Under Armour and Tommy Hilfiger,” she said.

Gordmans donated $1,000 to Mt. Pleasant Area High School. The company is making identical donations to area high schools as part of each grand opening, spokeswoman Kristen Whitman said.

Although the store is in East Huntingdon, which is part of the Southmoreland School District, its mailing address is Mt. Pleasant.

“In situations where there is more than one school district in an area where Gordmans is located, a school is chosen based on the store address and ZIP code,” Whitman said in a statement.

Bill Barber, a Mt. Pleasant Area High School teacher and student council sponsor, attended the event with a group of student council members. The council, Barber said, raises money for an annual Christmas gift-giving program, Toys for Children, to benefit needy children in the district. The Gordmans donation will go toward this year’s effort, he said.