Feb. 28, 2024

Dillard’s is almost ready for shoppers.

The plan is to open the doors at 11 a.m. Friday, and final preparations are underway in the former Younkers space in The Empire Mall.

“Overall, we’re really pleased with the progression, with the flow of merchandise and the placement,” district manager Mark Galvan said. “The physical store itself is in great shape, and right now we’re just trying to get it merchandized properly, and that’s coming fast and furious.”

Shoppers will find a 140,000-square-foot store specifically sized and merchandised for the Sioux Falls market, Galvan said.

“I think the community is going to be amazingly impressed. I really do,” he said. “It’s a great-looking store.”

Galvan said he expects shoppers to be pleasantly surprised by the broad inventory of cosmetics, handbags and watches.

“Ladies shoes, there’s a great assortment they put together,” he added.

“And our dress department for ladies dresses is really impressive. I think young ladies are going to be pleased because there’s a really nice prom assortment.”

The ladies sportswear department and menswear are other standout areas, he said.

“The men’s consumer is going to be really pleased with the suit and dress shirt assortment,” Galvan said. “We believe in that category, and they’re showing it here.”

Unique to the Sioux Falls store, Dillard’s is expanding its section of children’s gear such as strollers and car seats.

“There’s a robust assortment here,” Galvan said. “It’s really going into its own within the last year to become a more significant piece of the store, and this store is literally going to have one of the largest in the country.”

Merchandise will be arriving continually, he added.

“We listen and react to things that are specific to our market, so what we see over the first 60 to 90 days here, we’re going to be reacting for fall,” he said. “We always deliver fashion every single month and listen.”

Dillard’s also offers on-site alterations.

Hiring for the store’s estimated 100 needed employees is ongoing, he said.

“We’re still actively pursuing great individuals; however, we feel really good about the individuals and the number of individuals we’ve been able to bring onto the team,” he said. “But we’re still accepting applications from those who are interested.”

The grand opening is scheduled for March 6 and will include appearances by top Dillard’s leadership, including third-generation family leader William Dillard III.

The first 300 customers will receive a swag bag with a surprise gift card. Doors will open for that after the ribbon-cutting, which starts at 10:30 a.m. Throughout the grand-opening weekend, shoppers will be able to register to win prizes.

Store hours will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.