Richard Forman started Forman Mills in 1977 with an $80 loan from his father.
He began to sell sportswear and sweats in a local flea markets on the weekends with this money.
Four years later, in 1981, he opened his first store in Philadelphia.
In 1985 Forman opened his first superstore in a warehouse in Philadelphia. This new type of store was called the Forman Mills Clothing Factory Warehouse and had 16,000 square feet of retail space.
From 1989 to the present, the chain has grown to include stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland, and Michigan.
Forman Mills
Richard Forman started Forman Mills in 1977 with an $80 loan from his father.
He began to sell sportswear and sweats in a local flea markets on the weekends with this money.
Four years later, in 1981, he opened his first store in Philadelphia.
History
In 1985 Forman opened his first superstore in a warehouse in Philadelphia. This new type of store was called the Forman Mills Clothing Factory Warehouse and had 16,000 square feet of retail space.
From 1989 to the present, the chain has grown to include stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland, and Michigan.
When are the w2 coming
Hello I am a employee from Forman Mills and I would like to talk to someone from corporate ASAP
Hmmm.. strange how your big showy effort on undercover boss was years ago and yet the complaints about your customer service in store has not changed..
The city I’ve lived in my whole life is trying to draw in new business that meets our needs as a community. We really need a store that offers what you have! We have Walmart or Kmart, please consider opening a store in New Castle, Pa!!!!
Did anyone ever reach out to you? Im interested in the same thing you are!
Hello Mr. Forman, I once worked for your location on N. Olden Avenue in Ewing, NJ. It was a seasonal position and to my knowledge I had great success there. In a course of a few months promotion to Customer Service but continued getting cashier pay. The issue is I was laid off around January of 2016 and told the reason was reduction of workforce. So honestly I believe I was never terminated from your establishment. Now at this current time, it’s holiday season again at least two years later and I feel is though I’m being neglected employment. Believe me sir, Im a great asset to your company. If there’s any way you can look into my issue it would be highly appreciated. Thank You
Dear Mr Forman ,I was in your Belair Rd store in Baltimore MD on May 5,2017 and went back on May 7,2017 do an exchange and a refund. When I went to the customer service desk I basically was ignored by the cashier , instead of waiting on me she told another employee that was standing on the outside of the customer service desk to help me,but when I came in the store her and two other employees standing on the outside of the service just talking and no other customer was at the service desk so why couldn’t she help me. So when I went back up to the customer service desk she ignored me again and there was no other customer at the service desk and two other employees on the outside of the services and her were talking again. So I went on the floor to look for the employee that helped me when I came in and we went back to the customer service desk and she started getting disrespectful to me wanting to come around the customer service desk like she was going to fight me she was like screaming and being very disrespectful so the security guard and manager had to pull her away and take her away from the service desk. I am sending you this email because on Monday ,May 8,2017, I called and left a message to have someone to call me and no one as of yet have returned my called.
To whom it may concern:
Just a customer at the foreman mills in Pontiac, MI concerned about the disorganization of the sales associate team. 4 cashiers lines grouped into one causing confusion amongst customers. All clothes scattered around tables so unorganized I attempted to fold clothes and a team member confronted me about messing with her area. Management team acts very nasty towards customers and workers alike. I will never in my life shop here again. And I own my own clothing line .
Hi Mr Forman
In writing to u in regards to a Forman mills in Pennsauken NJ there managers and supervisors there are so ignorant they need to be a little more professional and the way they treat there employees its a disgrace they take more cigeratte brakes and talking then working I use to shop there all the time but lately I haven’t been to your store for a while because they are so unorganized there and I believe that the manager you all have now is very rude o think he took his position way over his head there are employees there that do 2 or 3 jobs but only get paid for 1 do u think its fair I believe the supervisors should work as well as the employees do really think u check that place out again and fix it before it gets worse. …
Mr Forman:
The Undercover Boss segment featuring Forman Mills, which aired on Sunday, May 1, 2016, was one of the best I’ve seen, ever! I’m so very moved that a committed, caring individual like yourself is in the position to serve, and to impact such a large portion of the overall community! Thank you, and Congratulations!
Sandra Turner-Barnes
My name is Kim Davis from Philadelphia. I have notice from me visiting numerous of your store that they are overly crowd and unorganized. I was wondering do you all hire outside people to come in to just organize your store. I believe if it was less crowded you may get customer that wouldn’t mine shopping through each aisle. If so you can contact me I’m available Sunday anytime, Tuesday & Wednesday night.
Sincerely,
Kim Davis
I was at Forman Mills Southfield Michigan a few days ago their was a rude guy at customer service- he should not work this counter because he has no clue what customer service is- His name is Demetrius he is not kind -I wanted to purchase a despicable me cup for my grandson- this guy could have easily used a different number to ring the item like other forman mills have done or target or burlington coat etc but no he claim he called 4 other stores and none had the item- I kept telling him to ring something similar but he wouldnt do it- he kept saying he wasnt authorized- I said get your manager- he basically ignored that- finally the front supervisor told him to ring something else – he still wouldn’t kept saying he wasnt going to lose his job for nobody – he is very ignorant and he has no customer service skills – I think he wanted the cup for his own family member or who knows he may have wanted it for himself- who knows- he is straight dumb
He was just doing his job he could had been fired for that just like the young lady who told him to scan the item lost her job. Over a cup he was kind enough to call other Forman mills for u to look for the bar code .mr Demetris is one of the best customer service representative I ever encounter he keep a smile & follow the rules…just because u wanted a cup that you could had gotten any where else doesn’t make him out to be the bad guy or all the names you have given him . If so he wouldn’t had sold you the cup at all . I really dislike customers who upset because they can’t have they way. Mr Demetris is there everyday working hard and you are a sister that hates on her own black brother you should be ashamed of yourself
Mr Forman my daughter was informed by her job coach today (7/27/15), that your store at rising sun and Adams ave., Philadelphia, PA has bed bugs!!!!! Employees are going home with them!!! HELP!!!
Hi Mr.Forman,
I wanted to say you are an amazing man. After watching undercover boss tonight, Friday May 22 , I am so jealous of your employees. I worked for Lowe’s in South Attleboro. MA, and in the six years I have been there I had been kicked by an employee, I had a 19 year old young man stand over me and point in my face and say F.You am in front of a department manager who said nothing and did nothing, I have not been paid time and travel to close a store, I had someone change my taxes and complained numerous times to no avail, I finally quit and just couldn’t fathom working there anymore, we had to pay $1,000.00 in taxes this year because of someone changing my taxes to exempt. Your employees are so lucky to have you. I hope you open a store in Rhode Island close to or in Pawtucket. I just wanted you to know how much we need bosses like you, you set the bar for all other bosses, and I would work for you in a heartbeat.I am still unemployed for a year now, and just can not get a job, now home depot and a lot of stores are saying you need a high school diploma/GED to work for them, can you stand it? I am 53 years old have 20 plus years in retail and six years in home improvement, and my experience means zilch, you can’t beat hands on experience in my book anyway. Please think about opening a store in Rhode Island. Sincerely, Debbie Octeau
Would Forman Mills company be interested on a location in the Kokomo Indiana area?
If so. how much ground would be required?
On Sunday 4-19-15 at store #441 in Lansing,Illinois.Approximately 3:00pm Only one line open along with costumer sevvice. The line is backed up. I asked for the store manager, named Cheryl on duty at the time. “If she could open up some additional lines. Be she had Employees identified. standing around in uniform of red shirts and khaki pants on their cell phones. Not helping customers. Secondly after the line was open .I was not able to see what price of the cost of the items on the register that I was purchased . I asked the cashier.”Why I am not able to cost of each item l
am being charged. She became very rude. This is not my first time shopping there. I love this store for the bargains and they carry Big man size. But I refuse to spent my money where. I am disrespectful .besides deal with rude unprofessional workers. I walked out and did not purchase. You lost over $200.00 sale . Due to management..Speaking on experience because I am a Manager. And very aware of Customer Service.. .
Just wanted to say how much I love your store. So glad you opened one up in my area, Deptford. It was such a pain traveling up to Pennsauken all the time but always worth the trip. The only complaint I have along with most of my friends and family is your lay a way plan. Most people get paid every two weeks or once a month. So your 30 day lay a way really didn’t help. Most stores have 30 – 60 days, especially around the holidays. There are a few that don’t have any time limit as long as payments are being made. It would be really appreciated if your policy on this matter could change some. Still love your store and will always continue shopping there. Great buys and savings.
Just wanted to let you know you were the most generous boss, I have seen on
undercover boss. Also creating the profit sharing plan for all the employees, brilliant.
I live in philly and know a lot of people will benefit from the out reach program.
May the blessings you passed on, return to you.
TO: MR. RICHARD FORMAN, CEO FORMAN MILLS,
Dear Mr. Forman,
I just finished watching your edition of Undercover Boss. I was impressed with how you were willing to change from being totally out of touch with employees, and existing major operating problems, and rectify them, to improve the two most important assets of a large company…taking care of it’s employees, and taking care of your customers. I have been retired for several years, after having spent over 50 years in management in the retail grocery industry. I live in the San Fernando Valley, a very large part of Los Angeles County, and have raised 7 boys here over the past 45 years, all of whom have college educations, many with advanced degrees. I am blessed to have a remarkable family and 23 grandchildren. Over the years I have seen some of the largest retail grocery corporations in the country come into Southern Calif. and think they were going to mow them over with their operation, only to either go out of business, of to completely pull out of the area, in a matter of a few years. The reason being that it is one of the most competitive retail areas in the country, and you have to adapt to individual areas in order to survive. It’s not a one size fits all economy.
We have an abundance of discount operations that have sprung up over the years, and many are very successful. Even though a lot of them thrive in lower income areas, they are appealing to look at and are usually an improvement to the community from a structural standpoint, and exterior appeal.
I would like to give you a comparative example as to what I am trying to say. You live in a beautiful home in a very exclusive neighborhood. How would you feel if I built a large home on your street, and painted it a hideous bright yellow, that sticks out like a sore thumb? Now granted, your stores are not going into areas comparable to your neighborhood, but since you seem to putting a thrust on giving back to the community, what would be wrong with putting up an warehouse store, with an exterior that everyone in the community would look at and say.” That really is an improvement to our neighborhood.” Isn’t that part of giving back to the community. If you were to try and open one of your warehouses in many of our areas, you probably wouldn’t be able to get a building permit because they stand out like a store thumb. Quite honestly, there is nothing appealing to make a customer want to drive in your parking lot. I know your answer could be multiple issues. First of all you are doing a good volume, and that’s the name of the game. Also, you are a discounter, and the yellow is so bright customers can’t miss it, and they will drive in. These are probably all valid reasons, but for a small amount more than you are investing in putting up an outlet, you could greatly increase the appeal, and the value to the neighborhood, by simply making the color more fitting. If you looked at 10 of the current very successful discounters in this area, yours would stand out as an eyesore. It wouldn’t take a lot to improve it and completely upgrade your image, and be doing the community a service to enhance it.
The other item, along the same lines is the “red” shirts for your employees. Red in so not an “in” color for any uniform. If you were to go into 10, 20,30 or more retail outlets I would venture to say a very small percentage would have red shirts. You want to make your employees feel better about themselves, it starts with outward appearance. Why don’t you take a survey, and ask your employees what color shirts they would like to wear…I bet you would be surprised. It would make them feel better, and it would make them much more appealing to your customers. You want to project the best image possible when it comes to employee customer relationships.
You are obviously are very intelligent business man, as your achievements project, but it since you are doing a number of very important things to improve customer service, and improve your relationship with your employees, as well as being more involved in the community, why not go a few steps further. I guarantee you it will make improvements in all those areas, which long term would translate into more volume and profit
Sincerely,
Phil Greenfield
GREAT show, ill sure support you as you did your employees!
I would like to open franchises in Florida. I would like to discuss your requirements. When can we meet. Please email me your contact information
Thank you
Evan Lustig
I would like to see forman mills put a store in Washington Pa. that’s about 25 minutes south of Pittsburgh Pa. it seem’s like company’s all way’s want to go too Pittsburgh i belive if you would put one in Washingto Pa. That the people would come there from Pittsburgh and the people in WV. and Ohio too And the old washington mall is about closed the old JC PENNY’S would make a great place to put it thank you Paul
I worked for Forman Mills in Villa Park, I can say that store needs a new store manager, she wants her other manager and her store associates to do 40 things by the end of the day. The employees are over worked and well under paid. The Store manager does not give certain employees there 90 day review and she is bias and prejudice against white people. She hired 12 new employees and they were either Latino or black and many were managers. so much for hiring from within the company.
I would like to know what is the procedures for another employee pulling a blade on another employee. How is it that an employee still at any company if they pull a blade on nother employee. My concerns are because this employee could dislike this person so much and while this other employee working she could come behind her and cut her .no this problem has not been cleared up. In all the 30yrs I’ve worked i never ever know the employee who pulled out a blade still worked for a co. It’s sad how the work force is becoming in the u.s.a.For this person to also be called all kinds of XXXXXXes will make a person upset and yes will call her a hoer.but didn’t pull out no blades or hit other employee who feels she need to pull out blade on someone who doesn’t have a weapon on her .mangers saying. What they thought instead of getting other employee and cameras to show them what happen .lady wiyh blade come in laughing like this a joke or she have got away with something. While the other employee crying herself sick.this is truly sad.what do a person do when they have to leave their job and have a family to feed when they been in this kind of situation? A concern mother
yes I filled out one of your application for a job here in franklin park, Illinois first time and was reluctant to put my social security number when asked so was honest to my knowledge about the assement questions probably by now you can tell I am not a young woman but iwas looking for a chance as a older woman I try my best to pay my bills on time with a job every one can get something thank you.
I went into Forman Mills today with my kids and I was outraged at how the young lady who was in charge of the fitting rooms performed. She was upset that no one would come and stand why she went to the restroom, so therefore, she started cursing saying she couldn’t wait to get off, that the damn customers was getting on her nerves, Her exact words was “what am I suppose to do Piss on the floor” I need a cigarette this XXXXX is crazy. oh boy I hate these mother fu@#!$, she didn’t even care little kids was around to hear and see her act like a wild person. An older lady asked if she needed a key to go the restroom she turned her back and walked away. I was at the store on 79th Superior avenue in Cleveland Oh. The lady who finally came to relive her was not any better her and another look like manager start talking about a fight that happen in the front of the store between another employee. These people clearly do not care about customer service or professionalism. I would rather spend the extra money at Wal Mart. I just hate to see this store go under because of the employees acting a pure fool.
Mr. Richard Forman
Mr. Joe Bizzaro
Me. Phil Billari,
My name is Ira Pernsley and I frequent Forman Mills in Philadelphia, South Jersey and Wilmington Delaware and I’ve noticed that those stores have the old florescent lighti bulbs and generate a great deal of cardboard and paper trash. With the hours your stores are open I can help all forman mills store locations and distribution centers reduce your waste and recyclable expenses and energy expenses and it would not cost you no cash out of pocket.
My company Pernsley Waste Solutions (A Green Company)
HELPS COMPANIES IMPLEMENT COST EFFECTIVE & SUSTAINABLE GREEN SOLUTIONS THAT DRIVE COSTS DOWN AND CREATE POSITIVE CASH FLOW waste reduction program and our LED light “No Cash Out of Pocket Energy Solutions”
With over 19000 clients to date, Our waste reduction program helps reduce expenses by 30% to 70% at a Guarntee minimum of 10%.
Our LED light No Cash Out of Pocket Energy Solution will help you reduce energy expenses up to 80% by outfitting all of your locations with LED lights and utilizing our no cash out of pocket program. means just that. We have insurance companies and financial institutions secured to make this happen.
Our waste and energy program will allow your bottom line to increase tremendously. My team and I would like to opportunity to speak with your team and go over our programs in greater detail.
view our 3 minute overview of our No cash out of piocket energy program in its entirety http://www.pernsley.teuservices.com
I will contact u Tuesday to schedule a 30 minute meeting with you and your team.
Thank you for your time
Ira Pernsley
Waste Consultant/ Senior Audit Analyst
770-905-XXXXX
pernsleywastesolutXXXXX@gmail.com
You have the most horrible store manager working at your Iverson mall location in Maryland . I overheard her completely belittle several of her employees. I would rather be jobless than work for such a horrible person. I work in retail and her behavior is plain out shameful. You really need to look into it.
Would like to open a forman mills store nesr lafayette snd jefferson , what s the minimum and max square feet I thought beteeen 50 000 and 70 000 squ. Feet please confirm. Barb 248 797 XXXXX
ATTENTION: Mr. Richard Forman
I would like the opportunity to speak with you by telephone at your earliest convenience. I have 10 years of retail management experience. In addition, I have been a licensed real estate broker (primarily commercial & industrial) working in the city of Detroit for the past 25 years. I believe I have some ideas that will greatly enhance your market position in the Detroit Metropolitan Area. I would also welcome a personal meeting with you in the event you are going to be in the Detroit area in the near future.
Thank you very much in advance.