While the rumour about Nordstrom opening in Ottawa, Vancouver and Calgary have been around for months, the Sherway rumour is newer – and a pleasant surprise, as Torontonians were wondering why their city was not on the list. The mall itself, however, is a surprise, as these days, everything seems to be opening at Yorkdale. At the same time, it’s good news for many – especially those with small feet as the store is known to carry a decent collection of shoes under size six.
A Nordstrom store in New Jersey
Good news aside, it also means that the Canadian old guard stores like Holt Renfrew and even The Bay are probably getting a little worried – especially at Sherway. Both stores at that mall aren’t that big, nor are they “destination” locations. The Bay at Yorkdale has Toronto’s only proper Top Shop location and the Holt Renfrew, once additions are made, will rival the Bloor Street store. The Bay at the Eaton Centre has The Room. In other words, department stores at Yorkdale and Eaton Centre are in a better place for competition, which is important. Another interesting point is that Sherway, unlike the other locations that Nordstrom has rumoured to choose, is not downtown (there have been rumours about opening at the Eaton Centre, but apparently, Sears management won’t budge. Bad move, I think, as many shoppers only use Sears as a through way to the mall and the store itself feels more like a suburban department store with more floor space than a flagship location.)
Is this a good location otherwise? From a transit user’s standpoint, no, as there’s no subway access and therefore making it more difficult for us to get to. In other words, it’s a bit out of the way. And for those of us with cars, parking is going to be an issue, since this is probably going to be Nordstrom’s only Toronto location (for a while, anyway). However, opening at Sherway can make the mall more of a destination location, similar to Yorkdale and the Eaton Centre.
Your thoughts?
p.s. If rumours are true, does this mean we’re getting Miss Wu?
Image credit: Northfoto / Shutterstock.com
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