…considering how Nordstrom seems to be more small-footed girl friendly than most department stores in North America (at Nordstrom, sales people don’t give you looks if you’re asking for a 4 1/2 or 5). And they have specialty size shoe sales once or twice a year, too (I was right in time for one when I was in Vegas last spring). While construction is set to begin soon after Sears closes, the press release indicates that the new store would not be opening until late 2016, adding to the other two openings at Yorkdale and Sherway Gardens respectively (also in 2016). It’s a bit disappointing, but this would give mall competitor, Hudson’s Bay, some time to improve its services!
The new Nordstrom store is said to be over 200,000 square feet over three floors – much larger than an “average” Nordstrom store (122,000 square feet or so, according to Operation Buzz). However, it is still much smaller than the old Eaton’s store, which was more than twice that size. And since it’s going to take some 18 months to complete, I hope it’s getting a full face-lift! Sears is very tired-looking and definitely doesn’t give off a “sophisticated” vibe. Some of the items sold at the store would likely be different from the US. For example, TopShop has a contract with Nordstrom in the US. However, they’re with Hudson’s Bay in Canada. I’m also hoping to see some Canadian designers (beyond, say, Pink Tartan) in the stores. VAWK or Greta Constantine, perhaps?
I know that there will be people who are completely against higher end stores “taking over” malls, but the truth is, most people don’t want to shop at the “mid-range” level (that’s what caused Sears to shut down in the first place. In the US, JC Penney isn’t doing that great, either). We’re either going to go to, say, Wal-Mart or all the way to Holt Renfrew or Saks. Nordstrom isn’t exactly Holts or Saks – they’re a bit more moderate – but the average prices are definitely higher than Sears. I’m also prepared for higher prices than in the States. I don’t know why people were so upset when Target first opened – higher prices is something we should be used to already.
