Finally! Nordstrom Opens in Vancouver

230,000 square feet of retail therapy for Vancouver’s most stylish

After years of waiting for our own store, Vancouverites no longer have to drive down to Seattle to shop at Nordstrom. The new flagship store (only one of four in Canada and the US) is gleaming on the corner of Robson and Granville, occupying 230,000 square-feet (over three floors) of enviable real estate as part of Pacific Centre.

The clothes, the shoes, the accessories! Yes, Nordstrom has all this (and food!) for women, men and children, but probably what it’s best known for – and what Canadians are clamouring for – is the exceptional level of customer service. Every executive-level member of the new Vancouver team has spent seven weeks training at the Nordstrom in Seattle, all to ensure the Nordstrom quality of knowledge, service and communication is retained north of the border.

Comparing at face value, it’s true that price tags here in Canada are higher than in the US, but that’s purely due to economics: currency conversion, taxes, levies, etc. But Nordstrom vows to bring every last detail of its amazing customer service up to Vancouver (more on this later). There are even two service bars by the escalators on levels one and three that offer complimentary phone charging stations and quick access to most transactions including exchanges, holds and payments. And they’ll even process returns/exchanges of items bought in the US.

Nordstrom opens its third Canadian store on Friday, September 18 at 9:30 a.m. Click through to see inside the store and what Nordstrom has to offer Vancouver customers.

Opening Celebrations

Leading up to opening day, Nordstrom has been treating Vancouverites to a variety of sneak peek events, many in support of local charities. But, undoubtedly, the one that had the city buzzing for weeks in anticipation was the September 16th gala to benefit BC Children’s Hospital, BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre, Covenant House Vancouver and Vancouver Art Gallery. $420,000 was raised and 100 per cent of the proceeds will go to these local charities.

There were two main events that evening: first a fashion show hosted by Vancouver Art Gallery and held at Robson Square, immediately followed by a gala hosted by Nordstrom. The fashion show was beautifully curated and produced, showcasing 12 distinct style profiles ranging from Burberry Prorsum to Alexander McQueen and ending with a confectionary lineup of evening gowns. It was a spectacular walking catalogue of what Nordstrom offers and the looks were expertly selected to appeal to Vancouver sensibilities.

The gala at Nordstrom was attend by more than 2,200 guests, who got free rein over the entire store for the evening. Like kids in a candy store, adults were offered a chance to be the first to shop at Nordstrom with access to exclusive boutiques like Christian Louboutin and Delvaux, designer shops such as Valentino, Chloé and Saint Laurent Paris and beauty leaders like Charlotte Tilbury, Amore Pacific and Space NK.

Women’s Wear: An Elevated Shopping Experience

Nordstrom could literally be a one-stop shop for Vancouver women, catering to all things sartorial, head to toe.

First, the toes: there are five shoe departments for women here. Five. Shoes have always been at the heart of Nordstrom, having started out as a shoe store itself back in 1901. With a true appreciation for shoes, shoppers will see that Nordstrom has beautifully displayed them throughout a healthy portion of the first floor, featuring brands such as Pedro Garcia (exclusive), Frye, Donald J. Pliner and Lanvin. And for true shoe aficionados, there’s an exquisitely plush Christian Louboutin boutique that could pass for a V&A exhibit.

Venture past shoes and shoppers will find an offering of women’s clothing unparalleled in this city. From Nordstrom exclusive brands (Herve Leger, Alice + Olivia, Madewell) to familiar labels (Eileen Fisher, Theory, Vince) to dedicated designer shops (Valentino, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney), Nordstrom will be filling a much needed niche on the women’s retail scene here. Between the selection and customer service, Nordstrom has singularly elevated – if not redefined – the shopping experience for women in Vancouver.

Ties and Suits and Mini Boden

Men’s apparel at Nordstrom will be a joy for guys whose shopping purchases have, up till now, been uninspired due to a lack of options. Get excited over brands like Ted Baker London, Rick Owens and Yojhi Yamamoto. And if you’re a suit-and-tie kind of guy, even better. There are over 2,500 shirts and 1,500 ties to help show off that new Zegna suit. And, as always, alterations by in-house tailors are complimentary with express hemming while you wait.

All shopped out? You can get your shoes shined while waiting for your alterations for $2.50.

Across the floor is children’s wear, where you’ll find many familiar brands on clothing of an adorably miniature size. Pick up your tiny Canada Goose and Mackage coats to go over their Mini Boden and Armani ensemble. You’ll also find that the area is decorated with tiles painted by local children, who were invited to join in this long-running Nordstrom charity tradition. The event raised $4,500 for the Vancouver Aquarium and kids can come back to show off their artwork.

Easy Access to Beauty

Nordstrom brings to Vancouver the lovely tradition of grand beauty halls. Befitting a flagship store, the new beauty section is gorgeous and decadently steeped with makeup and skincare products from both familiar and just-read-about-in-WWD brands. You’ll find favourites such as Burberry, Clinique and NARS, as well as lines exclusive to Nordstrom including Le Labo, Space NK and a Drybar blowout serivce (the first one in Canada).

You’ll notice that it’s a “barrier-free” set up, where customers are encouraged to go up to the displays and help themselves to products and testers. Nordstrom wanted to create a pressure-free shopping experience, so while you’ll always find a beauty expert nearby and ready to help, you can opt for minimal interaction if that’s your preference.

Looking for a gift or antsy to try some new skincare? Check in with a Beauty Concierge who can help you navigate the entire beauty section, pulling options from all brands and counters. They have intimate knowledge of all the beauty products on the floor and will help you find exactly what you need especially if you’re in a rush. Or, head to an aisle where you’ll find displays of mini “must-haves,” a selection of can’t-live-without beauty products that are larger than sample sizes, but smaller than regular ones.

Refuel with Coffee, Cocktails and After-Hours Dining

There are food and drink options on every floor of Vancouver’s Nordstrom. Brilliant. Who doesn’t get fatigued during a lengthy shop up?

On level one is eBar, a coffee bar that serves coffee, smoothies, pastries, salads and sandwiches – all made fresh daily.

On level two is Habitant, a casual lounge that’s perfect for refueling and people watching. You can sip on a glass of wine or a cocktail here, while nibbling on an assortment of appetisers or sandwiches.

On level three is Bistro Verde, Nordstrom’s new full-service restaurant with direct express elevator to Howe Street, which means it can stay open after store hours. The menu features a West Coast emphasis on freshness and flavours and the view provides a beautiful panorama of Robson and Howe streets. Reservations can be made at: 604.699.2100.

The Age of Nordstrom: Signature Customer Service

The final word has to be on customer service, which is really what Nordstrom is famous for. They offer everything from easy returns to price-matching to personal stylists. Here’s a quick, partial summary of how Nordstrom’s going to make you rethink shopping. And yes, these services are all complimentary!

24-hour Express Service: For any kind of sartorial emergency, whether it’s due to lost luggage, a last-minute need for a ballgown or anything in-between, there’s a Nordstrom concierge available, 24/7. 604.699.2100.

Certified Bra Fitters: Four out of five women wear the wrong size bra. Enough said.

Concierge: Come here to check your coat and parcels, get restaurant recommendations (and reservations) and borrow an umbrella.

Downtown Delivery: Nordstrom will deliver your purchase anywhere downtown within two hours. Outside of Vancouver? Same-day delivery is $15.

Family Restrooms: Available for either parent to take their small children in or for customers with special needs. There’s also a mother’s nursing area in the women’s restroom. Level two.

Language Ambassadors: Fashion may be an international language, but sometimes you still need to translate “faux fur.” Inquire at a Service Bar (levels one and three).

Personal Stylists: This is a fun, no-pressure service that pairs you with someone who knows the store inside out. Enjoy shopping away from the crowds in the private JWN Suite (pictured above).

Service Bars: These kiosks located by the escalators on levels one and three offer customers a quick, easy-access point for most transactions. They even have a phone charging station.