Rumours have been swirling around Vancouver that luxury department store, Nordstrom, is considering expanding to Canada. Canadians have been crossing their fingers that the rumours are true, and now its finally been confirmed. The high end retailer plans to open up stores at the Pacific Centre in Vancouver, Chinook Centre in Calgary, Sherway Gardens in Toronto, and Rideau Centre in Ottawa.
The Vancouver location is said to be three floors, approximate 230,000 sqaure feet, and the largest store in Canada. The schedule and details include:
| Fall of 2014: | Chinook Centre, Calgary — two levels, approximately 140,000 square feet |
| Spring 2015: | Rideau Centre, Ottawa — two levels, approximately 157,000 square feet |
| Pacific Centre, Vancouver — three levels, approximately 230,000 square feet | |
| Fall of 2016: | Sherway Gardens, Toronto — two levels, approximately 138,000 square feet |
The Proposed Vancouver Store
Canadians have a taste for high end items, but often have to cross the border in order to get them. The recent influx of American stores making the move over the border into Canada (J. Crew, Target, Marshalls, to name a few), means less travel time and effort on the part of Canadians.
For consumers, Nordstroms coming to Canada is exciting news in terms of product availability and store competition. With the addition of Nordstroms in the downtown Vancouver core, we will have three high end retailers (in addition to Holt Renfrew and the Bay) in close proximity to each other. This could mean increased competition between the stores, which could potentially translate into store promotions, a larger brand representation, and lower prices. In addition to their broad product line, they are known for their customer service and helpful staff. All of this translates to good news for consumers, but competition for retailers.
Can’t wait!!!!