On Friday at Pacific Centre, Nordstrom opened a 230k SF, three-floor store that will reinvigorate the corner of Robson and Granville. Here are four things to know about the fall's most highly anticipated retail happening.
1. It’s no architectural dud
The look of the place—Cadillac Fairview replaced the old Sears building’s white cladding with glass, and added a new entrance at the corner of Robson and Granville (above)—is a major upgrade from the previous incarnation, which Colliers retail analyst David Bell decried as an “architectural dud” that killed the vibrancy of a key downtown corner. Another 48k SF of retail was added to the mall’s lower level, and 280k SF of office space on the top four floors, with Microsoft and Miller Thomson among tenants. CF CEO John Sullivan says the Vancouver store, Nordstrom's first international flagship, will “transform an entire city block.”
2. It’s yours to discover
Here’s a shot of the estimated thousands who lined up on opening day. Nordstrom Vancouver showcases a new design concept for the retailer, incorporating more natural light and a clean single-surface floor to “create a sense of discovery” and help customers find new brands. In-store offerings include Christian Louboutin (its second Canadian boutique), Delvaux, Jimmy Choo, Balenciaga and Missoni, Rebecca Minkoff, Sam Edelman and Tory Burch. The store also features Canada's first Sugarfina—a grown-up candy shop—and Drybar, the “undisputed expert” in blowouts.
3. It can feed you
Nordstrom’s got a host of food options to refuel customers. There’s Bistro Verde, a full-service restaurant and bar that boasts fresh local ingredients and specialty cocktails (the space is seen above); Habitant, a casual lounge offering drinks and appetizers; and E Bar, a coffee and sandwich spot. Nordstrom also will provide a concierge, on-site tailor, and, if your shoes should be in need of a quick wax and buff, a professional shoeshine operation on level three. Plus, the store will have a series of themed pop-up shops that transition every four to six weeks.
4. It’s part of a trend
Pacific Centre represents the third of six Nordstrom stores slated to open across Canada through to 2017. The first two to launch were at Chinook Centre in Calgary and Rideau Centre in Ottawa. The next three all will be in the Toronto area, at Eaton Centre (slated to open next September, also in a former Sears location), Yorkdale Shopping Centre (coming next October, the store is rendered above) and Sherway Gardens, set for a spring 2017 launch.
