American chain store Nordstrom has been gearing up for a Canadian launch for the past two years. The brand is set to open up their first Canadian store on September 19 in Calgary. The store, to be located at the Chinook Centre, will feature tiled floors, more natural light than its U.S. counterparts, a skylight over the escalators, and a restaurant that serves alcohol.
Nordstrom plans to open its first six Canadian stores gradually spread out over the next two and a half years, and in a careful manner to make sure a good impression is left on Canadian consumers.
“We are going to stub our toe – we are not going to get everything perfect,” Nordstrom Canada President Karen McKibbin told the Globe and Mail. “You can expect us to make changes and respond in real time. We are certainly not resting on our laurels.”
Nordstrom will be competing with other luxury retailers like Holt Renfrew & Co., Harry Rosen Inc., as well as U.S. chain Saks Inc., purchased by Hudson’s Bay Co. CJ
