Inside Nordstrom Rack’s 1st Edmonton Store

Date:

Share post:

The long awaited Nordstrom Rack store in Edmonton, Alberta is officially opening on October 25, 2018. The off price store’s opening was first announced back in 2016.

The store is located in the South Edmonton Common power centre. South Edmonton Common is a 2.4-million-square-foot power centre and is owned by Cameron Development Group and operated by CREIT (Canadian Real Estate Investment Trust). The store is situated on a triangular shaped pad flanked by the 19th Avenue Fly Over and Gateway Boulevard. This prime location allows cars travelling north on Gateway Boulevard to see the Nordstrom Rack store from the Highway. Over 200,000 vehicles will pass by the store daily. There are dedicated entrance and exit points that were built to accommodate the traffic flow. The store was built from the ground up starting in spring 2018 and is over 35,000 square feet with 143 dedicated parking stalls.

As the off-price division of Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack offers everyday savings of up to 70% off. The Edmonton location carries an incredible selection of designer and brand name apparel, accessories and shoes for the entire family. There is also a beauty and home section as well. The product assortment is 30% from the main line Nordstrom store and 70% specially purchased product for the store. 38 of the top 50 brands that are available at Nordstrom full line stores are also available at the Edmonton Nordstrom Rack including Ray-Ban, Cole Haan and Theory. Nordstrom has said the store is strategically merchandised by grouping merchandise by gender and category (e.g., jeans, coats, etc.). This allows customers to be more efficient in their shopping and potentially find more treasures.

We were fortunate to be led in a store tour by Nordstrom Rack President, Geevy Thomas and Lauren Adey, Marketing, PR & Social Media for Canada. In the women’s fashion section, brands spotted included Alexander McQueen, Akris Punto, Balenciaga, Burberry, Dries Van Noten, Kenzo, Givenchy and Stella McCartney.

There were loads of designer handbags from both contemporary brands such as Coach, Rebecca Minkoff and Tory Burch as well as designer brands such as Explore Calvin Klein 205W39NYC and Valentino.

For men’s fashions, brands included Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, Ted Baker and Zanerobe. With the Athleisure trend still in fashion, the store also carried a wide selection of both men’s and women’s active wear brands including C&C California, Lole and Nike.

The shoe department is stocked with an impressive 27,000 pairs of shoes. For women’s shoes, there is a dedicated designer aisle with brands including Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo and Tod’s. A unique point of differentiation for men’s shoes is that this location stocks shoes up to Size 16. You do not find such a large range of shoe sizes in many stores.

The beauty section carries both department store brands such as Stila and Korres. The store also features the Grab + Go beauty rounder. This assortment of deluxe sizes of premium beauty products which allows customers the opportunity to try these products without the commitment of buying a full sized product. In addition, if customers are interested in the full sized version, they can purchase the products at a full-line Nordstrom store. This strategy helps to increase customer engagement between all Nordstrom stores.

The Edmonton store represents the newest generation of Nordstrom Rack stores. The fixtures are all on casters so that they can be easily flipped out as the merchandise changes. To assist with moving fixtures quickly and efficiently, the entire store floor is polished concrete. There is wayfinding signage around the entire store to assist customer movement instore as well as to delineate the departments. The wayfinding combines being bold and friendly along with the clean signature Nordstrom Rack look. To align with Nordstrom Rack’s strategy of customer convenience, the fitting rooms are self-service and unisex. Nordstrom notes that fitting rooms are used by over 75% of women with men only accounting for 25% of usage. This allows the fitting rooms to be flexed if there is more demand. Another unique feature is there is an area outside of the fitting rooms with a charging table for those waiting for their parties as they are using the change rooms. There is also complimentary Wi-Fi which helps to make the wait times go faster.

The checkout experience is enhanced as there are mobile checkout stands similar to the technology used by Apple Stores throughout the store, allowing associates to cash out customers from anywhere in the store via a mobile device. The mobile checkout stands align with Nordstrom Rack’s strategy of customer convenience. There is still the traditional checkout stand available for larger orders. There are also new payment methods available at Nordstrom Rack including Alipay and WeChat Pay. This should attract international customers that are shopping in Canada.

The selection of South Edmonton Common as the first Edmonton Nordstrom Rack location is ideal. South Edmonton is an affluent quadrant of Edmonton with an average annual income of $114,794 and a population of over 640,000 people within a 20 minute drive. There is a mix of young families, affluent, middle-aged suburban and exurban families that live in this area. The area population is expected to grow by 7% by 2022. The Edmonton market is unique for Nordstrom as it does not have a full line Nordstrom store. In markets across Canada, there are both Nordstrom Rack stores and Nordstrom Department stores which encourage customers to cross shop the stores. With these demographics and unique product mix, this location could be quite successful and be in the running as a top-selling store. If sales prove successful, this may provide the green light for a full-line Nordstrom store to be built in Edmonton. There are many attractive locations in Edmonton especially due to the bankruptcy of Sears Canada which vacated Southgate Centre. This shopping centre is a premier fashion and lifestyle destination in South Edmonton.

The Edmonton store marks the sixth Nordstrom Rack store in Canada with other stores located in Vaughan Mills in Toronto, One Bloor West in Toronto, Deerfoot Meadows in Calgary, Ottawa Train Yards in Ottawa and Heartland Town Centre in Mississauga. While the company says that it could eventually operate as many as 15 Nordstrom Rack locations in Canada, none have been announced.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

More From Retail Insider

Consumer Loyalty Trends in Canada: The Crucial Role of Personalization in a Changing Economy [Video Interview]

A critical statistic reveals that 33% of consumers abandon brands that lack personalization, emphasizing the growing importance of tailoring experiences and offers to meet individual customer expectations in today's competitive market.

Ralph Lauren Expands in Canada with 1st Full-Price Luxury Store at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre [Photos]

The US-based brand has opened a concept store featuring a mix of luxury and Polo products, and is expected to open more in Canada after launching an e-commerce site next month. 

Bayshore Shopping Centre in Ottawa Dominating Market and Adding Tenants Amid Sales Growth [Interview]

The landlord completed 77 leasing transactions totalling over 431,000 square feet in the past year, with more retailers and a redevelopment in the works.

Elevating Canadian Retail: How JLL’s Expertise Reshapes Property Management [Interviews]

Landlords are increasingly turning to JLL for pioneering property management solutions that prioritize both enhanced customer experiences and sustainability.

Mandy’s to Open Gourmet Salad Restaurant in Toronto’s Yorkville as Chain Expands [Exclusive Interview/Renderings]

The popular Montreal-based foodservice concept is growing its presence in Toronto with multiple locations, including one behind a soon-to-open Saint Laurent flagship store.

Gen Z’s Digital Upbringing Meets a Passion for Tangible Retail and Authentic Brands [Interview]

A new report on Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, provides insight into consumer behaviours as well as a look into the upcoming Generation Alpha.

Interview with Giant Tiger’s New CEO Gino DiGioacchino on the Future of the Iconic Canadian Retailer [Interview]

DiGioacchino speaks to Retail Insider after being appointed as the new President and CEO of Giant Tiger, and discusses the future of the business and importance of maintaining strong connections with local communities.

Purdys Chocolatier Expands Footprint with Pop-Up Stores [Interview]

The strategy involves providing customers with a taste of Purdys' renowned chocolates in areas where the brand hasn't had a presence before.

Colliers Report Emphasizes the Retail Advantage of Bridging the Digital-Physical Divide [Interview]

A recent report by Colliers Real Estate Management Services reveals that retailers who effectively blend their online and physical store operations are 35% more likely to achieve profitability, with the study emphasizes the importance of omnichannel strategies, convenience, property maintenance, and retailer-driven ESG initiatives.

Preview of ICSC@CANADA Conference 2023: Retail, Technology, and Networking Opportunities in Toronto [Interview]

Craig and Kyle Tomlin, Director of Events in Canada for ICSC, discuss the highly anticipated ICSC@CANADA 2023 conference, set to take place from October 2nd to 4th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Hall in downtown Toronto.

Canadian Grocers Take a Page from Carrefour’s Playbook to Tackle ‘Shrinkflation [Op-Ed]

French supermarket chain Carrefour has labeled products impacted by reduced size, and similar measures may be adopted in Canada to enhance transparency in food pricing, says Sylvain Charlebois.

Jeweller Mejuri Debuts Personalized App and Innovative Membership Program; Plans Expansion with 5 New Stores [Co-Founder Interview]

The popular brand's personalized mobile app and membership program aim to enhance customer engagement and personalization, as Mejuri enters major markets with stores.

Fast-Casual Restaurant Concept MightyBird Opening 1st Location in Toronto in a Partnership [Interviews]

The new concept at Union Station will be the first of many in a partnership between Eat Up Canada and Open Concept Hospitality.

KIT + ACE Launches Store Expansion in Canada Under New Ownership [Interview]

The Vancouver-based retailer will open two locations this fall in Toronto and Calgary, with plans for a substantial expansion into 2024 says CEO David Lui.

Casual Steakhouse Chain MR MIKES Expanding Further in Canada [Interview]

With plans for continued expansion into Western Canada and Ontario, the restaurant chain is evolving its concept and targeting smaller markets to establish itself as a hub for local communities.

Canadian Retail Sales: A Slight Recovery Amidst Economic Challenges [J.C. Williams Group Analysis]

The analysis explores the noteworthy trends in the health and wellness sector, the resilience of certain retail categories, and the impending holiday season's strategic considerations for retailers.

Bloor Street Retail Transformation: Luxury Brands, Renovations, and New Openings in Toronto [Podcast]

Craig and Lee take a deep dive into the dynamic changes occurring on Toronto's Bloor Street West, noting the street's resurgence as a thriving hub for luxury shopping in the city.

Ricardo’s Kandy Korner to Open Flagship Candy Store at CF Toronto Eaton Centre in Toronto [Interview]

Entrepreneur Ricardo Rizaie says he’s planning to take his experiential candy retail concept across Canada after opening a third Canadian storefront in downtown Toronto.

PizzaForno Expands Into Toronto’s Public Transit System, Sets Sights on Airport Locations for Automated 3-Minute Pizzas [Interview]

This innovative move marks PizzaForno's entry into the public transit sector, and demonstrates its commitment to becoming the fastest-growing pizza chain in North America by 2024.

Calgary’s Retail Space Crunch Drives Surge in Rental Rates and Demand [Report]

A variety of complicated factors are at play as Calgary retail space sees demand given market growth, while new supply is limited due to factors such as construction costs.

RECENT RETAIL INSIDER VIDEOS

Advertisment

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe

* indicates required

RECENT articles

Consumer Loyalty Trends in Canada: The Crucial Role of Personalization in a Changing Economy [Video Interview]

A critical statistic reveals that 33% of consumers abandon brands that lack personalization, emphasizing the growing importance of tailoring experiences and offers to meet individual customer expectations in today's competitive market.

Ralph Lauren Expands in Canada with 1st Full-Price Luxury Store at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre [Photos]

The US-based brand has opened a concept store featuring a mix of luxury and Polo products, and is expected to open more in Canada after launching an e-commerce site next month. 

Bayshore Shopping Centre in Ottawa Dominating Market and Adding Tenants Amid Sales Growth [Interview]

The landlord completed 77 leasing transactions totalling over 431,000 square feet in the past year, with more retailers and a redevelopment in the works.

Elevating Canadian Retail: How JLL’s Expertise Reshapes Property Management [Interviews]

Landlords are increasingly turning to JLL for pioneering property management solutions that prioritize both enhanced customer experiences and sustainability.

Mandy’s to Open Gourmet Salad Restaurant in Toronto’s Yorkville as Chain Expands [Exclusive Interview/Renderings]

The popular Montreal-based foodservice concept is growing its presence in Toronto with multiple locations, including one behind a soon-to-open Saint Laurent flagship store.

Gen Z’s Digital Upbringing Meets a Passion for Tangible Retail and Authentic Brands [Interview]

A new report on Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, provides insight into consumer behaviours as well as a look into the upcoming Generation Alpha.

Interview with Giant Tiger’s New CEO Gino DiGioacchino on the Future of the Iconic Canadian Retailer [Interview]

DiGioacchino speaks to Retail Insider after being appointed as the new President and CEO of Giant Tiger, and discusses the future of the business and importance of maintaining strong connections with local communities.

Purdys Chocolatier Expands Footprint with Pop-Up Stores [Interview]

The strategy involves providing customers with a taste of Purdys' renowned chocolates in areas where the brand hasn't had a presence before.

Colliers Report Emphasizes the Retail Advantage of Bridging the Digital-Physical Divide [Interview]

A recent report by Colliers Real Estate Management Services reveals that retailers who effectively blend their online and physical store operations are 35% more likely to achieve profitability, with the study emphasizes the importance of omnichannel strategies, convenience, property maintenance, and retailer-driven ESG initiatives.

Preview of ICSC@CANADA Conference 2023: Retail, Technology, and Networking Opportunities in Toronto [Interview]

Craig and Kyle Tomlin, Director of Events in Canada for ICSC, discuss the highly anticipated ICSC@CANADA 2023 conference, set to take place from October 2nd to 4th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Hall in downtown Toronto.

Canadian Grocers Take a Page from Carrefour’s Playbook to Tackle ‘Shrinkflation [Op-Ed]

French supermarket chain Carrefour has labeled products impacted by reduced size, and similar measures may be adopted in Canada to enhance transparency in food pricing, says Sylvain Charlebois.

Jeweller Mejuri Debuts Personalized App and Innovative Membership Program; Plans Expansion with 5 New Stores [Co-Founder Interview]

The popular brand's personalized mobile app and membership program aim to enhance customer engagement and personalization, as Mejuri enters major markets with stores.

Fast-Casual Restaurant Concept MightyBird Opening 1st Location in Toronto in a Partnership [Interviews]

The new concept at Union Station will be the first of many in a partnership between Eat Up Canada and Open Concept Hospitality.

KIT + ACE Launches Store Expansion in Canada Under New Ownership [Interview]

The Vancouver-based retailer will open two locations this fall in Toronto and Calgary, with plans for a substantial expansion into 2024 says CEO David Lui.

Casual Steakhouse Chain MR MIKES Expanding Further in Canada [Interview]

With plans for continued expansion into Western Canada and Ontario, the restaurant chain is evolving its concept and targeting smaller markets to establish itself as a hub for local communities.

Canadian Retail Sales: A Slight Recovery Amidst Economic Challenges [J.C. Williams Group Analysis]

The analysis explores the noteworthy trends in the health and wellness sector, the resilience of certain retail categories, and the impending holiday season's strategic considerations for retailers.

Bloor Street Retail Transformation: Luxury Brands, Renovations, and New Openings in Toronto [Podcast]

Craig and Lee take a deep dive into the dynamic changes occurring on Toronto's Bloor Street West, noting the street's resurgence as a thriving hub for luxury shopping in the city.

Ricardo’s Kandy Korner to Open Flagship Candy Store at CF Toronto Eaton Centre in Toronto [Interview]

Entrepreneur Ricardo Rizaie says he’s planning to take his experiential candy retail concept across Canada after opening a third Canadian storefront in downtown Toronto.

PizzaForno Expands Into Toronto’s Public Transit System, Sets Sights on Airport Locations for Automated 3-Minute Pizzas [Interview]

This innovative move marks PizzaForno's entry into the public transit sector, and demonstrates its commitment to becoming the fastest-growing pizza chain in North America by 2024.

Calgary’s Retail Space Crunch Drives Surge in Rental Rates and Demand [Report]

A variety of complicated factors are at play as Calgary retail space sees demand given market growth, while new supply is limited due to factors such as construction costs.