In a time when a lot of stores are closing, Nordstrom is setting a new standard! The company just opened a seven-floor flagship in New York City — apparently, it’s a whopping 320,000 square-foot endeavor. Needless to say, it’s HUGE.
The other night, the luxury retailer held a private opening party for some of the leading people in the fashion and beauty industry, so of course TheBlondeMisfit had to swing by and see exactly what all the fuss was about! Apparently the invite list reached upwards of 4,000 people to ensure the event was filled to capacity, which I couldn’t believe as I stepped into what literally felt like my version of retail heaven.
Just to reiterate to y’all how big this place is, apparently it has three shoe departments and houses seven restaurants. Upstairs, I had a chance to check out the beauty bar that offers facials, massages, hair services, and of course, spa-like options.
When I first arrived, it was definitely a madhouse outside as celebrities filled the red carpet and media check-ins took place around the corner. But once you were in, you got to see the magic that awaited us all! In attendance were people like Anna Wintour, Karlie Kloss, Katie Holmes, Olivia Wilde, Winnie Harlow, and the list goes on and on.
Although the beauty section of the store immediately grabbed my attention, I can’t deny that the clothes really steal the show! There were entire activations on floors dedicated to brands, like Nike and Burberry. One thing I have to say is that you can tell that they are also going for those big bucks — there are floors where more covetable names sit, so it’s definitely a store where the sky (or I guess your bank account) is the limit.
Some people shopped as they partied, ate, drank, and took in the scenery. I deliberately left my purse and all things that could get me in trouble at the concierge desk, content with scouring out the floors and seeing what name brands had to offer. This is definitely a store that you may have to come back to a few times to really get your feet wet, considering there are seemingly nooks and crannies everywhere you turn.
The rain outside limited the full chicness of my outfit, but I was still able to arrive somewhat in style: I rocked a chocolate brown midi dress, my white Margiela Tabi boots and my multicolor Zac Posen jacquard coat. The coat made for a great photo opp, and I even found myself looking like the mannequins much of the night (which is NEVER a bad thing).
Of course, this was a huge deal considering there were no Nordstroms in New York before, so as a journalist and influencer, it’s amazing to see how the starlets and NYC locals alike came out to celebrate. That being said, it would be remiss of me to not point out that the offerings of people of color at the event were few and far between, only proving that the work to promote true inclusivity even among those who are already “in the door” is never done. Yes, I saw some of the Black heavyweights, but it’s never a thing where that should become our norm and we don’t champion for more indie and underground talent and representation to be in these rooms where, honestly, the money is at.
Overall, the amazement and excitement of Nordstrom proves that NYC has been waiting on this for a long time. I love Nordstrom and have definitely wanted to work with them in the past, only to find that the limit of access is challenged because there was never a way for me to go into their store in New York! YES, I am STILL a girl who loves a brick-and-mortar opportunity, even though the world is slipping into e-commerce and digital.
What do you guys think? Would you head to the Nordstrom flagship in NYC?
I would definitely visit the flagship store! Though like you, I’d probably be best off leaving my purse at the concierge desk and instead just browsing for the time being :).
Thanks so much for giving us an inside peak!
Ariana