By Armon Hayes × Vaughn Lowery
Co-President, Pete Nordstrom, along side of corporate partners hosted a tour for retailer’s newly largest single project investment in their history. On Oct 24th, Nordstrom will launch its first flagship in Manhattan since the 1920s. An exclusive onestop shop adjacent to the Nordstrom Men’s store located on West 57th street & Broadway. The seven-level flagship store, designed in collaboration with James Carpenter Design Associates, forms in the base of the ‘tallest residential building in the Western Hemisphere.’ With 320,000 square feet, it will embody an experience which is responsive and reflective of its customers. After all, a great design encourages people to stay longer and shop more. And, with 19-foot ceilings, it’s an open canvas for an interchangeable yet flexible floor plan.
The new floor plan allows for discovery, with range to explore and transition through brands freely that they haven’t experienced before. The infrastructure is designed to funnel natural light through transparency with floor to ceiling glass, intertwining the shopping experience to the city’s skyline. The atrium possesses a waveform glass façade which allows for interaction from customers inside and out. Chain-mail veils and lighting installations lend character to the location, reflecting the city’s cultural events as well as major holidays.
“A rapidly growing younger consumer who’s engaged has emerged,” asserts Pete Nordstrom. Instinctively creating a new culture and how we shop that’s relevant to life experiences. Today one-third of sales are e-commerce, which represents 30% of Nordstrom’s business.
For over 100 years, the retailer has stood the test of time. The climate of brick and mortar for many retailers have shrunk and/or has become nonexistent. Nordstrom understands as their customer evolves, their level of service and retail atmosphere should be elevated as well. Using technology and innovation, the new store’s communication system will allow employees to order beverages and/or garments throughout the location.
In addition, customers will have access to 24/7 buy online & pickup, in-store personal stylists and tailoring while you wait. The Vice President of Creative Projects, Olivia Kim, has fabricated initiatives like Pop-In@ Nordstrom – an exclusive space for emerging designers. Merchandising will include a curated depth of products (clothing, accessories, shoes, beauty, children’s, home etc) across price points.
Lastly, there will be 7 food and beverage options with 4 full-service restaurants, 2 bars and an innovative, gluten-free doughnut stand:
¤ Shoe Bar will feature handcrafted cocktails, speciality coffee drinks and a selection of small plates.
¤ 2 restaurants are in collaboration with Chef Tom Douglas.
¤ 1 restaurant is in collaboration with Chef Ethan Stowell.
For a mega metropolis that’s often explored while on foot, this fashion marquee’s newest residence seems to be long overdue.
