Union Square Update: Nordstrom Finally Enters Manhattan ...Outlet First

As has been rumored for quite a while, Nordstrom is finally coming to New York City, but not in the way we were expecting. The popular Seattle based retailer will take the space vacated earlier this year by The Virgin Megastore at One Union Square South, but they will be installing a Nordstrom Rack outlet rather than a full line store.
The rumor mills have had quite a few locations pegged for a Nordstrom flagship, most recently the former Drake Hotel location on Park Avenue, but none of those stories have yet panned out.
It's a little unusual that a major upscale chain like Nordstrom would choose such a high profile location for its outlet division, which are usually clustered near other like chains such as Saks' Off 5th or Neiman Marcus Last Call, typically kept far away from their full-price siblings. While Union Square is also home to Filene's Basement and DSW, it's not especially known as a designated outlet area, and one would expect a big player like Nordstrom to enter a pivotal market like Manhattan with a full line flagship before adding outlet units. The chain, however, is notoriously picky about locations for its stores, and clearly not willing to pass up a space like this one on Union Square which would be unsuitable for its top line, but obviously great for a Rack.
Their press release also indicates that, as many have predicted, Circuit City' former space at the other side of the building will be taken by Best Buy this fall with a smaller store than its Sixth Avenue and Columbus Circle branches, but one far more conveniently located.
Nordstrom Rack is slated to open this spring, and as for that flagship, we're all still waiting.
Nordstrom Rack to Open First Manhattan Store at One Union Square South (PR Newswire)

Comments

[Kim]

Wish it was a real Nordstrom and not the discount "Rack". I guess Union Square will now be discount central what with DWR, Filene's Basement and now The Rack.