Nordstrom is planning a new store in SoHo. No, it's not another Rack location nor the long-awaited Nordstrom flagship that New Yorkers seek. It's a new "unique, philanthropic" concept store that plans to donate all its earnings to non-profit groups.
No decision has been made yet, according to Nordstrom spokesperson Pamela Lopez, on whether the merchandise sold in the 11,137 square-foot store will be created for the concept or taken from one of the department store chain's other formats.
The location at W. Broadway between Grand and Broome streets will be the only store of its kind for the chain. The store will occupy the first two floors in a nine-story structure that includes residences on the other floors. Consumers will not see a "tie in to Nordstrom," according to the retailer's spokesperson in an interview with The Real Deal.
Discussion Questions: What do you think of Nordstrom opening a store with the goal of raising funds for charity? Are there any other examples in retail of a major merchant doing something similar?