A trip to Nordstrom Rack

Nordstrom Rack opened here in Charlotte last week.  From what I heard there were lines out the door to get in the first few days that it was open.  After a trip to see the nephews, Momma and I headed out there on Monday afternoon.  Before I started working in retail, I always thought that outlet stores were basically, the crap that no one wanted.  After a few years in the retail business and going through several seasons, I can tell you that a lot of what is sent to outlets stores is not just the things no one wanted.  Retailers do send off a large hunk of their stock that did not sell, this is true, but they also send things that the buyers over ordered....Think about it, when a retailer is conducting a buy, they are thinking about a year in advance of the actual season.  They are ordering based on the forecasted trends for the season and they are ordering on what they think that you will buy.  Obviously they do a wonderful job at this, that is why we see so many amazing things in stores.  That is why it is so necessary to scoop up certain things at regular price.  That amazing Diane von Furstenburg Vintage Print wrap dress in a size 8, you better scoop that up at regular price, because it will never be there come sale time.  The perfect Brunello Cucinelli cashmere sweater that you will have in your closet forever, scoop it up.  Buyers aren't perfect, they over order a style, they order too many of one size, they order something that just doesn't work for the mass market.  This is where outlets come in to play and where you can truly find some fabulous things.  Now, I went into the Nordstrom Rack (on South Boulevard near Pineville) with my eye on product, not on shopping, and I was pleased with what I saw.

 The store is very big, it occupies the old Circuit City for those of you Charlotteans, and it was full.  I can only imagine what it was like the day that it opened.  I started off by looking in the Contemporary section.  They had quite a bit of Elizabeth and James.  I noticed a couple of prints being from last spring, but they were floral and would definitely fit in to this Spring's floral trend.  They also had several pieces by Vince and Alice and Olivia.  Those of you who love Juicy, they had a bunch of that too, but I will warn you, it was mostly the ones that had the bling across the butt (please, no!).  I also saw some Joe's Jeans....The Honey Fit!  They were priced at about $77, which is about half price, and the wash was just a standard dark.  I also saw Seven, plenty of Splendid and Ella Moss and even BCBG.  They had a few pieces of D&G which is the Contemporary line of Dolce and Gabbana and some Burberry, not Prorsum, the sportswear collection, but some cute dresses priced in the upper two's.  They had Elie Tahari, actually quite a few trench coats!!  I didn't see any Diane von Furstenburg, but they did have a few pieces of Milly and Kate Spade.  The handbag department was a complete bust, except for a couple of Marc bags.  They had a couple Kate Spade bags, but I think they were from three years ago.

When I headed over to shoes, I was definitely excited.  They had a designer shoe section which was pretty much limited to Cole Hann, Burberry and Elizabeth and James.  I was a little underwhelmed.  When I started to look at my size, there were several pairs of cute wedges that I loved that were all under $50, now some of them had tassels and other odds and ends on them, but these could be easily removed.  They also had Havaianas!  Those of you who know me, know that there is nothing more that I love than being in my barefeet, but Havainas are a close second.

They also had a great intimate apparel section that included some Hanky Panky's, Walcol bras, and some comfy pajamas.  If you know your bra size, get fitted by a professional if you don't, it is a great spot to pop in and pick up a great bra.

The children's section is huge.  For all of you that have children, or nephews like me, you can really score there.  They had Polo shirts for $15!!  I think Momma freaked when she saw these for Hunter.  They had some tackiness as well, but most of it was pretty cute.  They also have children's shoes.  I saw Chuck Taylor's and little sparkly girls shoes (I have nephews and no use for sparkles) but they looked adorable.

They do have a big Men's section as well, with just about everything, okay, let's be honest, I spent zero time over there, but it looked big.  I did see denim, and dress shirts and ties.

So, yes, I think that a trip to Nordstrom Rack should be in order.  I don't know how often they receive new items, but I promise that I will find out for you.  I wanted to chat with a Sales Associate, but I never saw one, other than those at the register.  Going out there is a DIY project but just remember, are you really going to wear it?  Don't just buy it because you think it is a good deal.  How many of those do you have hanging in your closet?  If I come to your closet, I will find it, and it will go to the Goodwill!

Have any questions?  Email me, johann.wheatley@me.com