Nordstrom Knows How To Gala (and Open)

A slew of other invited local bloggers and I mingled among plenty of pretty people last night at the new Tacoma Mall Nordstrom opening gala. The event was setup to benefit the Tacoma Art Museum and Museum of Glass as well as kick off the new 138,000 square foot retail space with a bang. Michael and I were immediately relieved that this was an open, wander, and enjoy kind of event rather than a sit down, be "entertained", and give us your money kind of fundraiser. Tons of people packed the new space that's full of style and service at seemingly every turn. Though the basics of the store feel much like the old Tacoma Mall Nordies (which is probably a branding consistency thing anyway) the layout of each section seemed unique and surprisingly open. My hope is that this room the maneuver won't disappear in favor of packing in the goods when they open for business this Friday.

We slowly wandered the entire store and took in some great fashion related people watching, the slightly un-exciting lounge style cover band, the impressive live fashion mannequins, tons of shopping and service in action, some tasty hors d'oeuvre and drinks, a handful of too cute hand-painted tiles by kids to benefit Mary Bridge, and even saw some peeps we know and met some we didn't. Jen, jcbetty, Steph DeR, Michael and I hooked up and walked around a bit together enjoying all the great quips that come from such a group after some libations have entered their systems.

Though not usually one for such hyper-social events I really enjoyed myself and think more local stores and shops should follow this example. Granted plenty of money went into this event but opening up your doors after hours for shows, concerts, or just to enjoy some food and mingling could be a great way to help wake up some corners of Tacoma's business districts while using the wonderful spaces we already have. Though I'm sure some others have done it the retailer in town that stands out in this regard is UrbanXchange with their live music and DJs spinning. Good on ya!

At any rate, I'm not a fan of the Mall at all for the crowds, mass concumption, and such but a place like Nordstrom is worth skirting all that nonsense and stopping into. The handful of times I've shopped and bought there I'm most impressed by their care and quality of service. They often come up at the office as a local example of how to do it right. I wish they decided to spend their money bringing big retail into downtown ;) but we're all Tacoma whether there or anywhere in the 253. I have been tacitly on the lookout for cologne (since I've never owned any) so may be back soon enough.

More "Nordstrom" via FeedTacoma

Comments (7) | To Top

10/1/2008 @ 8:15am

Kevin,
Is there any way I can forward your blog and pics on Nordstrom to my son in CA. He is considering a move to Tacoma to work for Nordy's and get the hell out of Home Depot ? My Father worked for Nordy's for 25 years so son is a legacy, thanks for the nice comments. You are looking sharp, but the cologne-forget it. On second thought, perhaps I should reconsider it. I rejected it after my divorce years ago, but nothing seems to be happening!
Michael Buchanan

by michael buchanan

10/1/2008 @ 8:54am

I'm gonna say "no" on the cologne. Don't do it!

So much fun last night, and great pics!

by steph derosa

10/1/2008 @ 8:55am

Just grab the URL at the top of your browser, copy and paste it into an email to get it to him.

Yea, I'm not looking to form a cloud of smell around me with cologne I just own none and figure it's good to have for special occasions. Not in too much of a hurry or worried about it, that's for sure.

by KevinFreitas

10/1/2008 @ 9:28am

@steph: So what then do women prefer men smell like? Nothing? Chocolate?

by KevinFreitas

10/1/2008 @ 2:19pm

I personally like the smell of "clean" or "just mowed the lawn".

Men smelling like chocolate? Don't get me started...


Now onto a math problem so I can post this comment.

by steph derosa

10/1/2008 @ 3:38pm

just mowed lawn + man = hot

Oh, you meant the comment spam prevention dealy. Yea.

I want to know more about whether your pro or con men smelling like chocolate. Dish!

by KevinFreitas

10/2/2008 @ 4:59pm

Answering that can only go one way: sexual innuendo. It hurts my brain to even attempt to come up with some other answer.
Chocolate? man smelling like chocolate?

:headexplodes:

by steph derosa